How to replace struts on a 1996 Neon, Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler

This eHow will teach you step by step how to remove and replace the struts on a Neon.
Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler.

Things You'll Need

• Can WD 40
• 18 MM deep socket, preferably 6 point
• 5/8 inch socket, preferably 6 point.
• 8mm socket, preferably 6 point
• ½ inch socket, preferably 6 point
• Long handle ratchet or breaker bar
• Another ratchet or breaker bar
• Rolling Hydraulic Jack,
• Two jack stands
• Two bricks or short pieces of 2 x 4 s
• Lug wrench
• Small hammer
• Large open end or box wrench ( size doesn't matter)

Instructions

1. Open trunk move rug covering from left and right humps. You will see four bolts with nuts attached on each hump Using WD 40 spray the threads of the four bolts on each side liberally.

2. Use the bricks or 2 x 4 s as chocks to block one of the front wheels. This is a safety to prevent the car rolling while you are jacking it up and installing the jack stands.

3. Remove both hub caps. Using the Lug wrench, loosen all the lugs on both rear wheels.

4. Roll jack under the center point of the rear axle and jack car high enough for wheels to clear the ground.

5. Install jack stands under the axle. Lower the jack so the axle rests on the jack stands but the wheels are still off the ground.

6. Remove both wheels. Put lug nuts inside the hubcaps so they don't get lost.

7. Looking just past the drum You will see a thick vertical tube that is part of the strut you are going to remove. At the bottom of the tube just above the axle you will see two bolts about four inches apart. Using WD 40 spray the threads of the bolts liberally.

8. Using the 8 MM socket remove the bolt holding the brake line on to the strut. You won't readily see this bolt because it is on the other side of the strut tube.

9. Using the 18 MM long socket and long handle ratchet or breaker bar loosen and remove the nuts on these bolts.

10. Screw the nuts partly on the bolts, not all the way just enough to protect the threads from being burred because you need to use the hammer to whack the bolts loose. Note: sometimes you a bolt won't come out all the way. If that happens to you. Use another bolt, head side out, to tap the bolt a little bit and it will come.

11. Place the large open end or box wrench across the two rods just under the strut you unbolted. The wrench will help support the weight of the strut once it is unbolted from the top and this will make it easier for you.

12. Inside the trunk; using the ½ inch socket and ratchet loosen and remove the four nuts from the bolts on the hump. Now just angle and remove the strut.

13. To install the new strut just do all the steps in reverse.

Tips & Warnings

• Use WD 40 to remove dirt debris and rust off the threads of the bolts and the job will be so much easier.

• Put chocks under one of the front wheels to prevent the car rolling while you are jacking it up and working on the car.