Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) which allows the strut to rotate during steering input on the 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) × 2 — Mopar 68089059AA or equivalent
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 2 — Mopar 68089058AA or equivalent
• Strut bumper and dust boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Mark alignment of strut-to-knuckle relationship with paint pen for reference
4. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and strut tower nuts; allow 15-30 minutes soak time
5. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
6. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at frame-mounted jacking points
7. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at frame rails behind front axle
8. Remove front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the front sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the sway bar link from rotating while loosening the lower nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm. If link is seized, you may need to cut it off and replace.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to take tension off the strut but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the control arm from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place until the strut is reinstalled to prevent suspension drop and possible brake line or ABS sensor wire damage.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. These are 18mm bolts and are torqued to 122 ft-lbs. Use a breaker bar to break them loose, then remove completely. Note the orientation of any alignment cam washers if present. Tap the knuckle with a rubber mallet if needed to separate from strut. Do not allow the knuckle to hang freely; support if necessary.
   ⚠These bolts are extremely tight and may require significant force to break loose. Ensure you have solid footing and proper leverage.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 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 or air intake components if they obstruct access to the three strut tower mounting nuts. On the diesel model, you may need to move battery cables or other components aside for better access.
   ℹ️Take photos before removing any components to aid reassembly of ancillary items.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut
   Have an assistant support the strut from below or use a bungee cord to prevent it from falling. Remove the three nuts securing the strut to the strut tower. Once nuts are removed, carefully lower and remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it out through the wheel well opening.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (40-50 lbs) and awkward. Use proper lifting technique to avoid back injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Mount strut in vise and install spring compressors
   Secure the strut assembly in a strut vise or mount it vertically in a heavy bench vise (clamp on the lower mounting bracket, not the strut body). Install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Tighten the compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides every 2-3 turns. Compress the spring until tension is completely relieved from the upper mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount freely).
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Ensure spring compressors are properly engaged on the spring coils and tightened evenly. Uneven compression or compressor slippage can cause violent spring release. Compress slowly and verify compressor engagement frequently.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (flat section at top) or use an Allen key if equipped with Allen socket. Use another wrench to remove the strut shaft nut. Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, upper spring seat, and spring isolator. Keep all components in order for reassembly. Inspect the bump stop and dust boot for damage.
   ⚠Do not remove the shaft nut until spring is fully compressed. Verify no tension on upper mount before removal.
8. 8

   Replace strut bearing and inspect components
   Remove the old strut bearing from the upper mount assembly. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Install the new strut bearing, ensuring it is properly seated and oriented. The bearing should rotate smoothly without binding. Inspect the spring, strut body, and all rubber components for damage or wear. Replace the upper spring isolator and bump stop if worn or torn.
   ℹ️Some upper mounts have the bearing integrated and require complete mount replacement. Verify your parts before disassembly.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut with new bearing
   Reinstall components in reverse order: spring isolator on spring, spring on strut with proper orientation (spring end must seat in lower perch correctly), upper spring seat with bearing, upper mount assembly. Align the upper mount stud pattern as noted during disassembly. Thread the strut shaft nut and tighten while holding the shaft. Torque strut shaft nut to specification (typically 70-80 ft-lbs, but verify with service manual as this spec was not provided in database).
   ⚠Ensure spring ends are properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats before tightening shaft nut.
10. 10

    Release spring compressors
    Once the shaft nut is tight, slowly and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating between sides. Ensure the spring seats properly into the upper and lower perches as tension is released. Once fully released, remove the spring compressors and verify all components are properly seated.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly to prevent component shifting.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position through the wheel well. Guide the upper mounting studs through the strut tower holes. Install the three upper mounting nuts and tighten finger-tight. Do not fully torque yet. Align the lower strut with the steering knuckle, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Insert the strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket. Install nuts on the opposite side. If alignment cams were present, install them in the same orientation as removed. Tighten the bolts gradually to seat components, then torque to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern. Verify all nuts are tight and properly seated.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Raise or lower the control arm with the floor jack to align the sway bar link with the mounting point. Install the sway bar link and thread the nut. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and repeat for opposite side
    Remove the floor jack from under the control arm. Install the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack stands). Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle. Repeat entire procedure for the opposite side strut bearing.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any air intake components or covers removed for strut tower access
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine bay or wheel wells
4. Test steering full lock left and right to verify no binding or interference

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation without binding or noise
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises during turns that would indicate improper bearing installation
• Verify steering returns to center properly after turns
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as strut removal will affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and verify lug nut torque
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from strut body that may indicate strut damage during service

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