Strut Disassembly/Assembly

Fig. 2 Strut disassembly:

1. Secure strut assembly in compressor tool No. J34013 with adapter J34013-87 or equivalents, Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 Exploded view of front suspension:

2. Turn compressor forcing screw to compress spring slightly, then remove upper bearing dust cover.
3. Remove dampener shaft nut while using a suitable socket to prevent shaft from turning.
4. Guide dampener shaft out of strut assembly while loosening compressor screw.
5. Continue to loosen compressor screw, then remove strut dampener and spring.
6. Remove thrust washer, upper strut mount, raised edge washer and plastic mount from top of strut, Fig. 1.
7. Remove strut shield, upper spring insulator, spring and strut bumper.
8. Remove strut cartridge nut and the cartridge using tool No. J36804 or equivalent. Exercise extreme caution as strut cartridge nut is under high torque pressure.

Fig. 3 Spring mount alignment:

9. Reverse procedure to assemble, noting the following:
a. Install new strut cartridge nut and torque to 145 ft.lbs Do not remove wax lubricant from nut.
b. Apply suitable lubricant to upper strut bearings prior to assembly.
c. Position spring as shown, Fig. 3, and move assembly upright in strut compressor before installing upper locking pin.
d. Torque dampener shaft nut to 40 ft.lbs while preventing nut from turning.