Front Strut: Assembly

Before installing the coil spring, strut mount, etc. on strut, check for the presence of air in the dampening force generating mechanism of the strut since air prevents proper dampening force production.
Checking for presence of air
1. Place the strut vertically with the piston rod facing up.
2. Move the piston rod to the center of its entire stroke.
3. While holding the piston rod end with fingers, move the rod up and down.
4. If the piston rod moves 10 mm (0.39 in) or more in the former step, purge air from the strut.
Air purging procedure
1. Place the strut vertically with the piston rod facing up.
2. Fully extend the piston rod.
3. With the piston rod fully extended, place the piston rod side down. The strut must stand vertically.
4. Fully retract the piston rod.
5. Repeat 3 or 4 times from the step ( 1).
  NOTE: After purging air from the strut, be sure to place the strut with the piston rod facing up. If the strut is laid down for any reason, check for the entry of air in accordance with "Checking for presence of air"
Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
NOTE: Make sure that the vertical install direction of the coil spring is as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Inspecting Spring
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face seats well in the spring seat as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring End Face
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the helper and dust cover to the piston rod.
Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the spring seat.
NOTE: Position the upper spring seat as shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Positioning Upper Spring Seat
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install spacer and the strut mount to piston rod, and tighten a new self-locking nut temporarily.
Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, tighten the new self-locking nut with ST.
ST 20399AG000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET

Tightening torque:

55 N.m (5.6 kgf-m, 41 ft-lb)

Fig 4: Tightening Self-Locking Nut
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Loosen the coil spring compressor carefully.