Disassembly

1. Remove strut assembly requiring service from the vehicle.
2. Position the strut assembly in a vise. Using paint or equivalent, mark the strut unit, lower spring isolator, spring and upper strut mount for indexing of the parts at assembly.

CAUTION: When installing spring compressor on coil spring, do not position the spring compressor on the sleeves of the coil spring. Positioning the spring compressor on the sleeves could cause the sleeve to dislodge from the coil spring when it is compressed. This would result in the required replacement of the coil spring.

WARNING: Do not install the spring compressor on the coil spring in an area of the spring covered by a sleeve. If the sleeve moves when compressing the spring, the spring could come out of compressor resulting in personal injury.

3. Attach OTC shoe 7526, or the equivalent, on upper end of OTC Spring Compressor 7520, or the equivalent compressor. Attach 1998 LH lower adapter tool on lower end of Spring Compressor. Position Spring Compressor on the strut assembly spring. The upper shoe will attach to the top rung of coil spring, while the lower adapter will attach to the lower end of the strut. Compress coil spring until all load is removed from the strut upper mount, where the spring contacts it.
4. Install Strut Shaft Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on strut shaft nut. Using a 10mm socket on end of strut shaft to keep strut shaft from turning, remove strut shaft nut.
5. Remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing and seat, dust shield, and coil spring, from the strut as a unit.
6. Remove the jounce bumper, and jounce bumper cup, from the strut.
7. Carefully release the spring compressor tension on the coil spring.
8. Remove the coil spring from the strut.





9. Remove the coil spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the strut.
10. Remove the upper spring isolator from the seat and bearing assembly.
11. Inspect all disassembled components for signs of abnormal wear or failure replacing any components as required. Inspect strut unit for signs of abnormal oil leakage and for loss of gas charge. To check for loss of gas charge in strut unit. Push strut shaft into body of strut and release, strut shaft should return to its fully extended position. If strut shaft does not return to its fully extended position replace strut unit.