Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut bearing (top mount bearing) which allows the strut to rotate during steering. This procedure requires strut removal and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing/top mount bearing × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut upper mount assembly (if bearing not serviceable separately) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — 3mm x 30mm
• Self-locking nuts (if specified by service manual) × 1 — Check OEM replacement requirements

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake. Chock rear wheels securely.
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
3. Lift front of vehicle using approved jacking points and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove front wheel completely.
5. Apply penetrating oil to strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and ball joint nut. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate.
6. Take photos of strut orientation, alignment marks, and component positions for reassembly reference.
7. Ensure spring compressor tool is in good condition with no damaged threads or bent components.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation while loosening the upper nut. Remove the sway bar link from the strut mounting point. Allow the sway bar link to hang freely or support with wire.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the ball joint nut (leave 2-3 threads engaged for safety). Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to break the taper connection between the ball joint and knuckle. Once separated, remove the nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠Keep the ball joint nut partially threaded during separation to prevent sudden release. The control arm will drop when separated.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. Mark the position of the strut relative to the knuckle with a marking pen to preserve camber alignment. Support the strut from below with a floor jack or have an assistant support it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will now be free from the strut.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and under spring tension. Ensure it is supported before removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine bay. Remove any plastic covers, wiring harnesses, or components blocking access to the strut tower mounting nuts. The Levante typically has three nuts securing the strut to the tower. Clean the area around the nuts to prevent debris from falling into the engine bay.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut from below, remove all three strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly out through the wheel well opening. The assembly is heavy and awkward to handle. Place the strut assembly on a clean workbench or in a strut vice for disassembly.
   ⚠Do not allow the strut to drop suddenly. Control the descent to prevent damage to brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor tools
   Mount the strut assembly securely in a vice or holding fixture. Install heavy-duty spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned in the center of the coil depth, not on the edge. Verify both compressors are properly seated before proceeding.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Improperly installed spring compressors can slip, causing violent spring release. Double-check engagement and ensure compressors are rated for the spring load.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Alternately tighten each spring compressor in small increments (2-3 turns at a time) to compress the spring evenly. Continue until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount. You should be able to see a gap between the spring seat and the spring, and the upper mount should have no load on it. The center shaft nut should turn freely without the shaft rotating.
   ⚠️Compress evenly and slowly. Uneven compression can cause the compressor to slip or the spring to shift suddenly. Never place hands or body parts in the path of potential spring release.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using an Allen key or holding tool in the top of the shaft. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components. Inspect the spring for damage or cracking.
   ℹ️Take photos of component order and orientation. Some components may be directional or have specific installation positions.
9. 9

   Replace strut bearing
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Inspect the upper mount assembly and replace the strut bearing. On some Levante models, the bearing is integrated into the mount assembly and requires complete mount replacement. If servicing separately, press or install the new bearing into the mount housing according to manufacturer specifications. Clean all mating surfaces and check for any damage to other components.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut assembly
    Install components onto the strut shaft in reverse order: bump stop, dust boot, spring (ensuring proper seating in lower spring seat and correct orientation), upper spring seat, new bearing/mount assembly. Align all components according to reference photos. Thread the upper strut shaft nut and tighten while holding the shaft from rotating. Tighten to specification (verify with OEM service manual as this critical fastener torque was not provided in database).
    ⚠Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in the upper and lower spring seat locators before tightening the shaft nut.
11. 11

    Release spring compression
    Slowly and evenly loosen both spring compressors in small increments (1-2 turns at a time), alternating between sides. Allow the spring to gradually expand and seat properly into the upper and lower spring seats. Once the spring is fully seated and the compressors are loose, remove the spring compressor tools completely.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Monitor that the spring seats properly. If any shifting or unusual movement occurs, stop immediately and reinstall compressors.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position through the wheel well opening. Guide the upper mounting studs through the strut tower holes. Thread all three strut tower nuts onto the studs hand-tight. Ensure the strut is properly positioned before torquing nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the strut with the steering knuckle, referencing the alignment marks made during disassembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts hand-tight. Verify alignment marks are matched before torquing to specification. This helps maintain camber alignment.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect ball joint and sway bar link
    Lift the control arm and insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install a new castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud, bending ends properly to secure. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut mounting point, holding the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Bend the pin ends so it cannot back out during operation.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and perform final lug nut torque verification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side strut bearing to maintain suspension balance and handling characteristics.
2. Reinstall any plastic covers, wiring harnesses, or components removed from strut tower area in engine bay.
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, especially safety-critical components marked CRITICAL in torque database.
4. Check that no tools, parts, or hardware were left in the engine bay or suspension area.

Verification

• Before driving, bounce each corner of the vehicle firmly and listen for any clunking, popping, or unusual noises from the strut area indicating improper assembly.
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and at low speed, listening for noise, binding, or roughness that indicates bearing installation issues.
• Verify steering returns to center smoothly and there is no pulling to either side during straight-line driving.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after this repair. Strut removal affects camber, caster, and toe settings.
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners including wheel lug nuts, strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and ball joint nut to verify no loosening has occurred.
• Monitor for any changes in handling, steering feel, or unusual tire wear patterns over the following weeks.

More procedures for this vehicle