Special Tools

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

1. Remove the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement.



2. Place the strut assembly into the J 45400 .
3. Adjust the compressing arms to contact the coils farthest away from the center of the spring.
4. Using the J 45400 , compress the spring to remove the spring tension from the upper strut mount.




Important: Before removing the strut shaft nut, support the strut to prevent the strut from falling.

5. Remove the strut shaft nut, while holding the strut shaft.
6. Lower the strut from the spring and the J 45400 .



7. Remove the upper strut mount assembly and mount bearing. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.



8. Remove the upper spring seat and insulator from the spring and the J 45400 . Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
9. Using the J 45400 , remove the spring tension in order to remove the spring. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.



10. Remove the dust shield and jounce bumper assembly from the strut shaft. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
11. Remove the lower spring seat insulator. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

1. Install the spring into the J 45400 . Make sure the spring is level.
2. Use the J 45400 to compress the spring evenly.



3. Install the lower spring seat insulator.
4. Extend the strut shaft to the upper limit of its travel.
5. Insert the jounce bumper into the dust shield.
6. Slide the dust shield assembly onto the strut shaft.
7. Load the strut through the coil spring and the J 45400 .



8. Firmly align the lower spring coil in the spring seat pocket.
9. Place the upper spring insulator and spring seat onto the top of the coil spring.



10. Place the bearing and strut mount on the top of the spring seat.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




11. Install the upper strut shaft nut and tighten to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).
12. Using the J 45400 , remove the spring tension.
13. Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400 .
14. Install the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement.