Front Strut: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
NOTE:
Make sure that the vertical install direction of the coil spring is as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Identifying Identification Paint, Diameter Small And Large
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face seats well in the spring seat as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring End Face
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the helper and dust cover to the piston rod.
Pull the piston rod fully upward, and install the spring seat.
NOTE: Position the upper spring seat as shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Identifying Upper Spring Seat Position
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the strut mount to piston rod, and temporarily attach and tighten a new self locking nut.
Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, tighten the new self-locking nut with ST.
ST 20399AG000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET

Tightening torque:

55 N.m (5.61 kgf-m, 40.6 ft-lb)

Fig 4: Removing/Installing Self-Locking Nut Using Strut Mount Socket
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Loosen the coil spring compressor carefully.