CAUTION: All front suspension fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major service expense. Any part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an exact equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during assembly to ensure proper retention of this part.

Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any front suspension part. Replace with a new part.

Strut and Upper Mount Assembly

Removal

NOTE: The bolts used in this installation are made to metric specification and require use of metric tools.

1. Place the ignition switch in the UNLOCKED position to permit free movement of the front wheels.

2. Raise vehicle by the lower control arms until the wheels are just off the ground. Refer to Section 00-02. From the engine compartment, remove and discard the three 12mm upper mount retaining nuts. Vehicle should not be driven with these nuts removed. Do not remove the pop-rivet holding the camber plate in position.

3. Continue to raise front of vehicle by lower control arms, and position safety stands under frame jacking pads, rearward of the wheels.

4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

5. Remove brake caliper and rotate out of position. Refer to Section 06-03.

6. Remove the two lower nuts that attach the strut to the spindle, leaving the bolts in place. Carefully remove both spindle-to-strut bolts, push bracket free of spindle, then remove strut.

7. Compress the strut to clear the upper mount of the body mounting pad.

8. Remove upper mount and jounce bumper from strut if necessary.

Installation

1. Install upper mount and jounce bumper on strut if removed.

2. Position the three upper mount studs into the body mounting pad and camber plate, and start three new nuts.

3. Compress the strut and position onto the spindle.

4. Install two new lower retaining bolts, and hand-start nuts. Remove suspension load from lower control arms by lowering the hoist. Tighten lower retaining nuts to 190-271 Nm (141-199 lb-ft).

5. Raise suspension control arms, and tighten the three new upper mount retaining nuts inside the engine compartment, to 60-81 Nm (45-59 lb-ft).

6. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Section 06-03.

7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten wheel lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-105 lb-ft).

8. Remove the safety stand, and lower vehicle to the ground.

9. Front wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted if out of specification. Refer to Section 04-00.