Somerset V6-181 3.0L (1986)
TOOLS REQUIRED (or equivalents)
^
Strut compressor tool J-26584.
^
Adapter J-26584-86.
^
(2) Top adapters J-26584-88.
^
Flaring cup tool J-25589.
^
Torque wrench adaptor J-29778-A.
CAUTION:
^
Special tool J-26584 must be used to disassemble and assemble strut damper or damage could occur.
^
Care should be taken to avoid chipping or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage to the coating
can cause premature failure.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Clamp strut compressor tool J-26584 in a suitable vise.
2. Place strut assembly in bottom adapter of compressor tool and install J-26584-86.
CAUTION: Making sure that the adapter captures the strut and that locating pins are fully engaged.
3. Rotate strut assembly to align top mounting assembly lip with strut compressor support notch.
4. Insert BOTH J-26584-88 top adapters BETWEEN top mounting assembly and top spring seat. Position top adapters so that split line is
perpendicular to spring compressor.
5. Rotate compressor forcing screw clockwise until top support flange contacts the J-26584-88 top adapters. Continue rotating forcing screw until
strut spring is compressed approximately 0.5 inch (4 complete turns).
CAUTION: Do not bottom the spring or strut damper rod.
6. Remove damper shaft top nut, then remove strut mounting assembly from damper shaft.
7. Rotate forcing screw counterclockwise to relieve spring tension. Remove top adaptors, bottom adaptor, spring and remaining components from
strut assembly.
STRUT CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT
1. Clamp strut assembly firmly in a suitable vise.
CAUTION: Do NOT overtighten. Excessive tightening will damage tube and/or bracket.
2. Located as accurately as possible, the cut line groove at top of strut damper and install pipe cutter. Cut around groove until reservoir tube is cut
completely through.
3. Remove and discard the end cap, cylinder and piston rod assembly. Discard all the fliud from strut.
4. Place J-25589 flaring cup tool on open end of reservoir tube and strike with mallet or hammer to relieve any burrs caused by the pipe cutter.
NOTE: At this time, try nut to assure positive start and smooth threading into reservoir tube threads, then remove nut.
5. Install strut carriage into reservoir tube and align grooves on cartridge base with pads at bottom of reservoir tube. Place nut over cartridge.
6. Using tool J-29778-A, torque cartridge retaining hex nut
to 190 - 230 Nm (140 - 170 ft lbs), then work the piston rod once or twice to check for proper operation.
ASSEMBLY
1. Perform Steps 1 & 2 as outlined in the "Disassembly" procedure above.
2. Rotate strut assembly until mounting flange is facing outward, opposite compressor forcing screw.
3. Position spring on strut, making sure spring is properly seated on bottom spring plate.
4. Install strut spring seat assembly and J26584-88 top adapters over strut spring seat assembly.
5. Turn compressor forcing screw until compressor top support just contacts top adapters.
NOTE: Do NOT compress spring at this time.
6. Install a long extension and socket onto hex on damper shaft, through the top spring seat to align components during installation.
CAUTION: NEVER place a hard tool such as pliers or a screwdriver against the polished surface of the damper shaft as it may be scratched,
which could cause the seal to leak. The shaft can be held up from the top end with your fingers, or with the extension, to prevent it from receding
into the strut assembly, while the spring is being compressed.
7. Compress spring by turning screw clockwise until approximately 1.5 inches of damper shaft extends through spring plate.
CAUTION: Do NOT compress spring until it bottoms.
