Subaru 2002 IMPREZA Service Manual page 1912

FRONT SUSPENSION
9) Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod
from turning, tighten the self-locking nut with ST.
ST 927760000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET
Tightening torque:
54 N·m (5.5 kgf-m, 39.8 ft-lb)
10) Loosen the coil spring carefully.
E: INSPECTION
Check the disassembled parts for cracks, damage
and wear, and replace with new parts if defective.
1. DAMPER STRUT
1) Check for oil leakage.
2) Move the piston rod up and down to check that it
operates smoothly without any binding.
3) Play of piston rod
• Measure the play as follows:
Fix outer shell and fully extend the rod. Set a dial
gauge at the end of rod: L [10 mm (0.39 in)], then
apply a force of W [20 N (2 kgf, 4 lb)] to threaded
portion. With the force of 20 N (2 kgf, 4 lb) applied,
read dial gauge indication: P
(2 kgf, 4 lb) in the opposite direction of "W", then
read dial gauge indication: P
The free play is determined by the following equa-
tion:
Play = P , P
1 2
Limit of play:
Less than 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
If the play is greater, replace the strut.
FRONT STRUT
S4M0096A
. Apply a force of 20 N
1
.
2
G4M0508
FS-22
2. STRUT MOUNT
Check the rubber part for creep, cracks and deteri-
oration, and replace it with a new one if defective.
3. DUST COVER
If any cracks or damage are found, replace it with a
new one.
4. COIL SPRING
One having permanent strain should be replaced
with a new one. When the vehicle posture is un-
even, although there are no considerable reasons
like tire puncture, uneven loading, etc., check the
coil spring for its free length referring to specifica-
tions, cracks, etc., and replace it with a new one if
defective.
5. HELPER
Replace it with a new one if cracked or damaged.
F: DISPOSAL
CAUTION:
• Before handling gas filled struts, be sure to
wear goggles to protect eyes from gas, oil and/
or filings.
• Do not disassemble the strut damper or place
into a fire.
• Drill holes before disposing of gas filled
struts.
1) Place the gas filled strut on a flat and level sur-
face with piston rod fully extended.
2) Using a 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 in) dia. drill,
make holes in areas shown in the figure.
B4M1202A