Replace the front coil springs by removing the strut assembly from the vehicle, compressing and disassembling the strut to access the spring, then reassembling with the new spring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing and insulator × 2 — Recommended replacement with spring
• Strut upper mounting nuts × 6 — Recommended if corroded
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Replace whenever removed
• Sway bar link (if damaged) — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on designated lift points on the frame rails
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
6. Take photos of strut assembly orientation and component positions for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower portion of the strut assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. If the ball joint spins freely and cannot be held, use penetrating oil and allow additional soak time, or carefully cut the nut off.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut assembly. Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the brake line bracket to the strut. Do not disconnect or damage the brake line itself—simply free it from the strut so the assembly can be removed. Keep the bolt for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut and discard. Remove the ball joint castle nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Apply force carefully to avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm. The knuckle and strut assembly will now pivot freely.
   ⚠Ball joint separator tools can damage ball joint boots. If control arm is not being replaced, use a proper separator tool rather than a pickle fork.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Support the strut assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will now be free from the strut. Push the knuckle assembly outward and downward to provide clearance.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy and will drop once bolts are removed. Support it to prevent damage or injury.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts in the engine bay at the top of the strut tower. Hold the strut assembly from underneath to prevent it from falling. Remove all three upper mounting nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠️Once the upper nuts are removed, the entire strut assembly will drop. Ensure it is properly supported from below before removing the final nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install the spring compressor tool according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the tool hooks engage at least 3-4 coils on opposite sides of the spring. Verify the compressor is seated properly and aligned. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compression points to compress evenly. Compress until all tension is removed from the upper strut mount—you should be able to wiggle the mount freely.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure spring compressor is properly installed per tool instructions. Compress slowly and evenly. Never place any body part in line with the spring during compression.
   ⚠️Use only a quality spring compressor designed for automotive coil springs. Do not use makeshift tools or damaged compressors.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and tension removed from the upper mount, hold the strut shaft with a strut rod holding tool or impact-rated socket to prevent rotation. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot in order. Note the orientation of each component. Remove the compressed spring with compressor still attached.
   ⚠️Do not remove the shaft nut unless spring is fully compressed and mount moves freely. Spring must remain compressed throughout disassembly.
8. 8

   Transfer components to new spring
   Inspect the strut mount bearing, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot for wear or damage. Replace the strut mount bearing assembly as recommended. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor to remove the old spring. Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring, ensuring proper engagement on both sides. Compress the new spring until it is compressed to approximately the same length as the old spring was when fully compressed.
   ⚠️Release old spring compression slowly and evenly. Keep hands and body clear of spring path during release.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut assembly
   Place the compressed new spring onto the strut assembly, ensuring the spring end seats properly in the lower spring seat groove. Install the dust boot, bump stop, upper spring seat (with correct orientation matching the lower seat), bearing assembly, and upper mount in the correct order. Align the upper mount studs with the spring seat. Install the strut shaft nut finger tight. Hold the strut shaft and torque the upper shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-65 Nm, use service manual for exact value). Once secured, slowly and evenly release the spring compressor. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower seats before fully releasing.
   ⚠️Ensure spring is properly seated in lower seat before releasing compressor. Spring can shift violently if not seated correctly.
   ⚠Verify upper mount orientation matches original assembly photos. Incorrect orientation affects alignment.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the completed strut assembly into the wheel well. Guide the upper mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper mounting nuts finger tight. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle and insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Install nuts finger tight but do not torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint and brake bracket
    Guide the steering knuckle back onto the lower ball joint stud. Install the ball joint castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure. Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut and torque mounting bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the strut assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to specification while holding the shaft to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque all suspension fasteners
    With the strut assembly fully installed and all connections made, torque all fasteners to specification in this order: strut tower nuts (37 lb-ft), strut-to-knuckle bolts (85 lb-ft). Verify all fasteners are tight and properly torqued. Double-check that ball joint cotter pin is installed and brake line bracket is secure.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheels and final torque
    Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on wheels, perform final torque check on lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side front spring to maintain balanced ride height
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in wheel wells
3. Check that brake lines are properly secured and not rubbing on any suspension components
4. Ensure cotter pins are installed on both ball joint castle nuts

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary—listen for any unusual noises indicating improper assembly
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Visually inspect both strut assemblies for proper spring seating and check that vehicle sits level side-to-side
• MANDATORY: Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately. Spring replacement affects alignment angles and improper alignment causes tire wear and handling problems
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and lug nuts to specification

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