Subaru Impreza 2003 Service Manual page 2137

C: DISASSEMBLY
1) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the
coil spring.
2) Using the ST, remove the self-locking nut.
ST 927760000 STRUT MOUNT SOCKET
3) Remove the strut mount, upper spring seat and
rubber seat from strut.
4) Gradually decreasing the compression force of
compressor, and then 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-
ing force generating mechanism of strut since air
prevents proper damping force from being pro-
duced.
2) Checking for the presence of air
(1) Place the strut vertically with piston rod fac-
ing up.
(2) Move the piston rod to 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 piston rod fac-
ing 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.
FRONT STRUT
FS-00040
ST
FS-00041
(4) Fully contract the piston rod.
(5) Repeat three or four times from first step.
NOTE:
After completely purging air from strut, be sure to
place the strut with piston rod facing up. If it is laid
down, check for entry of air in the strut as outlined
under "Checking for the presence of air".
4) Using a coil spring compressor, compress the
coil spring.
NOTE:
Make sure that the installing direction of coil spring
is as shown in the figure.
(1) Flat (top side)
(2) Identification paint
(3) Inclined (bottom side)
5) Set the coil spring correctly so that its end face
fits well into the spring seat as shown in the figure.
(1) Coil spring end face
6) Install the helper and dust cover to the piston
rod.
FS-21
FRONT SUSPENSION
(1)
(2)
(3)
(1)
FS-00042
FS-00043