Replacing struts on your car [AUTODOC tutorial]

How to change suspension strut on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Hydraulic strut spring compressor
                    
                      Strut spring compressor
                    
                      Jack
                    
                      Coil spring compressor

Buy tools

Please note!

Both the front and rear axles of a vehicle can be fitted with suspension struts
Suspension struts are replaced in pairs on an axle

1.

To replace the components, you need to access their lower and upper fasteners
2.

In the case of the front axle, you should open the bonnet and remove the scuttle panel if necessary
3.

Depending on the position of the windscreen wipers on your car, you may also need to remove their arms
4.

As for the rear axle components, you can access them via the boot or passenger compartment

Important!
In some cars, the upper mount of the rear suspension strut is attached in the wheel arch area
5.

Start disassembling by loosening the upper fastener of the strut without unscrewing it completely

AUTODOC recommends:
Perform the procedure when the car is on the ground and the suspension is under load
6.

Access the lower fasteners. To this end, you may need to detach the sway bar link, sensors, wiring, and hoses

Please note!
The suspension strut can be either bolted to the steering knuckle, fitted into the mounting seat on the knuckle, or attached to the suspension arms
7.

Secure or jack up the wheel assembly before removing the fasteners connecting the strut to the knuckle

Important!
This will prevent excessive strain on the bushings and brake hoses and detachment of the wheel driveTo remove the strut from its mounting seat on the steering knuckle, you may need to force apart the mounting seat
8.

As the strut is only held by the loosened upper fastener, be sure to hold it firmly when dismounting it
9.

Follow the same steps to replace the components on the rear axle; access the fastener and remove the suspension strut
10.

To disassemble the strut or replace its components compress and secure the spring

Be careful!
Only use a safe and reliable tool to perform this procedureThe spring force is very high, so you should firmly secure it before unscrewing the rod nut
11.

Before disassembling the strut, secure the rod to prevent it from rotating. In some cases, you may need special tools to perform this procedure
12.

Loosen the retaining nut that holds the spring mount, the cup, and the spring itself

Caution!
The nut and the top mount are already loose because the spring is compressedTo avoid injury, make sure that the spring is not pressing on the mount before unscrewing the top nut
13.

Remove the mount components and decompress the spring
14.

Examine the components for damage and replace them if necessary
15.

Note the position of the spring in its mounting seat
16.

Prime the new shock absorber according to the manufacturer’s instructions
17.

When reassembling the strut, be sure to use new seals
18.

Reassemble the suspension strut in reverse order
19.

Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended torque

Please note!
Depending on the car’s design, the mounts may have an installation directionThis means that the mount has to be installed in a specific direction on both the strut and the carThis is indicated by special marks on the parts
20.

Clean the mounting seat of the strut mount on the car body and those of the strut itself on the suspension parts
21.

Be sure to attach all the hoses and wires correctly during installation

AUTODOC recommends:
When starting the disassembly, we recommend leaving them in the position in which they will be reattached later
22.

Install the suspension strut on the car
23.

As the parts must be replaced in pairs on an axle, perform the procedure on the opposite side
24.

When reassembling the component, make sure that every element is fixed securely in its mounting seat

Important!
If the strut doesn’t have a mount bearing, ensure that the mount is positioned correctly in relation to the lower fastenerReassemble the strut in the correct order, otherwise it simply won’t fit in the mounting seat

Comments – 2

@user_264157

19.09.2024 10:08

Member

The Aixam has a different lower end mount. How to open it?
- Graziana Venturi
  
  19.09.2024 12:44
  
  @user_264157
  
  Moderator
  
  Hello! It is challenging to provide a definitive answer at this time. However, more detailed and precise information can be found in the technical documentation specific to your vehicle's repair. Consulting this documentation will offer accurate guidance and instructions for addressing the issue.