Strut Mount - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front strut mount (upper strut bearing assembly) on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disassembly of the strut assembly and reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (upper bearing plate) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent (Mopar 68003702AA)
• Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 3 — M12 flange nuts
• Thread-locking compound (medium-strength) × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
3. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points (front crossmember or frame rails). Support with jack stands rated for at least 3 tons each.
4. Remove front wheel completely.
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts (under hood) and strut-to-knuckle bolts if corrosion is present. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate.
6. Open hood and locate the strut tower in the front wheel well area. The strut mount is secured by three nuts accessible from the engine compartment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut (if clearance required)
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, remove the sway bar link nut connecting the link to the suspension (verify attachment point — links may connect to the control arm rather than the strut on this platform). Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while loosening the nut. Disconnect the link and support it with wire to prevent strain on the opposite side.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These bolts secure the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle (verify whether the strut uses a bolt-through flange or a pinch-style fork on this vehicle). Support the knuckle assembly with a jack or stand to prevent it from dropping. Remove both bolts completely and retain for reinstallation. If the strut is tight in the knuckle, gently tap it free; do not apply excessive force that could damage the knuckle or strut.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support strut assembly from below
   Place a floor jack or jack stand under the lower control arm or strut body to support the weight of the strut assembly as you remove the upper mounting nuts. The strut will drop when the upper nuts are removed, so adequate support is critical.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From the engine compartment, locate the nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower (verify the exact number of upper mount studs for this vehicle before ordering nuts). These nuts are accessible above the strut tower and may have a protective cover or cap. Remove all three nuts completely while supporting the strut from below. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the tower and through the lower control arm area. Guide the assembly out of the wheel well.
   Torque spec

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

   Mount strut in vise and install spring compressors
   Secure the strut body in a bench vise using soft jaws or protective material to avoid damaging the strut body finish. Install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart) according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks engage fully with the spring coils and are seated properly. Tighten the compressors gradually in an alternating pattern, compressing the spring evenly until all tension is relieved from the upper strut mount. You should be able to wiggle the mount freely when adequate compression is achieved.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Check compressor engagement frequently. An improperly installed compressor can slip off under load, releasing the spring violently.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble upper mount
   With the spring fully compressed and tension removed from the mount, hold the strut shaft with a wrench or strut rod socket to prevent rotation. Remove the large nut at the top of the strut shaft. Carefully lift off the upper strut mount assembly, bearing, and any spacers or washers. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Remove the compressed spring assembly and set aside safely.
7. 7

   Inspect components and prepare new strut mount
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or bending. Check the spring for cracks or deformation. Examine the strut body for leaks. If any components are damaged, replacement is required. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Compare the new strut mount to the old one to verify correct replacement. Ensure the new mount includes the bearing if applicable.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut with new mount
   With the spring still compressed, slide the spring onto the strut body in the correct orientation (ensuring spring ends seat in the proper locating pockets on both the lower spring seat and upper mount). Install any spacers or washers in the correct order as noted during disassembly. Place the new strut mount on top with the bearing (if equipped) properly oriented. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten it hand-tight. Hold the strut shaft and torque the nut to the specification required for the strut shaft nut. Verify the mount rotates freely if it includes a bearing.
9. 9

   Release spring compressors
   Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressors in an alternating pattern, allowing the spring to expand and seat fully against both the lower spring seat and upper mount. Ensure the spring ends are properly located in their seats. Once all tension is transferred to the mount and the compressors are loose, remove the compressors completely.
   ⚠Release spring pressure gradually. Verify spring seating before fully releasing compressors.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight from the engine compartment. Align the lower strut shaft with the steering knuckle fork and insert the strut into the knuckle. Install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten them to proper torque specification.
    Torque spec

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

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

    Reconnect sway bar link (if disconnected)
    If the sway bar link was disconnected in Step 1, reconnect it to the strut. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque check and post-installation inspection
    With the vehicle on the ground and suspension loaded, verify all fasteners are torqued to specification. Check that the strut mount is seated properly in the tower with no gaps. Bounce the front suspension several times to settle components. Re-check all torque values. Visually inspect for any interference or abnormal positioning.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps as the strut mount replacement requires full disassembly and reassembly of the strut assembly.
2. Ensure all components are reassembled in the exact order and orientation as removed.
3. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread-locking compound to the strut tower nuts if specified by the manufacturer.
4. Do not reuse self-locking nuts if they show signs of wear or do not provide adequate resistance when threading.

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any binding, clicking, or unusual noises from the strut mount area.
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area. Listen for clunking, rattling, or squeaking from the front suspension, particularly over bumps.
• Verify that steering effort is normal and there is no binding or resistance.
• Check for any fluid leaks around the strut body after the test drive.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately. The strut mount replacement will affect camber and caster settings.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque the strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts to verify they have not loosened.

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