Front strut assembly

Components and Component Location

Components

Repair Procedures

Removal

1. 1
   Loosen the wheel nuts slightly. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
2. 2
   Remove the front wheel and tire (A) from the front hub.

   Tightening torque: 107.9–128 N·m

   Be careful not to damage the hub bolts when removing the front wheel and tire (A).

   

3. 3
   Disconnect the stabilizer link from the front strut assembly after loosening the nut (A).

   Tightening torque: 98.1 - 118 N·m

   When loosening the nut (A), hold the external hexagon of the stabilizer bar link. Be careful not to damage the stabilizer bar dust boots.

   

4. 4
   Loosen the mounting bolt (A) and remove the brake hose bracket from the strut assembly.

   Tightening torque: 8.8–13.7 N·m

   

5. 5
   Loosen the strut upper mounting nuts (A).

   Tightening torque: 53.9 - 74 N·m

   

6. 6
   Remove the front strut assembly (A) from the front axle (B) by loosening the bolts and nuts.

   Tightening torque: 196.1–216 N·m

   

Disassembly

When compressing the coil spring, be careful of corrosion caused by damage to the spring coating. To avoid such damage, compress the spring with a cover over it, such as a drain hose (see illustration below).

1. 1
   Remove the insulator cover (A).

   

2. 2
   Using a spring compressor, compress the coil spring (A).

   

3. 3
   Using SST (0K546-F6100), loosen the self-locking nut.

   

4. 4
   Remove the insulator, spring seat, coil spring and dust cover from the strut assembly.

Inspection

1. 1
   Inspect the strut insulator for wear or damage.
2. 2
   Inspect the rubber components for damage or wear.
3. 3
   Compress and extend the piston rod (A) and check for abnormal resistance or unusual noise during operation.

   

4. 4
   Fully extend the piston rod.
5. 5
   Drill a hole in section A to release the gas from the cylinder.

   

   The escaping gas is harmless, but be careful of chips that may fly out during drilling. Always wear safety glasses or a face shield when performing this task.

Installation

1. 1
   Install the insulator, spring seat, coil spring and dust cover on the strut assembly.
2. 2
   Compress and extend the piston rod (A) and check for abnormal resistance or unusual noise during operation.

   

3. 3
   Using the special service tool (0K546-F6100), install the self-locking nut.

   Do not reuse the self-locking nut.

   Tightening torque: 107.9–118 N·m

   

Installation

1. 1
   Install in the reverse order of removal.
2. 2
   Check the alignment. (Refer to Suspension System - "Alignment")