Front Strut Assembly Check

WARNING: When handling front strut (1) in which high-pressure gas and oil are sealed, make sure to observe the following precautions.

Do not disassemble it.
Do not put it into the fire.
Do not store it where it gets hot.
Before disposing it, be sure to drill a hole (approximately 3 mm (0.1 in.) diameter) (2) in it where shown by an arrow in the figure and let gas and oil out. Be sure to wear eye shield since the gas itself is harmless but the front strut drill hole debris maybe blown out.

Fig 1: Drilling Hole In Front Strut Assembly
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Inspect strut for oil leakage, damage or deformation.
If defect is found, replace strut as an assembly unit, because it can not be disassembled.

Fig 2: Locating Strut Points
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Inspect strut function referring to the following procedures:
1. Check and adjust tire pressures as specified.
2. Bounce vehicle body up and down 3 or 4 times continuously by pushing front end of the vehicle side body to check strut.
  Also, note how many times vehicle body rebounds to stop after force application.
3. Repeat the same procedure to the other strut to confirm that the both side struts equally respond.

If conditions of struts are in doubt, compare them with known-good vehicle or strut.

Inspect bearing for wear, abnormal noise or gripping.
If defective, replace.
Inspect coil spring seat for cracks or deformation.
If defective, replace.
Inspect bump stopper for deterioration.
If defective, replace.
Inspect rebound stopper and strut mount for wear, cracks or deformation.
If defective, replace.