Strut & Coil Spring Replacement Guide

Preparation & Safety Setup

Before touching any bolts, ensure your workspace is safe and prepared.

1. Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface.
2. Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels you won't be lifting.
3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental airbag deployment or electrical shorts.
4. Lift the vehicle using the floor jack at the manufacturer's lift points.
5. Secure the vehicle with jack stands. Always test stability by shaking the vehicle before getting underneath.
6. Remove the wheels.

Remove Lower Strut Mounting Bolts

Locate the lower strut mounting bracket where it attaches to the steering knuckle or control arm.

1. Remove the nuts/bolts securing the lower strut. You may need to support the strut with a jack while loosening to relieve stress on the threads.
2. Once loose, lower the support jack slightly and remove the fasteners completely.
3. If the strut is stuck in the knuckle, use a pry bar or a hammer to carefully tap it loose. Avoid damaging the ABS sensor or brake lines.

Disconnect Linkage

Free the strut from surrounding components.

1. Unbolt the sway bar end links from the strut.
2. Disconnect any brake line brackets or ABS wire clips attached to the strut body. Do not hang the brake line by its rubber boot.
3. On some vehicles, remove the upper control arm or subframe bolts to create clearance.

Remove Upper Strut Mount

This step often requires two people or a helper.

1. Have a helper hold the strut from underneath while you remove the upper mount bolts (usually three nuts in the engine bay or wheel well).
2. Important: Do not let the strut drop suddenly. The spring is still compressed and under tension.
3. Once the upper bolts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle.

Disassemble the Strut Assembly

Skip this step if you are replacing complete strut assemblies. If rebuilding, proceed with extreme caution.

1. Place the strut on a clean bench with the top mount facing up.
2. Position your spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring, engaging the coils securely.
3. Compress the spring evenly, turning both compressors equally to avoid twisting the spring.
4. Once compressed enough to relieve pressure on the mount, hold the shaft with a socket and Allen key, and loosen the top nut.
5. Remove the nut, dust cover, bump stop, and spring seat.
6. Slowly release the spring compressors and remove the old spring.
7. Inspect the old strut for oil leaks. If the shaft is wet, the strut is shot and must be replaced.

Reassembly or Installation

Reverse the disassembly process if rebuilding, ensuring all parts are clean and lubricated where specified.

1. If using a complete assembly, ensure the rubber mount is seated correctly and the spring is aligned with the seat notches.
2. Install the new assembly into the vehicle, starting with the upper mount bolts.
3. Hand-tighten the upper bolts. Do not fully torque yet.
4. Insert the lower strut into the knuckle/bracket and install the lower bolts.
5. Reconnect sway bar links and brake hardware.

Torque & Lower Vehicle

Critical step for suspension integrity.

1. Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground but supports no weight.
2. Torque the lower strut bolts to spec. Never torque these bolts while the wheel is off the ground, as this can bend the strut shaft.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
4. Torque the upper strut mount bolts to specification.
5. Install wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern.

Alignment & Test Drive

You must get a wheel alignment after strut replacement. Struts affect camber and toe settings. Driving without an alignment will cause rapid tire wear.

• Take the vehicle to an alignment shop.
• Test drive slowly in a safe area to check for vibrations or pulling.
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50 miles.