Most strut assemblies are serviceable, allowing for the upper strut mount to be replaced. The procedure is more time consuming than simply replacing the entire assembly. It is also more hazardous and requires special tools and experience to prevent serious injury. To replace a strut mount, a mechanic will first need to safely lift and support your vehicle off of the ground and remove the wheels and tires. From there, the following general steps are necessary:

• Remove the brake hose from its mount on the strut assembly
• Detach the stabilizer bar link (in some cases) from the strut
• Remove the bolts that fasten the strut to the steering knuckle
• Separate the top of the knuckle from the upper control arm ball joint (on some vehicles)
• Remove the upper strut mount at the top of the shock tower
• Free the strut assembly from the vehicle
• Using a special tool or machine, compress the coil spring to relieve tension on the strut cartridge
• Remove the upper retaining nut to release the strut body from the spring
• Decompress the spring to free up the mount (on some models)
• Remove the old strut mount and insert the new one
• Recompress the spring (if necessary)
• Install the retaining nut on the top of the strut cartridge
• Release the spring compressor, taking care to ensure that the spring, strut body, and upper mount are in alignment
• Reinstall the strut assembly in the strut tower
• Reattach the knuckle, upper control arm ball joint (when necessary), sway bar link, and brake line
• Reinstall the wheel and tire and lower the vehicle
• In many cases, a wheel alignment will also be necessary
• Note - Extreme caution must be taken when disassembling a strut assembly to prevent the coil spring from dislodging while under tension. Serious injury or death can occur otherwise.