Subaru 2004 LEGACY, Service Manual

Page: 24 / 609

FS-23
FRONT SUSPENSION
Front Strut
C: DISASSEMBLY
1) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the
coil spring.
2) Using the ST, remove the self-locking nut.
ST
20399AG000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET
3) Remove the strut mount and upper spring seat
from strut.
4) Gradually decrease the compression force of
compressor, and remove the coil spring.
5) Remove the dust cover and helper spring.
D: ASSEMBLY
1) Before installing the coil spring, strut mount, etc.
on strut, check for the presence of air in the damp-
ening force generating mechanism of the strut
since air prevents proper dampening force produc-
tion.
2) Check for presence of air
(1) Place the strut vertically with the piston rod
facing up.
(2) Move the piston rod to the center of its entire
stroke.
(3) While holding the piston rod end with finger-
tips, move the rod up and down.
(4) If the piston rod moves at least 10 mm (0.39
in) in the former step, purge air from the strut.
3) Air purging procedure
(1) Place the strut vertically with the piston rod
facing up.
(2) Fully extend the piston rod.
(3) With the piston rod fully extended, place the
piston rod side down. The strut must stand ver-
tically.
(4) Fully contract the piston rod.
(5) Repeat 3 to 4 times from the step (1).
NOTE:
After completely purging air from the strut, be sure
to place the strut with the piston rod facing up. If the
strut is laid down and set, check for the entry of air
in accordance with “Check for presence of air”.
4) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the
coil spring.
NOTE:
Make sure that the vertical installing direction of coil
spring is as shown in the figure.
5) Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face
fits well into the spring seat as shown in the figure.
6) Install the helper and dust cover to piston rod.
FS-00040
FS-00041
ST
(1) Diameter is small (Upper part)
(2) Identification paint
(3) Diameter is large (Bottom part)
(1) Coil spring end face
FS-00042
(2)
(1)
(3)
FS-00043
(1)