Special Tools

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the shock absorber to shock absorber yoke bolt. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement.
4. Remove the shock absorber assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.



5. Install pieces of heater hose to the front spring where J 45400 contacts lower part of front spring.
6. Install the shock absorber assembly (2) into the J 45400  (1).



7. Turn the spring compressor adjusting screw (1) until the front spring (2) is compressed.



8. Remove the shock absorber nut and suspension washer.
9. Remove the shock absorber from the front spring.
10. Loosen the spring compressor until the front spring insulator can be removed.
11. Remove the front spring insulator and the front spring from the J 45400 .
12. Remove the front shock absorber retainer, front shock absorber boot and the front shock absorber upper bumper from the front shock absorber.

1. Install the front spring and the front spring insulator in the J 45400 .
2. Turn the spring compressor adjusting screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
3. Install the lower front spring insulator, front shock absorber upper bumper, front shock absorber boot, front shock retainer, front suspension washer on to the shock absorber.
4. Install the shock absorber to the J 45400 .
5. Install the front suspension washer on the shock absorber.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




6. Install the shock absorber nut and tighten to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).



7. Remove the shock absorber assembly (2) from the J 45400  (1).
8. Remove the pieces of heater hose from the front spring.
9. Install the shock absorber assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.
10. Install the shock module yoke to the shock absorber bolt. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement.
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
12. Lower the vehicle.