MacPherson strut design
1 - Rack; 2 - Shock absorber rod boot; 3 - Coil spring (compressed with a special tool); 4 - Upper spring seat washer; 5 - Assembling the upper support of the rack; 6 - Upper nut washer; 7 - Upper support mounting nut
Models Diamante, Galant (up to 1993 and since 1999) and Mirage
Disassembly
1. The rack assembly design on the listed models is shown in the illustration.
2. Remove the rack assembly from the vehicle (see Section Removal and installation of struts and coil springs of the front suspension).
3. Using a special tool, compress the coil spring.
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4. Press the strut against the top cover, compress it approximately 1/2 of the shock absorber rod stroke - never all the way!
5. Loosen the center nut and remove the upper support assembly and upper spring seat.
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6. Remove the coil spring.
Assembly
1. Install the compressed coil spring onto the rack assembly.
2. Install the upper support assembly and tighten its mounting nut to the required torque (59 N·m).
3. Release the spring compression tool.
4. Install the rack assembly on the vehicle (see Section Removal and installation of struts and coil springs of the front suspension).
Galant models 1994÷1998.
Disassembly
1. Remove the shock absorber assembly with the coil spring (see Section Removal and installation of struts and coil springs of the front suspension).
2. Compress the spring using a special tool.
3. Loosen the self-locking nut and remove the washer placed underneath it. Remove the bushing, the upper support assembly, and the spring seat with the lining.
Installation
1. Install a coil spring compressed with a special tool onto the shock absorber assembly - make sure that the end of the spring rod rests against a special recess in the seat.
2. Install the dust cover, rubber cushion, cup, upper bushing and seat with cover.
3. Tighten the fasteners, release the spring and install the assembly on the vehicle (see Section Removal and installation of struts and coil springs of the front suspension).