How to Replace a Strut Assembly

📋 Quick Facts

A complete strut assembly (also called a "quick strut" or loaded strut) includes the spring, mount, bearing, and damper preassembled. You bolt it in - no spring compressor needed. DIY replacement is 1-2 hours per side.

🛠 What You'll Need

• New complete strut assembly (loaded, with spring and mount) (complete strut on Amazon)
• Socket set (typically 18, 19, 21, 22mm) (socket set on Amazon)
• Breaker bar (breaker bar on Amazon)
• Torque wrench (ft-lb range, up to 150 ft-lb) (torque wrench on Amazon)
• Floor jack and jack stands (jack stand set on Amazon)
• Penetrating oil (penetrating oil on Amazon)
• Pickle fork or ball joint separator (if outer tie rod must come off) (ball joint separator on Amazon)
• Mechanic gloves and eye protection (mechanic gloves on Amazon)

✅ Before You Start - Checklist

• Park on level, solid ground (no slopes, no soft dirt)
• Engine is at the correct temperature (cold or warm as specified)
• All tools and parts on hand BEFORE you begin
• Owner's manual nearby for torque specs and locations
• Safety: gloves, eye protection, hood propped open

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts a half-turnWith the vehicle on the ground, crack the lug nuts loose with a breaker bar.
2. Jack the vehicle and set jack standsLift at the rated lift point. Place stands under the chassis pinch welds. Remove the wheel.
3. Spray penetrating oil on all strut fastenersTop strut mount nuts and bottom knuckle bolts. Wait 10 minutes.
4. Disconnect the brake hose bracket from the strut (if present)Many vehicles have a bracket clipping the brake hose to the strut tube. Unbolt it so the hose does not stretch.
5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor or ABS line (if routed on the strut)Carefully unclip without yanking the sensor wire.
6. Disconnect the sway bar link from the strut (if applicable)Some vehicles have an end link bolted to the strut body. Hold the stud with a wrench while you turn the nut.
7. Loosen the strut-to-knuckle boltsThese are usually the largest bolts on the strut, often 21-22mm. They are typically torque-to-yield and should be replaced with new bolts. Do not fully remove yet.
8. Open the hood and locate the top strut mountThe top of the strut bolts to the strut tower in the engine bay. There are typically 3 nuts (on studs) around a center cap. Do not remove the center nut - it holds the strut shaft to the mount.
9. Support the lower control arm with a jackA second jack under the lower control arm prevents the knuckle from dropping when you remove the strut.
10. Remove the 3 top strut mount nutsHave a helper hold the strut from below. With the last nut out, the strut will hang free.
11. Remove the strut-to-knuckle boltsPull the bolts out and gently separate the knuckle from the strut bracket. May need to spread the bracket with a pry bar.
12. Lower the strut out from under the wheel wellManeuver it past the brake rotor.
13. Compare old and new assembliesLength, spring height, mount stud pattern, and damper rod length should match.
14. Install the new strut from belowFeed the top studs through the strut tower holes. Hand-thread the 3 mount nuts to hold it.
15. Slide the knuckle bracket onto the new strut and install boltsUse NEW knuckle bolts if they are torque-to-yield. Hand-thread first, then torque to spec (typically 100-150 ft-lb plus an angle turn).
16. Torque the top strut mount nutsTypical spec: 30-45 ft-lb. Reconnect brake hose bracket, ABS line, and sway bar link.
17. Mount the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque lug nutsLug nuts typically 80-100 ft-lb (passenger car) or 130-150 ft-lb (truck/SUV).
18. Test drive and get an alignmentStrut replacement changes camber and possibly toe. Schedule an alignment within a week.

✅ After You Finish - Verify Checklist

• No tools left in the engine bay or under the car
• Test the system you worked on (start, drive, check, etc.)
• Look for leaks or drips after 5 minutes of running
• Record the date and mileage in your service log
• Recycle or properly dispose of any old parts/fluids

🔗 Related Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions