Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the front wheels. Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut. 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. It's a good idea to wire the top of the steering knuckle to the body to prevent this from happening. If necessary, remove the driveaxle hub nut and separate the driveaxle from the hub splines. Support the strut and spring assembly and remove the strut-to-body nut(s). Remove the assembly out through the fenderwell. On 2012 and later models, there are two piston rod nuts: the upper nut which holds the strut assembly to the body, and the lower nut that secures the spring seat against the spring. Do not loosen the second nut until the spring can be safely secured. 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. If any undesirable conditions exist, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. Guide the strut assembly up into the fenderwell and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Once the studs protrude through the body, install the nuts so the strut won't fall back through. This may require an assistant, as the strut is quite heavy and awkward. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Install the nuts and tighten them to the torque. If removed, install the driveaxle hub nut and tighten it to the torque. Position the brake hose bracket on the strut and install the bolt, tightening it securely. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Tighten the upper mounting nuts to the torque. Have the front wheel alignment checked and, if necessary, adjusted.