Removal
1. Loosen the front wheel nuts, lift the vehicle and place it on supports. Remove the wheels.
2. Disconnect the brake hose from the strut bracket (figure 2.2). If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, disconnect the speed sensor wiring harness from the strut by removing the bracket mounting bolt.
3. Loosen the nuts securing the strut to the steering knuckle and knock out the bolts with a hammer using a punch made of soft material.
4. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage the inner constant velocity joint of the drive shaft. Also, support the steering knuckle to prevent the brake hose from tearing.
5. In the engine compartment, mark the relative position of the rack relative to the body (figure 2.5).
6. Supporting the rack with one hand, unscrew the nuts securing the rack to the body. Remove the stand from under the car fender.
Examination
7. Inspect the strut housing for any signs of fluid leakage, dents, cracks, or other obvious damage that would require repair or replacement of the strut.
8. Inspect the spring and make sure there are no chips or cracks, and that the spring coating is intact (damage to the coating leads to corrosion and breakage of the spring). Inspect the spring plates and ensure there is no damage.
9. If you find any faults, disassemble the rack (see paragraph 3).
Installation
10. Align the strut in the wheel arch and insert the upper studs into the holes in the body so that the marks made on the strut and the body before removal (see step 5) align. Tighten the nuts to prevent the strut from falling. For this operation you will need an assistant, since the stand is large in weight and size.
11. Install the steering knuckle onto the strut flange and insert two bolts. Screw on the nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.
12. Insert the brake hose into the bracket and secure it with a clamp. If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, bolt the speed sensor bracket to the strut.
13. Install the wheels and tighten the wheel nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque (see Technical data at the beginning of Chapter 1).
14. Tighten the nuts securing the strut to the body to the required torque.