OEM 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Shock Absorber

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Shock Absorber Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Shock Absorber in the Front Strut Assembly on 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: You have to remove the front strut assembly from the car to service or repair it. You should use a strut spring compressor, PSE tool W-7200 or any similar tool when compressing the coil spring, as stated by the manufacturer. If the struts are changed together, label the coil spring and strut assembly with the left or right mark. Put the strut assembly into the compressor positioning the lower and upper hooks, with the strut clevis bracket standing straight outwards. The coil spring needs to be completely compressed before the nut holding the strut shaft is removed and this requires placing a clamp on the lower coil spring end. Keep compressing the coil spring as you remove all tension from the upper mount and while holding the strut shaft from turning, extract the retaining nut with a Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864. Take out the upper mount group consisting of the mount, upper spring seat, bearing and isolator together, next remove the left and right dust shields and jounce bumpers. Take away the clamp and strut from the coil spring, followed by separating the lower spring isolator from the lower spring seat. For spring servicing, loosen the pressure from the compressor and pull out the coil spring. Look over every component in the strut assembly, especially checking the strut for any binding against the shaft, the jounce bumper for cracks, the upper mount for unusual distortion and the dust shield for holes or rips. While assembling, set the coil spring in the compressor, making sure the top coil end is positioned right, then use the compressor to make sufficient room for putting everything back. Put the lower spring isolator onto the lower spring seat and slide the strut into the coil spring until the bottom touches it. After the strut is secure, add the jounce bumper with the smaller end down and then put the dust shield on. Replace the upper spring isolator on the upper spring seat and bearing and put the assembly on the coil spring with the notch matching its end. Hook the strut upper mount onto the strut shaft and check that the third stud is pointing inward towards the compressor. Place the retaining nut loosely onto the strut, then tighten it to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.) with Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, while holding the strut upright. Little by little, remove air from the spring, making sure the upper mount and seat are in line. Finally, unclamp the strut and take it and the compressor assembly out and resume installation onto the vehicle.