Strut Assembly: Removal
- Turn off air suspension switch in left hand side of trunk. Turn ignition OFF but leave steering column unlocked. Remove plastic cover from shock tower. Remove actuator retaining screws. Remove actuator. Remove hub nut. Loosen, but DO NOT remove three top mount-to-shock tower nuts.
- Raise vehicle on hoist. DO NOT lift by lower control arms. Remove tire and wheel. Remove brake line bracket from strut assembly. Disconnect height sensor link from ball stud pin at lower control arm. Disconnect air line from solenoid valve. See AIR LINES and AIR LINE QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS under AIR & ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Disconnect electrical connector at solenoid valve. Tie brake caliper out of the way.
- Remove cotter pin from tie rod end stud and remove nut. Discard pin and nut. Disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from strut. Remove and discard lower arm-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut. Remove lower arm from steering knuckle.
- Press halfshaft from hub. Wire halfshaft to body to maintain halfshaft in level position.
CAUTION:
DO NOT allow halfshaft to move out from vehicle. Over extension of the CV joint could result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the joint.
Remove shock absorber strut-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. Remove steering knuckle and hub assembly from shock absorber strut. Remove three top mount-to-shock tower nuts and remove strut and air spring assembly from vehicle.