Strut Mount - Rear

Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including removal of the rear strut from the vehicle to access the upper mount.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Place floor jack under lower control arm to support suspension weight before disconnecting any components

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk strut tower area
   Locate the rear coil-over upper mounting point on the side being serviced. On the Viper double-wishbone rear suspension the coil-over upper mount attaches to the chassis; identify the correct access location per factory service documentation rather than assuming a trunk-accessible strut tower.
2. 2

   Mark alignment reference
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the position of the strut mounting position relative to the strut tower and the position of the strut-to-knuckle orientation. This aids in maintaining approximate alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the lower control arm or strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while removing the nut to prevent rotation. Note which end is disconnected for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the lower coil-over mounting bolt securing the shock assembly to the lower control arm (verify exact mounting point per factory documentation). Support the assembly with wire. Remove the lower mounting bolt. The knuckle/spindle will remain supported by the wishbones.
   ⚠Ensure floor jack is supporting the lower control arm to prevent sudden suspension drop when strut is disconnected.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower mounting nuts
   Remove the upper coil-over mounting fastener(s) securing the shock assembly to the chassis. Verify the exact fastener type and count against factory service documentation for the Viper rear suspension. Support the assembly from below to prevent it from falling once the last fastener is removed. Note: Coil-Over Upper Mount Fastener
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy. Have an assistant support the strut from below or use wire to secure it before removing the final nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower and maneuver the complete strut assembly out from the wheel well. The assembly includes the coil spring, strut, and upper mount as a unit. Place the assembly on a stable work surface.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install a coil spring compressor tool on the coil spring, positioning the compressor hooks opposite each other for balanced compression. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils and cannot slip. Gradually compress the spring in an alternating pattern, tightening each side incrementally to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️Spring compressor must be properly installed per tool manufacturer instructions. Uneven compression or improper hook engagement can cause violent spring release.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Once the spring is sufficiently compressed to relieve tension on the upper mount, hold the strut shaft from rotating (using appropriate shaft holding tool or holding flats if present) and remove the strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the washer beneath the nut.
   ⚠Verify spring is fully compressed and there is no tension on the upper mount before removing the shaft nut.
9. 9

   Remove old strut mount
   Lift off the old upper strut mount assembly, noting the orientation and any spacers, bushings, or washers. Remove the spring seat and dust boot if they require replacement or are part of the mount assembly. Inspect all components for wear or damage.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount
    Install the new strut mount assembly onto the strut shaft in the same orientation as the original. Ensure any spacers, bushings, or alignment features are correctly positioned. Install the spring seat and dust boot if removed. Verify correct seating of all components.
11. 11

    Install strut shaft nut
    Install the washer and strut shaft nut. Hold the strut shaft from rotating and torque the shaft nut to the factory specification for the 2005 Viper coil-over shock (verify against factory service documentation or the specification supplied with the replacement mount before applying torque).
    ⚠Do not fully release spring compressor until shaft nut is fully torqued.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Gradually and evenly release tension on the spring compressor in an alternating pattern. Verify the spring seats properly in both the upper mount and lower spring seat. Once all tension is released and spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressor tool.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the upper strut tower mounting nuts finger-tight from inside the trunk. Ensure the mount is properly seated against the strut tower.
14. 14

    Torque upper strut tower nuts
    From inside the trunk, torque all strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the mount.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut to the rear knuckle using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification. Verify proper alignment and seating.
16. 16

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the appropriate mounting point. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification with vehicle weight on ground.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Spring compressor must be released gradually and evenly to prevent component damage or injury
3. Verify all alignment marks are matched during reassembly to maintain approximate alignment
4. If both rear strut mounts are being replaced, repeat procedure on opposite side

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each rear corner to verify no unusual noises from strut mount area
• Verify no looseness or play in upper strut mount by attempting to rock vehicle side-to-side
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify normal handling response and no abnormal noises
• Have four-wheel alignment performed immediately after this service to ensure proper suspension geometry
• Re-torque all suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle