Front Strut Assembly: Assembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Subaru Impreza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Before installing the coil spring, strut mount, etc., on the strut, check for the presence of air in the dampening force generating mechanism of the strut since air prevents proper dampening force from being produced.
- Checking for the presence of air:
- Place the strut vertically with the piston rod facing up.
- Move the piston rod to the center of its entire stroke.
- While holding the piston rod end with finger-tips, move the rod up and down.
- If the piston rod moves at least .39" (10 mm) in the former step, purge air from the strut.
- Air purging procedure:
- Place the strut vertically with the piston rod facing up.
- Fully extend the piston rod.
- With the piston rod fully extended, place the piston rod side down. The strut must stand vertically.
- Fully contract the piston rod.
- Repeat steps a through d about 3 or 4 times.
NOTE: Make sure that the vertical installing direction of coil spring is as shown in Fig 1. - Using coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
- Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face fits well into the spring seat. See Fig 2.
- Install the helper and dust cover to the piston rod.NOTE: Ensure the upper spring seat is positioned as shown in Fig 3.
- Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the rubber seat and spring seat.CAUTION: Be sure to use a new self-locking nut.
- Install the strut mount to the piston, and tighten the self-locking nut temporarily.
- Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, tighten self-locking nut with strut mount socket. See Figure.
- Loosen the coil spring carefully.