This procedure involves removing the front strut assembly from the vehicle, compressing the coil spring with a specialized tool, replacing the spring, and reinstalling the strut assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Replace if equipped

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes
6. Open hood and locate strut tower mounting nuts under hood (visible through access cover if equipped)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while removing the upper nut with a wrench. Separate the link from the strut. If ball joint spins, use penetrating oil and allow additional soak time.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint nut securing the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Remove cotter pin if equipped. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper between the ball joint stud and knuckle. Apply pressure with the tool while striking the knuckle boss with a hammer to shock the joint loose. Do not damage the ball joint boot.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud directly as this can damage the threads and stud.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the lower portion of the strut assembly. These are large bolts typically 17-19mm. Remove both bolts completely. Support the knuckle/hub assembly with a jack or wire to prevent it from hanging on the CV axle and brake line.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly to prevent damage to brake hose, ABS sensor wire, and CV axle boot.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the engine bay, locate the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. Hold the strut assembly from below to prevent it from falling. Remove all three nuts. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help support it during removal to prevent it from falling and causing injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Compress coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut holding fixture. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3-4 coils. Alternately tighten each compressor evenly and gradually until the spring is compressed enough to remove tension from the strut mount (approximately 2-3 inches of compression). Verify the spring is stable and securely held by the compressors.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure spring compressors are properly seated and tightened evenly. An improperly compressed spring can release explosively. If the spring shifts or compressors slip, stop immediately and reposition.
   ⚠️Keep hands, face and body clear of the spring path during compression. Wear safety glasses and work slowly.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and no tension on the top mount, hold the strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key (center shaft has a hex or slot). Remove the strut shaft nut on top. Remove the top mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, spring, bumper, and dust boot. Note the orientation and position of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Take photos or notes of component orientation before disassembly to ensure correct reassembly order.
7. 7

   Install new coil spring
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage or leaking. If replacing only the spring, install the bumper and dust boot onto the strut shaft. Position the new coil spring onto the lower spring seat, ensuring the end of the spring coil aligns with the positioning tab or notch on the seat. Install spring compressors on the new spring (opposite sides, 180 degrees apart) and compress until the spring can be installed on the strut with clearance for the upper mount.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut components
   Install the upper spring seat/insulator, ensuring proper alignment with the spring end. Install the bearing plate (if equipped) with correct orientation. Install the strut mount on top, aligning any positioning features. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft hand-tight. Hold the strut shaft and tighten the nut to specification per manufacturer (typically 50-60 Nm, verify with service manual as this spec is not in the provided list).
   ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque specification is not provided in the database. Consult a factory service manual for the exact specification, typically 50-60 Nm for this vehicle.
9. 9

   Release spring compressors
   Verify all components are properly seated and the strut shaft nut is tight. Slowly and evenly loosen both spring compressors in small increments, alternating between them. As the spring expands, verify it seats correctly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Once all tension is released and spring is fully seated, remove the compressor tools completely.
   ⚠️Release compressors slowly and evenly. Monitor that the spring remains properly seated as tension is released.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Align the top mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower and start all three nuts hand-tight. Guide the lower end of the strut into position at the steering knuckle. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint
    Position the steering knuckle onto the ball joint stud of the lower control arm. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin if equipped, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the strut mounting point. Install the nut while holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but weight is still supported by the jack. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque check with vehicle weight on suspension
    With the vehicle on the ground and at normal ride height, perform a final check of all fasteners. Note that control arm bolts, if disturbed during this procedure, must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels to prevent bushing damage.
    ℹ️If control arm bolts were removed or loosened, they must be re-torqued with full vehicle weight on the suspension.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedural steps above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Verify spring is properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats
4. Check that no brake lines, ABS wires, or other components are pinched or stressed

Verification

• Bounce the front corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises
• Verify steering turns smoothly lock-to-lock with no binding
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises from the suspension
• Check for any fluid leaks around the strut
• Have a professional four-wheel alignment performed as soon as possible, as suspension work affects wheel alignment

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