MacPherson Struts

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle securely on jackstands.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. On 4WD models, remove cotter pin and lock cap. While a helper is applying the brakes, remove the locknut from the halfshaft.
4. Spearate the stabilizer bar link from the shock absorber.
5. On models with ABS, remove the speed sensor.

   Fig. 1: Disconnect the speed sensor and remove

6. Using a line wrench, disconnect the brake hoses from the shock absorber. There are two clips attaching the hoses to the shock, remove them.

   Fig. 2: Remove these two clips on the strut housing

   Fig. 3: Remove the pipe attaching to the brake hoses on the strut

7. Loosen the two nuts on the lower side of the shock absorber. Loosen the two bolts on the lower ball joint. Do not remove the nuts and bolts.

   Fig. 4: Loosen the two nuts on the lower portion of the strut

8. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
9. Remove the steering knuckle.
10. Using a jack, support the shock absorber with coil spring, then remove the upper shock nuts.
    1. If working on the left side, remove the cluster finish lower panel and knee panel.
    2. If working on the right side, remove the glove compartment door.

       Fig. 5: Removing the trim panels will allow access to the upper strut nuts

    3. Remove the three nuts on the upper side of the shock absorber. Theses nuts are located in the vehicle in the footwells, up under the dashboard.
11. Lower the jack and remove the shock and coil spring assembly.

    To assemble:

12. With the jack, install the shock and coil spring assembly into the vehicle and tighten the three upper side nuts to 47 ft. lbs. (64 Nm).

    Fig. 6: Place the spring and strut assembly into this hole on the wheelwell

13. Install the glove compartment door and left side cluster finish panels if removed.
14. Install the steering knuckle and temporarily tighten the nuts. Temporarily install the two bolts and connect the knuckle to the lower ball joint.
15. Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install the nut. Tighten the nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm). Be sure to install a new cotter pin. Tighten the two nuts on the lower portion of the shock absorber to 231 ft. lbs. (314 Nm). Tighten the two bolts on the lower ball joint to 94 ft. lbs. (127 Nm).

    Fig. 7: Inspect the bolts and nuts for damaged threads prior to installation

16. Attach the brake hose and tube then secure with the 2 clips to the shock absorber.
17. If equipped, install the speed sensor and tighten the retaining bolt to 69 inch lbs. (8 Nm).
18. Attach the stabilizer bar link to the shock absorber and tighten the nut to 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nm).
19. Bleed the brake system.
20. While a helper is applying the brakes, tighten the drive shaft locknut to:
    • 1991 — 137 ft lbs. (186 Nm)
    • 1992–93 models — 166 ft. lbs. (226 Nm)
    • 1994–97 models — 152 ft. lbs. (206 Nm)
    1. Install the lock cap and new cotter pin.
21. On models with a ABS speed sensor, secure the sensor to 69 inch lbs. (8 Nm).
22. Install the front wheel, hand tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle.
23. tighten the lug nuts to specifications.
24. Check the front end alignment.