Strut and Spring Assembly

Disassembly and Assembly

 WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

 WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

 WARNING: Coil springs and strut assemblies are compressed under extreme load. Always use a spring compressor for disassembly. Follow procedure instructions carefully and make sure the spring compressor has the correct spring plates or adapters. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part number or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the strut and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to Strut and Spring Assembly .

2. NOTE: If installing a new spring, make sure the part number is correct. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label for the correct spring code. Refer to Section 100-01 to convert the spring code to a part number.

   Using a suitable spring compressor, compress the spring until the tension is released from the strut.

3. While holding the strut rod, remove and discard the strut rod nut and washer and remove the strut.
   • For GT500: To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
   • For all other vehicles: To install, tighten the new nut to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).

4. If necessary, remove the dust boot and jounce bumper.

5. Remove the upper mount assembly.

6. Carefully release the tension on the spring compressor and remove the spring.

7. When installing the spring onto the strut, make sure the spring end is positioned against the seat stop and is resting in the spring seat pocket.

8. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
   • Align the notch on the upper bearing assembly with the clevis at the bottom of the strut.