Rear

GENERAL INFORMATION
The rear strut is not serviced and must be replaced as an assembly if found to be defective. The strut is available with 3 calibrations; be sure strut is replaced with an assembly of the same calibration.

The components of the strut assembly listed below are replaceable if found to be defective.
- Coil spring (Coil springs come in a standard rate, but have different check loads. Be sure spring is replaced with a spring with the correct check load.)
- Dust shield
- Mount assembly
- Jounce Bumper
- Upper Spring Isolator
- Lower Spring Isolator
- Shaft Nut

DISASSEMBLE
1. Remove strut assembly requiring service from the vehicle.
2. Position strut assembly in a vise. Using paint or equivalent, mark the strut unit, lower spring isolator, spring and upper strut mount for indexing of the parts at assembly.

Compressor On Strut Assembly Coil Spring:

CAUTION: When installing spring compressor on coil spring, do not position the spring compressor on the sleeve of the coil spring. Positioning the spring compressor on the sleeve could cause the sleeve to dislodge from the coil spring when it is compressed. This would result in the required replacement of the coil spring.

WARNING: Do not install the spring compressor on the coil spring in an area of the spring covered by a sleeve. If the sleeve moves when compressing the spring, the spring could come out of compressor resulting in personal injury.

3. Attach OTC shoes 7525, or the equivalent, on OTC Spring Compressor 7520, or the equivalent. Position the compressor on the strut assembly spring. Compress coil spring until all load is removed from upper strut mount assembly.

Removing Strut Shaft Nut:

4. Install Strut Shaft Socket, Special Tool, 6864 on strut shaft nut. Use a deep well socket inserted into the opening of tool 6864 to keep strut shaft from turning. With the spring compressed, remove the nut from the strut shaft.
5. Remove the strut upper mount assembly, upper spring isolator, dust shield, and jounce bumper. The jounce bumper should come off with the dust shield. The dust shield and upper spring isolator can be removed from the upper mount if necessary.
6. Remove the coil spring and the spring compressor from the strut as an assembly.

Lower Spring Isolator:

7. Remove the lower spring isolator from the strut.

INSPECTION
Inspect all disassembled components for signs of abnormal wear or failure. Replace components as required. Inspect the strut shaft for any signs of abnormal wear or damage. Inspect strut unit for signs of abnormal oil leakage and for loss of gas charge. To check for loss of gas charge in strut unit. Push strut shaft into body of strut and release, strut shaft should return to its fully extended position. If strut shaft does not return to its fully extended position, replace strut unit.

NOTE: Make sure all components are free of dirt and debris before assembly, especially around the mounting surfaces.

ASSEMBLE
1. Install lower spring isolator on strut unit.

Jounce Bumper Installed Into Dust Shield:

2. Install jounce bumper into dust shield from the bottom. Jounce bumper should snap into position at top end of dust shield.
3. Install the dust shield and jounce bumper into position in bottom of upper strut mount. Dust shield should snap into position. Once correctly installed, the dust boot should be able to be rotated within the mount without coming loose.

WARNING: Coil spring must be installed on strut so the sleeve on the spring is towards the upper end of assembly.

4. Lower the coil spring with compressor onto the strut unit. Set the spring into the form fitting seat of the strut or just align the paint mark on the spring with the paint mark on the strut unit if previously marked.

Strut Mount Positioning:

5. Install the upper strut mount assembly onto the strut shaft, aligning paint marks (if applicable). Position mount so center mounting stud is aligned with the stabilizer bar attaching link bracket on the strut assembly.
6. Install the upper strut mount to strut shaft nut on the strut shaft. Install Strut Shaft Socket, Special Tool 6864, on strut shaft nut. Use a deep well socket inserted into the opening of tool 6864 to keep strut shaft from turning. Tighten the strut shaft nut to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
7. Loosen the Spring Compressor until spring is seated on upper strut mount and all tension is relieved from the spring compressor. Remove Compressor.
8. Install the strut assembly back into the vehicle.
9. Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.