- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket wrench set
- 14mm socket
- 17mm socket
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Pry bar
- New strut assembly
Step 1: Prepare the Car
- Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely.
Step 2: Raise the Car
- Use the jack to lift the rear of the car until the tires are off the ground.
- Place jack stands under the car to support it.
- Lower the car onto the jack stands.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheel.
Step 4: Remove the Brake Caliper
- Unbolt the brake caliper from the strut and hang it out of the way with a piece of wire.
Step 5: Remove the Lower Strut Bolt
- Locate the lower strut bolt at the bottom of the strut.
- Use a 17mm socket to loosen and remove the bolt.
Step 6: Remove the Upper Strut Bolts
- Open the trunk of the car and locate the upper strut bolts in the trunk well.
- Use a 14mm socket to loosen and remove the bolts.
Step 7: Remove the Strut
- Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the car.
Step 8: Install the New Strut
- Position the new strut assembly in the car.
- Insert the upper strut bolts and tighten them with a 14mm socket.
- Install the lower strut bolt and tighten it with a 17mm socket.
Step 9: Reattach the Brake Caliper
- Bolt the brake caliper back onto the strut.
Step 10: Reinstall the Wheel
- Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
Step 11: Lower the Car
- Slowly lower the car down off the jack stands.
- Remove the jack stands.
Step 12: Test the Suspension
- Bounce up and down on the rear of the car to test the suspension.
- Make sure that the strut is properly installed and that the suspension is working properly.
Step 13: Repeat for the Other Side
- Repeat the steps on the other side of the car to replace the other strut.
