In order to install and remove the strut, a vehicle must be raised and safely supported, then the wheel and tire assembly must be removed. Use a jack to support the lower
Control Arm and remove the bolts/clips holding the brake hose or ABS sensor harness to the strut. To remove the actuator in the top of the strut, unplug the electrical connector and remove the actuator in vehicles with Automatic Adjusting Suspension. On 1990-92 626/MX-6 626/MX-6 models, omit the bracket of the ignition coil when removing the left side strut. Indicate the alignment on the upper strut mounting block and strut tower and in the lower strut mount-to-
Steering Knuckle to allow the correct reinstallment. Use a spanner to loosen the upper strut mounting block nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts to remove the strut assembly. To install, put the strut once again into the strut tower and line it up with the paint marks made before hand, then fit and screw in the mounting nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts as required. In case of AAS in the vehicle, fit the actuator back to its place and attach the electrical connector. Reconnect the clips or bolts on the brake hose and /or ABS sensor harness, and install the wheel and tire assembly once more, and lower the vehicle, watching the front end alignment. In overhaul, remove the vehicle strut, and remove the cap at the top of the strut in case it does not have AAS. Attach the strut in a vise with protection by means of aluminum or copper plates, and loosen the upper nut of the piston rod several turns without taking it away. Fix the lower end of the strut in vise and apply coil spring compressor to compress coil spring then remove upper nut, but make sure that it is fully compressed. Loosen coil spring tension gradually and remove the suspension support, dust seal, spring seat, spring insulators, coil spring and bumper. Squeezing on the piston rod, make sure the stroke is even, any unusual drag or drag, and look around the piston rod to see whether there is any leaking oil. Move the piston rod inward and outward at a constant rate; when it does not run properly change it. To assemble, put the strut assembly in a vise and fit the stopper and dust boot that is bound to the piston rod and the coil spring and press it with the spring compressor. Attach the rubber seat, spring upper seat, bearing, and mounting block, making sure that the notched part of the spring upper seat is facing inward and screw in the upper nut of the piston rod. Disassemble the spring compressor out of strut, and have the upper mounting block firmly seated in the vise and ensure that the spring is sitting in the upper seats before reconnecting the strut to the vehicle.