Description - Strut Assembly (Front)
There are two different design struts available on this vehicle. A standard strut and an adjustable strut which is used on vehicles equipped with the ACR performance package. Both struts share common style components except that the ACR strut has no external jounce bumper. It is internal.
A Macpherson type design strut assembly is used in place of the front suspension upper control arm and upper ball joint. (Figure). The bottom of the strut mounts directly to the steering knuckle using 2 attaching bolts and nuts going through the strut clevis bracket and steering knuckle. The top of the strut mounts directly to the strut tower of the vehicle using the three threaded studs on the strut assemblies upper mount. During steering maneuvers, the strut assembly (through a pivot bearing in the upper strut mount) and steering knuckle (through the lower ball joint) turn as an assembly.
The strut assembly includes the following components:
- Strut shaft retaining nut
- Upper mount (rubber isolated)
- Upper spring seat and bearing
- Dust shield
- Jounce bumper
- Coil spring
- Lower spring isolator
- Strut (damper)
Each component is serviced by removing the strut assembly from the vehicle and disassembling it.
The strut and front suspension of the vehicle is supported by coil springs positioned around the upper half of each strut. The springs are contained between the upper and the lower seats of the strut assembly.
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of vehicle service. During service procedures of the strut assembly, if both springs are removed, mark the springs to ensure installation in its original position.
The adjustable ACR strut has a knob on the bottom. It is there to adjust the suspension firmness. Although the strut shaft is much thicker on ACR struts, the same upper mount and retaining nut can be used.