Removal
Warning: Struts should be replaced in pairs, even if only one is faulty.
1. Prepare the car for work (see "Preparing the car for maintenance and repair").
2. Remove the front wheel (see "Wheel - replacement").
3. Disconnect the steering rod end from the steering column pivot arm (see "Tie Rod End - Replacement").
Note: If you remove the strut for disassembly, loosen the shock absorber rod nut with a special tool or a 22 mm open-end wrench while holding the rod with a 9 mm open-end wrench.
4. Using a 13 mm open-end wrench, loosen the three nuts securing the upper support of the strut to the car body.
5. To minimize the distortion of the front wheel camber angle, use a center punch or paint to make marks on the upper steering knuckle mounting bolt and on the strut bracket.
6. Using a 17 mm socket wrench, unscrew the nuts on the upper and lower mounting bolts of the steering knuckle to the strut, holding the bolts from turning with a 17 mm open-end wrench.
7. Remove the washers from the bolts (eccentric upper bolt washer) and remove the bolts.
8. Using a screwdriver or mounting blade, remove the steering knuckle from engagement with the strut bracket.
9. Remove the brake hose from the rack bracket.
10. Unscrew the nuts securing the upper support of the strut and remove the strut assembly.
Installation
We install the rack in the reverse order, while the mark (arrow) on the upper support should be facing the front of the car.
Tighten the nuts securing the upper support to the body with a torque of 19.6-24.2 N·m (2.0-2.4 kgf·m). Before tightening the nuts securing the steering knuckle to the strut, align the marks on the eccentric bolt and bracket. Tighten the nuts and bolts to a torque of 77.5-96.1 Nm (7.9-9.8 kgf·m).