If the struts or coil springs leak fluid, lose their damping ability, or become damaged with chipped, sagging or cracked coil springs, do not immediately decide to change parts as strut shock absorber assemblies are non-serviceable and must be changed once there is a problem. Often struts with springs are bought and sold, therefore, it will be possible to save time and efforts, so it is necessary to check the price and possibility of purchase of parts before disassembly of the car. One must invest in a good spring compressor and ensure that he follows all instructions that come with the product. Once the coil spring has been disconnected from the strut assembly; dispose it in a central point. To disassemble, first use a hydraulic spring puller to disconnect the strut/spring assembly then the following can be done; The separated strut and spring assembly should be placed in a vise, perhaps wrapped in wood or rags to prevent any scrapping or damage to the part The nut should not be over tightened as this can cause damage to the strut. Wielding to the tool manufacturer's instruction, position the spring compressor to the spring and tighten until there is no more pressure on the upper spring seat, which can be ascertained by shook the spring. Loosen the damper shaft nut and pull the nut and suspension support out and check for free movement of the bearing and replace if it is worn. Inspect the rubber gasket/portion of the suspension support as there can be a problem if it splits or separates. Take out the upper spring seat from the damper shaft and examine the item for cracks and toughness, replacing with new one if necessary; subsequently, take out the upper insulator. Ungently raise the compressed spring from the assembly with the ends directed away from you and place it aside. Pull the rubber bumper off the damper shaft, look at the lower insulator for signs of wear or cracking and to check the hardness of it and replace it if required. During the reassembly if the lower insulator is required to be replaced then fix it in a way that the dropped portion rests in the low part of the seat, the damper rod has to be pushed to its maximum extent as well as fitting the rubber bumper. Put the coil spring on the lower insulator so that the end is in the lowest position occupied, then insert the upper insulator as well as the spring seat, using the flats located on the damper shaft's hole. bolts the holes in the upper spring seat with those in the lower tighten the damper nut up to the manufacture recommended torque with the holes in the spring seats still in alignment unlock the spring compressor tool and then bolt the strut spring assembly.
