Block the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, raise the front of the vehicle, support it on jackstands, and remove the appropriate wheel. Remove the fasteners and the engine under-shield. Take off the brake disc. Trace the wiring to disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor and brake pad wear sensor, then unclip the wiring. Detach the ride height sensor rod from the control arm, if equipped. Loosen the bolt connecting the control arm to the front subframe. Detach the control arm, tension strut, and tie-rod end from the hub carrier. While counterholding the ball joint shank, remove the stabilizer bar link nut, discard it, and note that the brake hose bracket is retained by this nut. Support the hub carrier with a floor jack. For models with strut tower braces, remove the cowl trim panel cap and the associated bolts. For all models, from within the engine compartment, remove the strut upper mounting nuts and lower the strut assembly. Note alignment marks between the mounting plate and vehicle body. Once the strut is removed, clean it and mount it upright in a vise. Remove the bolt attaching the suspension strut to the hub carrier, and the ABS sensor wiring bracket. Then, using a spring compressor, compress the coil spring. Access the strut upper mount retaining nut, remove it, and take off the associated components. Inspect all parts for wear or damage, replacing as necessary. Check the strut and coil spring for any signs of damage. Reassemble the strut, ensuring all parts are correctly positioned. During installation, tighten all fasteners to their specified torque, replace self-locking nuts, and once completed, it's recommended to check the front wheel alignment and steering angle sensor calibration if the vehicle has active steering.
