A strut is a nitrogen shock and spring combination used on most late-model vehicles. The front struts are mounted in the fenderwell of the vehicle and held in with three or four studs and nuts on the topside of the inner fenderwell. The bottom of the strut is attached to the spindle. The rear struts are mounted the same way, except the point they are attached to at the top can be either in the corner of the trunk or behind the rear seat close to the package tray. If it is located behind the seat, the rear seat must usually be removed to gain access to the nuts. Caution must be observed during this process as the coil springs are under considerable compression and can be dangerous if released in a compressed condition.
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel. Remove the strut from the spindle by removing the bolts and nuts and separating them with your hand.
Remove the top nuts holding the strut in and remove the strut. Stand the strut on the floor right side up and install the spring or strut compressor. Compress the spring by tightening the compressor until the spring can be moved inside the housing with little resistance. Check that the top bearing plate will move freely. Keep the top bearing plate in the same position as removed for reference in assembly. This will expedite installation.
Remove the top retaining nut on the top of the strut using the ½-inch drive air gun. Remove the top bearing plate and lay it down so that it can be installed in the same direction relative to the bolts on top. Carefully lift the spring off of the strut and set it down. Remove the inside shaft cover and bushing followed by the spring isolating rubber that the spring sits on.
Remove the new strut from the box and push down on the shaft and release the shaft temporary holding strap and let the shaft extend. Hold the strut upright and install the rubber isolator on the spring shelf. Install it with the depression for the end of the spring in the corresponding depression in the shelf.
Install the shaft boot and bushing. Install the spring making sure that the end of the spring fits into the depression in the rubber. Install the bearing plate the same way that it came off. Install the top retaining nut and tighten it down with the ½-inch air gun.
Loosen the spring compressor. Install the strut by lining the top studs up with the holes in the bottom side of the fenderwell and pushing the studs through. Install the nuts on the top side and tighten.
Line up the bottom holes in the strut with the holes in the spindle and insert the bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely. Install the wheel. Repeat from Step 1 for the other side. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
