This procedure replaces the front strut mount assembly, which isolates the strut from the body and provides the upper bearing for suspension articulation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper and dust boot kit × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Lift front of vehicle using designated lift points per owner's manual.
5. Support vehicle on jack stands rated for at least 2 tons each, positioned at manufacturer-specified points.
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced.
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and strut tower nuts. Allow to soak 10-15 minutes.
8. Verify that the vehicle is stable on jack stands before working underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the ball stud shaft to prevent rotation. Using a wrench, remove the upper sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the strut bracket. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the steering knuckle
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm or steering knuckle to support the weight of the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take slight load off the strut (you should see minimal compression). This prevents the assembly from dropping when the strut-to-knuckle bolts are removed.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout strut removal to prevent damage to brake lines and CV axle.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle (these are through-bolts). Using a breaker bar and socket, remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. You may need to use a strut spreader tool or pry bar to spread the knuckle bracket slightly to allow the strut to be withdrawn later. Do not force the strut out yet.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood. Locate the strut tower assembly on the inner fender area. Remove any plastic covers or trim panels covering the three upper strut mount nuts. You should see three nuts surrounding the strut shaft protruding through the strut tower.
   ℹ️On the driver's side, you may need to move the washer fluid reservoir or other components aside for access.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut
   While supporting the strut from below with the jack, remove all three strut tower mounting nuts using a socket and ratchet. Once nuts are removed, carefully lower the jack while guiding the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. You may need to angle the strut and compress the suspension slightly to clear the fender. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 25-30 lbs). Have a second person assist or ensure secure control during removal.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a vise or secure holding fixture with soft jaws (clamp on the strut body, not the shaft). Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Tighten the compressors evenly, alternating between sides, making 2-3 turns on each side at a time. Continue compressing until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount plate).
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be properly engaged on the coils and tightened evenly. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip from the compressor with lethal force.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a wrench on the flat portion at the top of the shaft. Remove the strut shaft nut (typically 18-21mm). Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Inspect the bearing for roughness or damage.
   ⚠Keep spring compressors installed and tight until reassembly is complete.
8. 8

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order onto the strut shaft: bump stop, upper spring seat (ensuring proper orientation with spring end), bearing assembly, and new strut mount. Ensure all alignment marks or pins are properly positioned. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and hand-tighten.
   ℹ️The upper spring seat has alignment features that must match the lower seat. The spring end must sit in the pocket of the seat.
9. 9

   Torque strut shaft nut and release spring tension
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating and torque the shaft nut to the manufacturer specification (typically 50-75 Nm, verify with OEM service information as this is not in the provided torque list). Once secure, carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressors, alternating sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both upper and lower seats as tension is released. Remove the spring compressor tools completely.
   ⚠Watch the spring carefully as tension is released to ensure it seats properly in the upper and lower spring seats.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the strut shaft through the strut tower. Hand-thread the three upper strut tower nuts onto the studs. Do not fully tighten yet. Position the lower portion of the strut into the steering knuckle bracket, aligning the bolt holes. You may need to use a pry bar or strut spreader to open the knuckle bracket slightly.
    ⚠Ensure brake hoses and ABS wiring are clear of the strut and properly positioned before installing bolts.
11. 11

    Install and torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and hand-thread the nuts. Using a torque wrench, torque both bolts to specification in an even pattern (tighten each partially, then go back and torque to final spec).
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    Working in the engine bay, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link ball stud with the mounting point on the strut. Install the nut and hand-thread. Insert the Allen key into the ball stud shaft to prevent rotation, then torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, hand-threading all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (vehicle weight still on jack stands). Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Completely lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any plastic covers or trim panels removed from the strut tower area in the engine bay.
2. If both sides were serviced, repeat all steps for the opposite side.
3. Remove wheel chocks from rear wheels.

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce the front suspension several times to ensure the strut mount is properly seated and there are no unusual noises.
• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any binding, popping, or grinding from the strut mount bearing.
• Perform a test drive at low speed (under 25 mph in a safe area). Listen for clunking, rattling, or suspension noise over bumps.
• Verify proper steering return-to-center and no pulling to either side.
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately. The strut-to-knuckle connection affects camber angle, and misalignment will cause rapid tire wear.
• Re-torque all wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving.

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