Removal/Installation

REPLACE
1. Scribe alignment marks on cover plate, then loosen cover plate retaining nuts.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper and position aside. Do not disconnect brake hose.
5. Remove brake rotor, then the hub and bearing.
6. Separate axle from transaxle, then remove tie rod to knuckle attaching nut.
7. Using tool No. J-35917, or equivalent, separate tie rod from steering knuckle.
8. Remove lower ball joint to knuckle attaching nut.
9. Using tool No. J-35917, or equivalent, separate lower ball joint from lower control arm.
10. Remove cover plate retaining nuts, then the strut assembly.
11. Reverse procedure to install.


REMOVAL
1. Scribe alignment marks on cover plate, remove cover plate retaining nuts, then the cover plate.
2. Using No. 50 Torx bit and strut rod remover/installer tool No. J-35669, or equivalents, remove strut shaft.
3. Remove strut mount bushing by prying with suitable tool.
4. Using strut mount plate wrench tool No. J-35670, or equivalent, remove jounce bumper retainer.
5. Attach strut extension rod tool No. J-35668, or equivalent, to strut shaft and compress shaft down into cartridge, then remove tool and pull out jounce bumper.
6. Attach strut extension rod tool No. J-35668, or equivalent, to strut shaft and extend shaft, then remove tool and, using strut cap nut wrench tool No. J-35671, or equivalent, unscrew closure nut.
7. Remove strut cartridge.
8. Remove oil from strut tube using suction device.



INSTALLATION
1. Using strut cap nut wrench tool No. J-35671, or equivalent, install self contained replacement cartridge.
2. Install jounce bumper, then using strut mount plate wrench tool No. J-35670, or equivalent, the jounce bumper retainer.
3. Install strut mount bushing. If necessary, use strut extension rod tool No. J-35668, or equivalent after bushing is partially installed and position strut shaft as required. Lubricate bushing with a soap solution to ease installation.
4. Using No. 50 Torx bit and strut rod remover/installer tool No. J-35669, or equivalents, install strut shaft nut and tighten to specifications.
5. Install strut mount cover, aligning scribe marks. Tighten cover plate nuts to specifications.