Front suspension strut - removal and refitting

Suspension and steering / Front suspension strut - removal and refitting

Removal
1 Remove the wheel trim from the relevant wheel.

2 With the handbrake applied loosen the driveshaft nut (see illustration). The nut is tightened to a high torque and a socket extension may be required.

2.2 Driveshaft nut

3 Jack up the front of the car and support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and vehicle support”). Remove the roadwheel.

4 Remove the brake disc with reference to Chapter 9, then unbolt the splash plate from the strut.

5 Unscrew the nut securing the steering tierod end to the strut, then use a balljoint separator to release the tie-rod.

6 Remove the anti-roll bar as described in Section 7. Alternatively the track control arm and anti-roll bar can be levered downwards later (paragraph 8).

7 Unscrew and remove the clamp bolt securing the track control arm to the wheel bearing housing/strut noting that the bolt head faces forward.

8 Push the control arm down to disconnect the balljoint then move the strut sideways.

9 Unscrew the driveshaft nut, then pull the strut out and at the same time tap the driveshaft through the hub with a mallet.

10 Working in the engine compartment prise the cap from the top of the strut then unscrew the self-locking nut while supporting the strut from below (see illustrations). If necessary hold the shock absorber rod stationary with a spanner.

2.10a Removing the front suspension strut top cap

2.10b View of the front suspension strut upper mounting from below

11 Lower the strut from under the car.

12 If necessary remove the cups and rubber mountings from the front suspension tower.

Refitting
13 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but renew the upper rubber mountings if necessary. Refer to Section 7 when refitting the anti-roll bar, Chapter 9 when refitting the brake disc and Chapter 8 when tightening the driveshaft nut. Finally check and if necessary adjust the front wheel alignment as described in Section 20. If difficulty is experienced fitting the upper rubber mounting first dust it with talcum powder.