STRUT, Suspension, Assembly: Description: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A Macpherson type design strut assembly is used in place of the front suspension upper control arm and upper ball joint. The bottom of the strut mounts directly to the steering knuckle using two attaching bolts and nuts going through the strut clevis bracket and knuckle. The top of the strut mounts directly to the strut tower of the vehicle using the three threaded studs on the strut assembly's upper mount.

Fig 1: STRUT ASSEMBLY (EXPLODED)

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The strut assembly includes the following components:

Upper mount (rubber isolated) (2)
Bearing (3)
Upper spring seat and isolator (4)
Coil spring (5)
Dust shield and jounce bumper (6)
Lower spring isolator (7)
Strut (damper) (8)

Each component is serviced by removing the strut assembly from the vehicle and disassembling it.

Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of vehicle service. If a coil spring requires replacement, be sure that it is replaced with a spring meeting the correct load rating for the vehicle and its specific options.