For 1990-2009 cars only
- Remove the top strut mounting bolts.
- Lift the front of the vehicle by the body to separate the strut from the inner wheel house. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Using a round file, enlarge the bolt hole opening in the strut tower at the front and rear of the strut mounting holes on the left and right strut towers.
- Pull out the guide pins.
- File the excess metal to make the slotted holes.
- Paint the exposed metal with rust preventive paint or primer.
- Lower the front of the vehicle.
- Install the strut attaching bolts, but do not tighten them at this time.
- Adjust the caster by moving the top of the strut forward or rearward. A 1 mm (0.040 in) position change at the tower is about equal to 0.1 degree change in caster. Set the caster to the required specification.
- Tighten the strut tower bolts.
- Recheck the caster setting after tightening.
- Readjust the caster setting if necessary.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten
Tighten the strut mounting bolts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).
