Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) to eliminate noise and restore proper steering return and suspension function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing/upper mount assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification (546102K000)
• Upper strut mount isolator (if not included with bearing) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount dust boot (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer jacking points
5. Support vehicle with jack stands placed at proper support points on frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
8. Take photos of strut mount orientation from top side before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove the plastic strut tower cap by prying gently if equipped. You will see 3 nuts securing the top of the strut assembly to the strut tower. Do NOT remove the center nut yet (this holds the spring compressed).
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating while loosening the upper nut with a wrench. Remove the nut and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut. Let the link hang from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large bolts passing through the strut bracket. Support the strut assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the knuckle from the strut bracket slightly.
   ⚠The strut assembly will become loose once the knuckle bolts are removed. Support it to prevent sudden dropping.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the engine compartment. While supporting the strut assembly from below (or having an assistant hold it), remove the 3 nuts securing the strut tower mount. Keep the nuts organized. Carefully lower the entire strut assembly out through the wheel well.
   ⚠Do NOT remove the center strut shaft nut while the spring is still compressed. This must only be done with the spring properly compressed in a spring compressor.
   Torque spec

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

   Secure strut in vise
   Mount the strut assembly securely in a bench vise or strut vise, clamping on the strut body (not the shaft). Position it so the spring compressor can be installed. Ensure the vise jaws will not damage the strut body.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3 full coils on each side. Tighten the compressor tools evenly and gradually, alternating between sides. Compress until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount slightly). Verify the spring is secure and evenly compressed before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor tools are fully engaged and tightened according to manufacturer instructions. Check frequently during compression that tools are not slipping. Uneven compression or tool failure can cause violent spring release.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using an Allen key in the top center or a specialized strut rod socket. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, dust boot, and any other components in order. Note the exact orientation and order of all parts for reassembly.
   ⚠Take detailed photos or notes of the order and orientation of all components as you remove them. Incorrect reassembly can cause noise, poor handling, and premature failure.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean components
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or rust. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Examine the spring for cracks or damage. Check the spring seat and dust boot for wear. Verify the new strut bearing rotates smoothly without binding or roughness.
9. 9

   Install new strut bearing and mount
   Assemble the new strut bearing and upper mount components onto the strut shaft in the exact reverse order of removal. Ensure the bearing is oriented correctly (refer to photos taken during disassembly). Install the spring seat, isolator, and dust boot in proper position. Thread the upper strut shaft nut onto the shaft hand-tight.
10. 10

    Torque strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft from rotating and torque the upper strut shaft nut to specification (typically 40-50 Nm, but verify with service manual as this torque is not in your provided list). Ensure the mount is properly seated and all components are aligned correctly.
    ℹ️The center strut shaft nut torque specification is not provided in the database for this vehicle. Consult a factory service manual or use 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) as a typical value for this application, but verify before final torque.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides. Allow the spring to gradually expand and seat properly against the upper and lower spring seats. Once spring is fully seated and tension is on the mount, remove the compressor tools completely.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift the strut assembly back into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align the mount orientation to match the original position (verify against photos). Install the 3 strut tower nuts and torque to specification. From below, align the strut bracket with the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Insert the two strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Install nuts and torque to specification. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Lift the sway bar link back into position on the strut mounting point. Install the nut while using an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just touch the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Bounce front end several times to settle suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both strut bearings (recommended to replace both simultaneously)
2. Reinstall any plastic strut tower caps removed during access
3. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left in engine compartment or wheel wells
4. Check that dust boots are properly seated and not torn or displaced

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or popping noises from strut towers
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering returns to center properly after turns
• Listen for any clunking or knocking noises over bumps that would indicate improper installation
• Verify no unusual tire wear patterns develop after 100-200 miles
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately after this repair, as suspension geometry may have shifted during disassembly

More procedures for this vehicle