Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Support the control arm with a floor jack. Remove the brake hose bracket from the strut. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, detach the speed sensor wiring harness from the strut by removing the clamp bracket bolt. On models equipped with electronic modulated suspension, remove the shock absorber cap and disconnect the shock absorber wiring harness. If the strut is to be disassembled, loosen, but do not remove, the damper shaft nut. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out with a hammer and punch. Separate the strut from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to overextend the inner CV joint. Also, don't let the steering knuckle fall outward, as the brake hose could be damaged. Support the strut and spring assembly with one hand and remove the three strut-to-shock tower nuts. On models equipped with electronic modulated suspension, loosen but do not remove, the nut in the center of the strut. Remove the assembly out from the fenderwell. Check the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other obvious damage which would warrant repair or replacement. 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 three upper mounting studs through the holes in the shock tower. Once the three studs protrude from the shock tower, install the nuts so the strut won't fall back through. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Install the nuts and tighten them to the torque. Reattach the brake hose bracket to the strut. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, install the speed sensor wiring harness bracket. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Tighten the three upper mounting nuts to the torque. If you're working on a model equipped with electronic modulated suspension and the strut had been disassembled, tighten the nut in the center of the strut to the torque. Connect the electrical connector and install cap.
