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Home › Jeep › 2021 › Cherokee Trailhawk › Repair and Diagnosis › Suspension › Wheel Alignment › Front Suspension & Wheel Alignment › Front › Strut, Suspension, Assembly › Removal

Strut, Suspension, Assembly: Removal

NOTE:

Before proceeding. Refer to FRONT, WARNING .

NOTE:

Removal of the strut assembly is the same for both sides.

NOTE:

If both strut assemblies are removed, label the strut assemblies right or left. Keep the other strut parts separated with right or left as well. Not all parts of the strut assembly are interchangeable side-to-side.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  2. Remove the wheel mounting bolts and the tire and wheel assembly.
    GC0159199Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  3. Using a suitable punch, lift the two staked areas (1) on the hub nut. Use care not to damage the halfshaft.
  4. While a helper applies the brakes to keep the hub from rotating, remove the hub nut (2) and DISCARD  it. Remove the rotor bolt (3). Do not reuse the hub nut. 
  5. Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to ROTOR, BRAKE, REMOVAL .
    GC0159258Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  6. Remove the wheel speed sensor (1) and remove the wire harness from the strut. Position the wire harness aside.
  7. Remove the stabilizer bar link. Refer to LINK, STABILIZER BAR, REMOVAL .
  8. Remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Refer to TIE ROD, STEERING, REMOVAL .
    GC0159187Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  9. Remove and DISCARD  the lower ball joint nut (1).
  10. Using (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) separate the ball joint stud from the control arm.
    GC0176891Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    Make sure the ball joint boot does not get cut when separating the control arm from the knuckle. 

    NOTE:

    After separating the control arm from the knuckle, do not let it swing rapidly back up. This can tear the ball joint dust boot. 

  11. Insert a pry bar (1) in the opening between the control arm front mounting bolt and the front fascia support beam.
  12. Pry down on the control arm (2) until the ball joint stud is clear of the control arm, then push the knuckle assembly to the side when it is clear of the ball joint stud and slowly release the control arm.
  13. Separate the axle from the knuckle and support the axle.
    GC0159916Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  14. Insert the ball joint back into the control arm to support the strut during upper strut clip removal.
  15. Lower the hoist until a floor jack can be used to raise the strut (1) to relieve tension on the upper strut clip.
  16. Using two screwdrivers, pry the two ends (2) of the strut clip in opposite directions to separate and break the clip. DISCARD the clips after removal. 
    GC0176898Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  17. Remove the knuckle to strut pinch bolt and nut (1). DISCARD the nut and bolt. 
  18. Remove the strut from the vehicle.
  19. To disassemble the strut. Refer to STRUT, SUSPENSION, ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY .
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