Warning! A suitable spring compressor, preferably adjustable, is required. Attempting to disassemble the strut without this tool will result in component damage or personal injury.
Note: A new upper mount plate nut will be required. The following procedures apply to all models except the 2.0L 16-valve Coupe, which have a different front strut mount; the components are arranged in the following order: top mount plate, bearing, top support, cover and spring.
1. Clean the outside dirt off the strut, then tighten it vertically in a vice. Install the puller and compress the spring so that its pressure is removed from the supports (refer to the accompanying illustration).
2. Remove the cap from the top mount plate nut, then loosen the nut by locking the shock absorber piston rod with a suitable Allen key (refer to the accompanying illustration).
3. Loosen the nut and remove the upper mounting plate (refer to the accompanying illustration).
4a. Remove the spring.
4b. Remove its lower support.
4c. Remove the bearing, then remove the dust cover from the piston (refer to the illustrations).
5. Inspect the shock absorber for leaks. Check the piston rod for pitting and the shock absorber body for damage. Hold the shock absorber in a vertical position and check its operation by moving the piston several times, first to its full stroke and then to a shorter distance (50-100 mm). In both cases, the resistance should be smooth and the same. If the piston moves jerkily or the elasticity of the shock absorber changes during the test, or if there is any visible sign of wear, replace the strut.
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6. Inspect the remaining components for damage, paying particular attention to the bearing, and replace as necessary.
7. Install the dust cover on the piston.
8. Install the bearing and then the lower spring support assembly.
9. Install the spring so that its former end rests against the stop on the support.
10. Install the upper mount plate, aligning its stop with the end of the spring, then screw on the new nut (refer to the accompanying illustration). Lock the shock absorber piston rod and tighten the mounting plate nut to the torque specified in Specifications force. Install the cap on the nut.
11. Slowly release and remove the spring compressor, being careful not to displace the ends of the spring.
12. Install the stand on the vehicle as described in Section Removal and installation the front pillar.