Strut Assembly Replacement

For Reference

Strut Replacement With Pictures on a 2000 SW2 by SATURNFAN BarnOwl

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.

Important

Do not remove fasteners at this time.

3. Loosen the 2 steering knuckle-to-strut fasteners.
4. Remove and discard the 3 strut assembly-to-body attachment nuts.




5. Remove the 2 steering knuckle-to-strut fasteners.

Notice

Before removing strut assembly, place a rag over the CV joint boot to protect it from damage.

6. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Important

Use new nuts. Torque retention of old nuts may not be sufficient.

1. Attach the strut to the vehicle body with the three strut mount-to-body attachment nuts.
Tighten

Tighten the Front Strut Assembly-to-Body Attachment Nuts to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).






Important

With fasteners installed, but not tightened, push bottom of strut inward while tightening the fasteners.

2. Attach the strut-to-steering knuckle with the fasteners.
Tighten

Tighten the Front Strut-to-Steering Knuckle Fasteners to 170 N·m (126 lb ft).

Notice

Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

3. Position wheel onto hub.
4. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
Tighten

Tighten the Wheel Nuts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

5. Lower vehicle from hoist.
6. Perform vehicle wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications