Removal Procedure
- Loosen the strut assembly-to-body nut that retains the top of the strut assembly to the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the brake caliper and the pads as an assembly and support the assembly with heavy mechanics wire, or equivalent. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
- Disconnect the ABS speed sensor electrical connector, if equipped.
- Support the drive axle.
- Remove the nuts and the bolts from the strut.
- Lower the vehicle in order to gain access to the strut-to-body nuts and the washers.
- Remove the strut assembly-to-body nuts and the washers.
- Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.
NOTE:
Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid chipping or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Failure to observe this notice may result in spring breakage.