Strut Assembly - Front

Complete removal and installation of the front strut assemblies on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the steering knuckle and strut tower mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Front strut assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Strut mount nuts (strut tower) × 6 — Typically reusable unless damaged
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts × 4 — Replace if TTY (torque-to-yield) type

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen (but do not remove) front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points.
4. Remove front wheels completely.
5. Apply penetrating oil to strut-to-knuckle bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners appear corroded.
6. Open hood and locate strut tower mounting points on both sides of the engine bay.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end link (if necessary)
   If the sway bar end link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut assembly. Remove the nut securing the end link to the strut bracket. Support the end link and allow it to hang freely or secure with wire to prevent damage to the brake line or ABS sensor wiring.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar End Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor and brake line brackets
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire running along the strut body. Disconnect any clips or brackets securing the sensor wire and brake line to the strut. Carefully route the wiring away from the work area to prevent damage during strut removal. Do not disconnect the sensor from the hub or harness unless necessary.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are typically large-diameter bolts passing through the knuckle and strut fork. Using a breaker bar or impact wrench, remove both bolts completely. Note that these bolts may be torque-to-yield type and should be replaced during reassembly. Support the knuckle and brake assembly to prevent strain on the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts150 Nm (111 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate strut from knuckle
   With bolts removed, carefully separate the strut from the steering knuckle. The knuckle may be tight in the strut fork due to corrosion or press-fit tolerances. If necessary, use a pry bar or soft mallet to gently separate the components. Do not damage the knuckle surfaces or ABS sensor mounting area. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping or placing stress on the CV joint and brake components.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts (engine bay)
   From the engine bay, locate the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. These nuts are accessible from above and secure the strut mount to the body. Using a socket and wrench, remove all three nuts while supporting the strut from below to prevent it from dropping. Do not remove the center nut on the strut shaft at this time unless you are disassembling the strut assembly with a spring compressor installed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With all mounting fasteners removed, carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out of the wheel well. The strut may need to be angled or rotated to clear the control arm, brake components, and body structure. Inspect the removed strut for leaking fluid, damaged mounting hardware, and worn components. Verify that the replacement strut matches the removed unit in configuration and mounting points.
7. 7

   Prepare new strut assembly
   Unpack the new strut assembly and verify it matches the original in configuration, mounting hole locations, and overall length. If the new strut is a complete pre-assembled unit, verify that the spring is properly seated and the mount is secure. Clean the strut tower mounting surface and knuckle bore with a wire brush to remove corrosion or debris. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the knuckle bore (not the bolt threads if bolts are TTY).
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly into strut tower
   Lift the new strut assembly into position, carefully aligning the three upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Insert the studs through the tower and hand-thread the three nuts from the engine bay side. Do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the strut mount is properly oriented and seated flat against the strut tower.
9. 9

   Connect strut to steering knuckle
   Align the lower strut fork with the steering knuckle. Maneuver the knuckle into the strut fork, ensuring proper alignment of the bolt holes. Insert the two strut-to-knuckle bolts (use new bolts if TTY type) and hand-thread the nuts. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated in the strut fork before proceeding. Do not fully tighten bolts at this stage.
10. 10

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the strut mount. Verify the mount is seated flat against the tower and there are no gaps or misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). If these bolts are torque-to-yield type, follow the manufacturer's tightening sequence (typically torque to specification, then an additional angular rotation). Ensure bolts are tightened evenly and the knuckle is properly seated in the strut fork.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts150 Nm (111 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect ABS sensor and brake line brackets
    Reattach all ABS sensor wire clips and brake line brackets to the strut body. Ensure wiring is routed properly with no sharp bends, kinks, or contact with rotating components. Verify the sensor wire has adequate slack for suspension travel and steering motion.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar end link (if disconnected)
    If the sway bar end link was disconnected in step 1, reconnect it to the strut bracket. Install the nut and torque to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Verify the end link ball joint moves freely and is not binding.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar End Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in steps 7-14 above, mirroring the removal process.
2. Always replace torque-to-yield (TTY) fasteners if specified by the manufacturer.
3. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side strut assembly.
4. Do not tighten suspension fasteners to final torque until the vehicle is at ride height (wheels on ground, suspension loaded).

Verification

• With vehicle on the ground, bounce each front corner several times and verify the strut dampens motion without excessive bouncing or noise.
• Verify no fluid leaks are present at the strut body.
• Check that all ABS sensor wiring and brake line brackets are secure and properly routed.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, verifying normal handling, no pulling to one side, and no abnormal noises from the suspension.
• Have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified technician. Strut replacement will alter camber and potentially other alignment angles.

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