Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheels and detach the flex hose mounting bracket from the strut. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut assembly. Mark the position of the strut to the
Steering Knuckle. Remove the nuts and bolts, then separate the strut from the steering knuckle. Secure the steering knuckle safely aside. Have an assistant support the strut and spring assembly, then remove the three strut-to-body nuts. Remove the assembly from the fenderwell. Remove the steering knuckle. With the help of an assistant to hold up the strut, use two flathead screwdrivers to pry apart the two sections of the strut upper mount retaining clip until it breaks. Discard the clip. Remove the strut assembly from the fenderwell. Check the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other obvious damage. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating. Inspect the spring seat for cuts, hardness, and general deterioration. If any undesirable conditions exist, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. Guide the strut assembly up into the fenderwell and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Once the studs protrude, install the nuts. Tighten the upper mounting nuts. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Install the nuts, align the previously made match marks, and tighten them. Guide the strut assembly up into the fenderwell and align the hole/tab in the strut mount to the hole on the vehicle body. Once the strut is aligned and held up against the body, install the NEW strut retaining clip. Install the steering knuckle. Tighten all steering knuckle and related fasteners. Install the flex hose mounting bracket. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the strut. Tighten the nut. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Have the front end alignment checked, and if necessary, adjusted.