For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

1. Remove the nuts (1) and bolt (2) attaching the top of the strut assembly (5) to the body (3).
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Place jack stands under the front crossmember.
4. Lower the vehicle slightly so that the weight of vehicle rests on the jack stands and not on the control arms.

Notice: Care must be exercised to prevent the drive axle joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of the internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint boot protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage and possible joint failure.

5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Remove the brake line bracket.
7. Scribe the strut flange. Refer to Strut and Knuckle Scribing .
8. Remove the bolts (6) and the nuts (2) attaching the strut (1) to the steering knuckle (3).

Notice: Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.

Important: The steering knuckle must be supported in order to prevent axle joint over-extension.

9. Remove the strut (1) from the vehicle.

### Installation Procedure

Notice: Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.

1. Install the strut (5) into position and install the nuts (1) and one bolt (2) connecting the strut (5) to the body (3). Hand tighten the nuts and the bolt.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Align the steering knuckle with the strut flange scribe mark and install the bolts (6) and nuts (2).

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).

3. Tighten the nuts (1) and bolt (2) attaching the top of the strut (5) to the body (3).

Tighten

• | Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

• | Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

4. Install the brake line bracket.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.