Strut, Suspension, Assembly: Description
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 one threaded stud on the strut rod.
The strut assembly includes the following components:
- Strut (damper) (1)
- Coil spring (3)
- Jounce bumper (4)
- Strut-to-tower nut (5)
- Rebound plate (6)
- Strut rod nut (7)
- Washer (8)
- Upper mount (rubber isolated) (9)
- Dust shield (10).
A closer view of the top of the strut showing the following:
- Strut-to-tower nut (1)
- Rebound plate (2)
- Strut rod nut (3)
- Washer (4)
- Strut rod (5) - which must be held stationary when removing/installing the strut nuts.
- Upper mount (6)
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. Each spring has an identifying part tag which has a specific color and pattern. These colors and patterns indicate the load rating of the spring and replacement parts must have the same tag as the spring that is being replaced.