How to Replace a Front Strut/Shock Assembly. Done to perfection.
Time to swap out those worn-out front struts and get that smooth ride back! Here is a breakdown of exactly how it’s done:
1. Remove the Old Assembly
Bottom Bolt: Use an impact wrench and a backup wrench to remove the lower mounting bolt securing the strut to the control arm.
Top Nuts: Head under the hood and unbolt the top strut mount nuts from the tower.
Extraction: Carefully pull the entire strut and coil spring assembly out of the wheel well.
2. Compress the Coil Spring
⚠️ Safety First: Coil springs are under intense pressure. Use high-quality spring compressors and ensure they are locked securely in place before tightening.
Attach the spring compressors to opposite sides of the coil.
Evenly compress the spring using an impact wrench until the tension is completely off the top mount.
Unbolt the top strut nut and remove the upper mount and the old shock absorber body.
3. Assemble the New Strut
Unbox the brand-new shock absorber and verify it matches the old one.
Slide the compressed coil spring, bump stop, and upper mount assembly onto the new strut shaft.
Secure and tighten the top center nut.
Decompress: Slowly and evenly back off the spring compressors until the spring sits perfectly in its rubber seats.
4. Reinstallation
Guide the new assembly back into the wheel well.
Hand-tighten the top tower nuts under the hood, then zip them down securely.
Align the lower mount with the control arm, slide the bottom bolt through, and torque it to spec.