When there are strong knocks under the hood when driving off-road and bumps, it's time to think about replacing the strut support bearing on your favorite "top ten". Since you will be doing the repair yourself, you just need a way to replace the support bearing, which does not require the obligatory adjustment of the wheel alignment angles (camber alignment).
Repair step by step
1. The first step is to disconnect the tie rod end from the strut knuckle. To do this, remove the front wheel from the side of the support bearing to be replaced using a standard wheel wrench (or a knob with a “17” head) and a jack. Support the vehicle securely on a factory-made stand (never use a jack for this purpose).
2. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the removed tie rod end. Use the pliers to unbend and pull out the cotter pin securing the nut connecting the tip to the steering knuckle.
3. Then, using a spanner wrench on "19", do not completely unscrew the nut securing the ball pin of the outer tip of the steering rod. Insert a mounting paddle between the steering knuckle and the outer tip, squeeze the tip away from the knuckle and, striking the end of the knuckle with a hammer, pull the ball joint pin out of the knuckle. Unscrew the ball pin retaining nut and slide the pin out of the hole.
4. Using a spanner wrench or a “13” head, loosen the tightening bolt of the terminal connection of the outer lug and use a slotted screwdriver to release the groove of the terminal connection of the lug.
5. Holding the adjusting rod with a wrench on "22" by the hexagon, unscrew the outer tip by turning it clockwise and remove it.
6. Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle by unscrewing the two bolts securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle with a “17” spanner wrench. Then, using a mounting spudger, move the suspension arm together with the ball joint away from the steering knuckle.
7. Unscrew the head on "30" the front hub bearing nut from the side of the support bearing to be dismantled. Place a rag under the CV joint cover to prevent damage to the cover on the front suspension elements. Move the steering knuckle with the strut to the side and remove the SHRUS housing shank from the hub. Place the drive on the brace.
8. Using a spanner wrench on "17", unscrew the two bolts securing the guide pads to the steering knuckle and remove the pad guide assembly with the bracket and pads from the brake disc. Tie it with a cord to the holes in the wheel arch to prevent excessive tension on the brake hose.
9. Using a spanner wrench or a high head on "7" unscrew the two guide pins and remove the brake disc. If difficult, knock the disc with a hammer. Then, using a key "10", unscrew the three bolts securing the brake disc shield to the steering knuckle and remove the brake disc shield.
10. Using a “22” wrench, loosen the strut rod nut, keeping the rod from turning with a “6” hexagon. Using a head or a key on "13", unscrew the three nuts securing the strut support to the body and remove the strut together with the steering knuckle assembly.
11. Install on the spring two ties diametrically opposite to each other so that they engage three turns of the spring. Rotate the tie screws evenly to compress the spring.
12. After the spring stops pressing on the support cup, unscrew the strut stem nut. Remove the support bearing rebound travel stop, and then the support bearing itself. Install the strut with a new thrust bearing, performing all operations in reverse order.
Useful Tips
Before removing the outer tip of the tie rod with a marker, mark its position relative to the adjusting rod or count the number of revolutions when unscrewing the tip. This is necessary so that when installing a new tip, the length of the tie rod would remain the same, which would allow the wheel toe angle to be approximately maintained.
In no case do not completely unscrew the strut stem nut until you have installed the ties on the springs and make sure that they securely fix the spring. Failure to do so could cause the spring to shoot at you and cause serious injury.
