1. Safety Precaution: Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the parking brake is engaged.
2. Prepare the Vehicle: Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right depending on which strut needs to be replaced, which will create more room for the removal of the wheel and the strut assembly.
3. Remove the Wheel: Jack up the car and remove the lug nuts using a lug wrench. Remove the wheel and set it aside.
4. Locate the Strut Assembly: Identify the strut assembly which consists of the strut, coil spring, and other components.
5. Disconnect Components: Disconnect the brake line by unbolting it from the strut using an open-end wrench. Disconnect the ABS sensor if equipped, usually clipped into the strut assembly housing.
6. Remove the Upper Mount: Remove the bolts or nuts holding the upper strut mount in place using appropriate wrenches or sockets.
7. Compress the Coil Spring: Use a coil spring compressor to compress the coil spring safely and carefully. Follow the instructions provided with the spring compressor.
8. Dismantle the Strut Assembly: Remove the nut that holds the top of the strut in place and carefully remove the top mount and the old strut assembly.
9. Inspect the Parts: Check for any damage or wear on the strut, spring, and upper mount. If any component needs to be replaced, now is the time to do so.
10. Reassemble the Strut Assembly: Install the new or reconditioned strut, spring, and upper mount in the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure the spring is properly seated and the upper mount is securely fastened.
11. Re-install Components: Re-install the components disconnected earlier including the brake line and the ABS sensor. Double check all nuts and bolts are properly tightened.
12. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle using the jack.
13. Repeat for the Other Side: If you're replacing struts on both sides, repeat steps 3 to 12 on the other side of the vehicle.
14. Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to ensure proper functionality of the suspension and steering.
Keep in mind that replacing struts requires a significant amount of mechanical skill and specialized tools. If you are not comfortable performing these tasks, it's best to have the work done by a qualified mechanic.
