How to Install a Strut

Changing struts is something that is easy if you've done it before. The first time, though, can be a nightmare. It usually takes about four hours to do both sides on a flat rate manual. If you're not an experienced auto technician, expect twice the time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Torx bit
• Strut rod remover/installer or equivalent
• Strut mount plate wrench tool or equivalent
• Strut extension rod tool or equivalent
• Strut cap nut wrench tool or equivalent
• Soap solution for lubrication

Replace Struts

1. Scribe alignment marks on cover plate, then loosen the cover plate retaining nuts.

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

3. Remove brake calipers and set aside. Don't disconnect the brake hose as you remove the calipers.

4. Remove the brake rotor, then the hub and bearing.

5. Separate the axle from the transaxle. Then remove the tie rod to knuckle attaching nut.

6. Separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

7. Remove the lower ball joint to knuckle attaching nut.

8. Separate the lower ball joint from the lower control arm.

9. Remove the cover plate retaining nuts and then the strut assembly.

10. Reverse the procedure to install struts.

Remove Struts

11. Scribe alignment marks on the cover plate. Remove the cover plate retaining nuts, then the cover plate.

12. Using a Torx bit and strut rod remover/installer or equivalent, remove strut shaft.

13. Remove the strut mount bushing by prying it with a suitable tool.

14. Using a strut mount plate wrench tool or equivalent, remove the jounce bumper retainer.

15. Attach a strut extension rod tool No. J-35668, or equivalent, to strut shaft and compress the shaft down into the cartridge. Remove the tool and pull out the jounce bumper.

16. Attach the strut extension rod tool to the strut shaft and extend the shaft. Remove the tool and unscrew the closure nut using the strut cap nut wrench tool or equivalent.

17. Remove the strut cartridge.

Install Struts

18. Using a strut cap nut wrench tool or equivalent, install the self-contained replacement cartridge.

19. Install the jounce bumper. Using a strut mount plate wrench tool or equivalent, next install the jounce bumper retainer.

20. Install strut mount bushing. If necessary, use a strut extension rod or equivalent after bushing is partially installed and position strut shaft as required. Lubricate the bushing with a soap solution to ease installation.

21. Use a Torx bit and strut rod remover/installer tool or equivalents to install the strut shaft nut. Tighten it to specifications.

22. Install strut mount cover, aligning scribe marks. Tighten the cover plate nuts to specifications.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't know what you're doing, or this is the first time, you might want to ask an experienced friend to help you.
• You can always pay a fee and have the strut removed and installed onto the removed assembly by someone with a wall mounted strut compressor.
• This is just an overview on a common American mid-size auto. This is generic information. Read your owner's manual for specifics to your car.
• If you're using a strut compressor, it's better to use one that's mounted on a wall. The ones that are portable and are used on the floor are tricky and if you don't know what you are doing, could cause you injury.

Resources

• Spike Source provides information about struts from start to finish.