Disassembly/Assembly

Fig. 2 Strut Disassembly:

Fig. 1 Exploded View Of Front Suspension:

Fig. 3 Spring Mount Alignment:

1. Secure strut assembly in compressor tool No. J-34013 with adapter J-34013-87 or equivalents, Fig. 2.
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, strut bumper and on 1990-92 models, remove front brake shield.
8. On all models, remove strut cartridge nut and the cartridge using tool No. J-36804 or equivalent. Exercise extreme caution as strut cartridge nut is under high torque pressure.
9. Reverse procedure to assemble, noting the following:
a. Install new strut cartridge nut and tighten to torque listed under SPECIFICATIONS/MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS/TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS. 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. Tighten dampener shaft nut to torque listed under SPECIFICATIONS/MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS/TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS, while preventing nut from turning.