The manufacturer recommends using new self-locking mounting nuts when installing the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Begin by unstaking and loosening the driveaxle nut. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, block the rear wheels, raise the front of the vehicle, and place it securely on jackstands before removing the front wheel. Next, remove the brake caliper, the caliper support bracket, and the brake disc. For models with ABS, remove the front wheel speed sensor and secure it aside. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and loosen, but do not remove, the strut-to-steering knuckle nuts, ensuring to mark the relationship of the upper bolt to the strut flange to preserve the camber angle during reassembly. Separate the
Control Arm from the steering knuckle, then remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts. Remove the driveaxle nut and pull the steering knuckle off the outer CV joint; if the hub sticks to the CV joint splines, use a two-jaw puller to push the stub shaft out of the hub. Exercise caution not to overextend the inner CV joint. While the steering knuckle is removed, a qualified repair facility can replace the front wheel bearings if necessary, and any damaged CV joint boots should also be replaced at this time. Inspect and, if necessary, replace the control arm balljoint while the suspension is disassembled. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring to align the mark on the upper strut-to-knuckle bolt with the mark on the strut flange, and tighten all fasteners to the specified torque. Finally, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque, and have the front end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.