How to Replace a Strut

With a little bit of mechanical ability, some basic knowledge and the right tools, you will probably be able to replace a worn out strut on your own vehicle. If you are going to do the repair yourself, you can accomplish the job by following a few basic steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Safety stands
• Spring collapse tool
• Hand wrench
• Socket wrench
• Torque wrench
• Allen wrench

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. While the vehicle is raised, remove the wheel and tire. This will give you access to remove the two lower bolts and nuts from the strut. Remove the upper flange retaining bolts.

2. Slide the strut spring assembly out from the vehicle. Using a strut spring tool, collapse the spring. Remove the center nut, upper bearing flange assembly and collapsed spring. Discard the old strut and replace with new strut. Discard the upper nut and replace with new nut. Do not release the spring tool from the spring.

3. Install collapsed spring with tool in place onto the new strut. The spring does not need to be replaced unless it is broken. Be sure to note the position of the spring ends on the strut. Install upper bearing flange, making note of the position of the spring end on the flange. Install center nut and tighten to specs. Then remove the spring tool.

4. Put the completed strut and spring assembly back onto the vehicle. Tighten nuts and bolts to manufacturer specifications. Install the wheel and tire. Lower vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be necessary to have a front end alignment done after you have replaced a strut on your vehicle.
• Whenever you have your vehicle off of the ground, be sure to support it with safety stands.
• Do not remove the center nut from the upper strut when you are performing Step 1. The center nut does not get removed until after the spring is collapsed in Step 2.