Replace the front coil spring by removing the strut assembly from the vehicle, compressing and removing the old spring using a spring compressor, and installing the new spring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (ball joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Photograph or mark strut top mount orientation for proper reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and remove the upper sway bar link nut. Disconnect the link from the strut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot.
   ⚠The ball joint separator will apply significant force. Ensure the vehicle is stable on jack stands and position yourself safely.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the brake assembly and knuckle with wire or a jack to prevent strain on the brake hose. Remove the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. Carefully separate the strut from the knuckle.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly to prevent damage to brake lines and ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut top mount nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove the three nuts securing the strut top mount to the strut tower. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help support it or use a jack as you remove the top mount nuts.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Secure the strut assembly in a vise or holding fixture if available. Install the coil spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks engage the spring coils evenly and securely. Install compressor components on opposite sides of the spring for balanced compression.
   ⚠️Verify the spring compressor is rated for the load and is properly installed. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip out violently. Inspect compressor threads and hooks for damage before use.
6. 6

   Compress the coil spring
   Gradually compress the spring by alternating between compressor mechanisms to maintain even compression. Compress until the spring tension is released from the upper strut mount. The mount should move freely when tension is fully released.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Keep your body and face away from the spring compression path. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and top mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or socket to prevent rotation. Remove the strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the top mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and any spacers or insulators. Note the order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Take photos or make notes of component orientation, especially the upper mount alignment marks.
8. 8

   Remove old coil spring
   Carefully remove the compressed coil spring from the strut shaft. Keep the spring compressor installed and maintain compression. Inspect the spring isolator/bumper on the strut shaft and replace if damaged.
9. 9

   Install new coil spring
   Verify the new spring matches the old spring specifications. Install the spring compressor on the new spring and compress it to approximately the same length as the old spring was compressed. Position the new spring onto the strut shaft, ensuring the lower spring end seats properly in the lower spring seat pocket. Verify spring orientation matches the original installation.
   ⚠️Ensure the new spring is properly seated in the lower spring seat before proceeding. Improper seating can cause spring ejection.
10. 10

    Reinstall top mount assembly
    Install any spacers, upper spring seat, bearing plate, and top mount in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. Align any orientation marks. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand. Hold the strut shaft and torque the nut to specification per manufacturer guidelines (typically 52-70 Nm, but verify with a service manual as this value was not provided in the database).
    ⚠Proper alignment of the upper mount is critical for correct steering geometry and tire wear.
11. 11

    Release spring compression
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor by alternating between mechanisms. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats as compression is released. Once fully released and spring is properly seated, remove the spring compressor.
    ⚠️Release compression slowly and evenly. Monitor spring seating continuously. If the spring appears misaligned, stop and re-compress to correct positioning.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Align the top mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts and torque to specification. Guide the lower strut into position at the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut with the steering knuckle and install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts. Torque the bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect ball joint and sway bar link
    Reconnect the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install a new castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both springs are being replaced
2. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
3. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and secured
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or engine compartment

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify spring is seated properly and strut operates smoothly without noise
• Visually inspect that the vehicle sits level side-to-side at normal ride height
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately after spring replacement to restore proper steering geometry and prevent tire wear
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle