Replace the front coil springs by removing the front strut assembly from the vehicle, compressing and separating the spring from the strut, installing the new spring, and reinstalling the assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left or right side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount rubber isolator (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut dust boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-approved jacking points on the front subframe
4. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut pinch bolt, and ball joint nut if corrosion is present; allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate
6. Have spring compressor tools ready and inspect for damage before use

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft on the backside of the stud to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Separate the link from the strut mounting bracket. If the link is seized and the stud spins, you may need to cut the link or replace it.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut housing. Remove the bolt or clip securing the brake line to the strut. Carefully move the brake line aside to prevent damage during strut removal. Do not disconnect any brake fittings or allow tension on the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor harness from strut
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire secured to the strut housing with plastic clips or a metal bracket. Carefully unclip or unbolt the harness from the strut to provide clearance for strut removal. Do not pull on the sensor wire itself.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt
   Locate the large pinch bolt that clamps the bottom of the strut into the steering knuckle. This is an 18mm bolt on the lower portion of the knuckle. Remove the bolt completely. The strut may be tight in the knuckle due to the pinch clamp design. Use a small pry bar or wedge to gently spread the knuckle pinch clamp opening if needed to allow the strut to separate. Do not force or hammer excessively.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support strut and remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three mounting nuts on top of the strut tower in the engine compartment. Have a helper support the strut assembly from below, or use a jack with a block of wood to support it. Using a 17mm socket, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Do NOT remove the large center nut on top of the strut shaft at this time - this retains the compressed spring.
   ⚠The center nut on the strut shaft retains the compressed spring assembly. Do NOT remove this nut until the spring is safely compressed with a spring compressor tool.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the top mounting nuts removed and the lower pinch bolt removed, carefully maneuver the strut assembly downward and out from the wheel well. You may need to pull the knuckle outward slightly while lowering the strut. Place the strut assembly on a secure workbench for disassembly.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor and compress spring
   Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart) according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned securely. Alternately tighten each compressor evenly, going back and forth between sides, to compress the spring uniformly. Continue compressing until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper strut mount - you should be able to rotate the mount freely by hand.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressors are properly engaged and tightened before proceeding. An improperly installed compressor can slip off under load causing the spring to violently release. Compress evenly on both sides.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and tension relieved, hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted into the top of the shaft. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, remove the strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mounting plate, bearing plate, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Remove the compressed spring with compressor tools still attached.
9. 9

   Install new spring and reassemble strut
   If removing spring compressor from old spring, transfer compressor tools to the new spring and compress evenly until spring length matches the old compressed spring. Place the compressed new spring onto the strut with the spring end tab aligned with the lower spring seat cutout on the strut body. Install the dust boot, bump stop, upper spring seat (align spring end with cutout), bearing plate, and upper mount in the correct order and orientation as removed. Ensure the alignment pin on the strut shaft engages the hole in the upper mount.
   ⚠Verify proper alignment of spring end tabs in both upper and lower spring seat cutouts. Misalignment can cause noise, poor handling, and premature wear.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Install the strut shaft nut. Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Verify the upper mount is properly seated and the bearing rotates smoothly.
    Torque spec

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

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides. Allow the spring to gradually expand and seat fully into the upper and lower spring seats. Once all tension is transferred to the strut assembly and the compressors are loose, remove the compressor tools. Verify the spring is properly seated in both seats with end tabs aligned in cutouts.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring is seating properly as compressor is released. If spring appears misaligned, stop and recompress to correct positioning.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up into the strut tower from below, aligning the three upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts and hand-tighten. From below, align the lower strut shaft into the steering knuckle pinch clamp opening. You may need to pull the knuckle outward or use a pry bar to open the clamp slightly.
13. 13

    Install and torque strut-to-knuckle bolt
    Insert the strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt through the knuckle and strut. Ensure the strut is fully seated in the knuckle and the pinch clamp gap is uniform. Torque the pinch bolt to 109 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    From the engine compartment, torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link, brake line, and ABS sensor
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut mounting bracket. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut. Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor harness to the strut with clips or bracket.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again to specification with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing both front springs, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, paying special attention to CRITICAL torque values
3. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation before returning to normal driving
4. Listen for any abnormal noises such as clunking, squeaking, or rattling from the suspension

Verification

• Verify the strut upper mount rotates smoothly when turning the steering wheel at rest
• Check that vehicle ride height appears even side-to-side and front-to-rear
• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify the suspension rebounds properly without excessive oscillation
• Visually inspect that all components are properly connected with no loose fasteners or disconnected sensors
• MANDATORY: Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after completing this repair - do not delay
• After alignment, test drive and verify straight-line tracking, proper steering return to center, and no pulling to either side

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