Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on a 2005 Dodge Viper, which allows the strut to rotate during steering and absorbs road shock at the strut tower.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) × 1 — Mopar 4864544AB or equivalent
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 1 — Verify parts availability - bearing may only be sold as complete mount

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. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at front frame rails.
6. Remove front wheel completely.
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts (under hood) and strut-to-knuckle bolts if corrosion is present. Allow to penetrate 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the strut tower on the side being serviced. The strut tower is visible inside the engine bay at the front corner. You will see the nuts securing the top of the strut assembly to the chassis tower (verify exact count against the Viper factory service manual, commonly three). Clean any debris from around the nuts.
   ℹ️Do NOT remove these nuts yet - removal occurs after strut is unloaded from suspension in later steps.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. The link attaches with a nut at the strut connection point. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the nut connecting the link to the strut. Disconnect the link and allow it to hang from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark strut-to-knuckle orientation
   Before removing the strut-to-knuckle bolts, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the exact position of the strut relative to the steering knuckle. Mark across the joint so you can align the marks during reinstallation. Mark the mounting orientation to aid reinstallation, but note that on the Viper's double-wishbone suspension, camber and caster are set by control arm adjustments, not strut orientation. Professional alignment is still required.
   ℹ️These alignment marks will help position the new assembly close to original specifications, but professional alignment is still required.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle (spindle). These are horizontal bolts passing through the bottom of the strut bracket and the knuckle. Support the strut assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both bolts completely. The strut/coilover will now be free at its lower mounting point but still attached at the tower. Verify actual mounting geometry against the Viper factory service manual, as the Viper uses a double-wishbone (SLA) coilover design rather than a MacPherson strut.
   ⚠Strut is heavy and will pivot once bolts are removed. Maintain control to prevent damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the engine bay. While supporting the strut from below (or having an assistant support it), remove the nuts from the strut tower studs (verify exact count against the Viper factory service manual). Once the nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. Maneuver it clear of brake lines and other components (note: the 2005 Viper does not have ABS, so no wheel speed sensor wiring is present at the strut). Note: Do not allow strut to drop - damage to brake lines or other suspension components can occur.
   ⚠Do not allow strut to drop - damage to brake lines, wheel speed sensors, or CV axle can occur.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly on a stable workbench or in a strut vise. Install a coil spring compressor on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coil valleys and not slipping on the coil surface. Tighten the compressor evenly and gradually, alternating between both sides to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️Spring must be compressed evenly. Uneven compression can cause spring or compressor to slip violently. Compress gradually and check alignment frequently.
   ⚠️Compress spring only enough to unload the upper mount - excessive compression is dangerous and unnecessary.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Once spring is compressed enough that the upper mount is unloaded (no spring tension pushing on mount), locate the center strut shaft nut on top of the upper mount. Use a wrench to hold the strut shaft from rotating (the shaft has flats for this purpose), and remove the center nut with a socket. Remove the nut, washer, and upper mount assembly from the strut shaft.
   ⚠Verify spring is fully unloaded before removing nut. If spring tension remains, the mount will release violently.
8. 8

   Remove and inspect components
   With the upper mount removed, separate the components: upper mount plate, strut bearing, bearing seat, and any insulators or washers. Inspect each component. The bearing should rotate smoothly without roughness, binding, or excessive play. Check the mount rubber for cracking or deterioration. Note the order and orientation of all components for correct reassembly.
   ℹ️Take photos during disassembly to document component order and orientation if uncertain.
9. 9

   Install new strut bearing and reassemble mount
   Install the new strut bearing into the upper mount assembly in the same orientation as removed. Install all insulators, bearing seats, and washers in the correct order onto the strut shaft. Place the upper mount assembly (with new bearing installed) onto the strut shaft, ensuring proper alignment of any locating features.
   ⚠Verify bearing orientation matches original - incorrect installation can cause binding or noise.
10. 10

    Install strut shaft nut
    Install the washer and center nut onto the strut shaft. Hold the strut shaft with a wrench on the flats to prevent rotation. Tighten the center nut to the specification for this fastener. Note that the Viper service manual specifies the strut shaft nut torque - do not guess the torque; obtain the factory strut shaft center nut specification from the Viper service manual before final tightening, as this is a safety-critical suspension fastener.
11. 11

    Remove spring compressor
    Carefully and evenly release tension on the spring compressor, alternating between both sides. Allow the spring to expand gradually and seat properly in the upper and lower spring seats. Once spring is fully seated and bearing even load, remove the spring compressor tools completely. Verify spring is seated correctly in both upper and lower perches.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Rapid release can cause spring to shift out of seat.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into the wheel well and guide the upper mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower. Thread the three strut tower nuts onto the studs by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Pivot the bottom of the strut into position at the steering knuckle.
    ⚠Route strut carefully to avoid snagging brake lines or ABS wiring.
13. 13

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the strut bracket with the steering knuckle, using your alignment marks as a guide to position the strut in the same orientation as before removal. Insert the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Tighten bolts to specification.
    ℹ️Alignment marks provide close approximation only - professional alignment is still required.
14. 14

    Tighten strut tower nuts
    Return to engine bay and tighten the three strut tower nuts to specification. Use a torque wrench for accurate tightening.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut. Install the nut, holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand, then tighten in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground, then perform final torque of lug nuts to specification in a star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications are critical for suspension safety - verify each fastener is torqued correctly.
2. Spring compressor removal must be gradual and even to ensure proper spring seating.
3. Alignment marks minimize but do not eliminate alignment deviation - professional alignment is mandatory.

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any binding, clicking, or grinding from strut bearing - bearing should allow smooth rotation.
• With vehicle on ground, bounce front end and listen for any clunking or rattling from strut mount area.
• Verify all fasteners at strut tower and strut-to-knuckle connection are tight and torqued to specification.
• Test drive at low speed in safe area. Steering should be smooth without binding. No clunking over bumps.
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - suspension work has altered alignment settings.

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