OVERHAUL

1990–94 Vehicles

1. Compress the spring on the shock absorber.

   NOTE: Do not use an air tool to tighten the bolt on the spring compressor tool.

2. Once the spring is compressed, remove the piston rod tightening nut.

   Fig. 1: Compress coil springs before removing piston rod tightening nut

3. Remove the upper bushings, washer, bracket, collar and spring pad from the shock taking note of their exact position and orientation.
4. Remove the compressed spring from the shock absorber.

   Fig. 2: Exploded view of the rear strut disassembly — 1990–94 FWD vehicles shown, AWD similar

   To assemble:

5. Install the compressed spring onto the shock absorber, making sure the edge of the coil spring is aligned against the edge of the shock absorber spring seat.
6. Install the dust cover, cup assembly, spring pad, bracket assembly and washer to the shock piston in their original locations.
7. Align the top bracket assembly with the end of the spring and install a new piston rod tightening nut. While holding the piston rod, tighten the nut to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
8. Align the spring so the lower edge fits into the indent in the spring seat and the upper edge fits into the spring pad groove, then slowly release the spring compressor tool.
9. Fill the shock cap with grease and install onto the shock absorber assembly.

1995–98 Vehicles

1. Use a suitable coil spring compressor and compress the coil spring. An air tool should not be used to tighten the spring compressor.
2. While holding the piston rod, remove the self-locking nut.
3. Remove the upper bracket assembly and spring pad.
4. Remove the collar, upper bushing, cup assembly, bump rubber and dust cover.
5. Remove the coil spring from the strut.

   Fig. 3: Exploded view of the shock and strut assembly — 1995–98 vehicles

   To install:

6. Align the end of the coil spring with the stepped part of the spring seat and install the compressed coil spring on the strut.
7. Install the dust cover, bump rubber, cup assembly, upper bushing, collar, upper spring pad and bracket assembly on the strut.
8. Install the upper bushing and washer on the piston rod.
9. Install a new self-locking nut on the piston rod. Temporarily tighten the nut.
10. Carefully remove the spring compressor from the spring. Tighten the self-locking nut to 16 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).