Caution: Before disassembling the front suspension strut, you must obtain the appropriate tool to hold the spring in a compressed state. Adjustable spring compressors are available and recommended for this procedure (spring compressors), providing rigid fixation relative to the spring. Any attempt to disassemble the rack without such a tool may result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
1. After removing the rack from the car, clean it from any dirt that has stuck to it. Clamp the stand in a vice in a vertical position.
2. Install the pullers on the spring (if you haven't done so yet). Use pullers that can be firmly fixed on the spring (usually with a small clamping bolt). Any other type of fixture may jump or slide off the spring as it tightens. Tighten the pullers just enough to remove the load from the spring plate.
3. Remove the protective cover, then unscrew the piston rod nut while holding the piston rod with a suitable internal Allen key (figure 5.3). Please note that you will need a new nut for assembly.
Figure 5.3. Loosen the strut piston rod nut while holding the piston rod with a suitable Allen key
4. Remove the nut, washer, then remove the spacer ring, backing plate, bearing, upper spring plate and flat washer. Remove the coil spring, then remove the piston dust boot and the rubber dynamic deflection limiter (figure 5.4). The spring can be left in a compressed state, ready to be installed on the suspension strut. If you are going to install a new spring, you should carefully remove the spring pullers from the "old" spring.
Figure 5.4. Elements of the front suspension strut
1. Protective cap
2. Piston rod nut
3. Washer
4. Ring
5. Support plate
6. Bearing
7. Upper spring plate
8. Coil spring
9. Piston dust cover
10. Flat washer
11. Dynamic deflection limiter
12. Rack housing
5. Now that the rack is completely disassembled, inspect all components for wear, damage, and deformation, and check the smooth operation of the bearing. Replace the necessary elements.
6. Inspect the strut housing for signs of fluid leakage or damage. Inspect the strut piston along its entire length for signs of pitting. Check the operation of the rack. Holding the shock absorber vertical, check its operation by moving the piston rod through its full stroke and then making short strokes of 50-100 mm. In both cases, the resistance should be smooth and consistent. If you feel uneven resistance or jerking, or if there are visible signs of wear or damage to the shock absorber, it needs to be replaced.
7. If there is any doubt about the condition of the spring, carefully remove the spring compressors and inspect the spring for deformation and signs of cracks. Replace the spring if it is damaged or deformed.
8. Follow the accompanying photographs to assemble the suspension strut. Follow the prescribed sequence and strictly adhere to the captions under the figures (figure 5.8, a-l).
Figure 5.8, a. Extend the piston rod as far as possible and install the dynamic deflection limiter
5.8, b. Install the piston dust cover...
5.8, in....compressed spring...
Figure 5.8, g....making sure that the end of the lower turn is correctly positioned on the lower plate
5.8, d. Install flat washer...
Figure 5.8, e....the upper plate of the spring...
Figure 5.8, f....bearing...
Figure 5.8, z....and the support plate
Figure 5.8, i. Install the spacer ring on the support plate...
Figure 5.8, k....install the upper washer...
Figure 5.8, l....and then screw on and tighten the piston rod nut
9. Once assembly is complete, install the suspension strut onto the vehicle as described in paragraph 4.
