For the strut assembly to be dismantled, it must be taken from the car or truck first. You should use a strut spring compressor, teamPSE tool 223-7400 or another tool of the same type to compress the spring after reading the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Be sure not to take out the strut shaft nut first, as the coil spring is still under pressure and must have the upper mount and pivot bearing lower before you can do so. If either side is serviced, take note of which spring and strut goes with which side. While setting the strut coil spring compressor, slide the whole strut assembly in and line up the lower hooks and strut clevis bracket on the outside. Hold the strut in position by clamping the lower end of the coil spring after you've removed the nut from the strut shaft. Put the top hooks on the coil spring and push on the spring until you can move the top mount freely. Replacement of the strut internal bearings only adds to the overall cost, so avoid using tools that could impact them. After compressing the spring, place Strut Nut Wrench 6864 onto the strut shaft retaining nut and remove it by holding the shaft. After that, get rid of the upper mount, then unfasten the upper spring seat and bearing along with the upper spring isolator from the strut. Ease the dust shield and jounce bumper off the shaft of the strut, then pull the clamp off the coil spring and remove the strut by lifting from the coil spring's base. Take out the lower spring isolator from the fitting underneath the lower spring seat on the strut. To service the coil spring, fully back off the compressor drive, pull the compressor hook back and then remove the coil. Check the strut assembly parts for tightness in the shaft, any noticeable cracks, bending or wear and damage on the jounce bumper, top mount, top spring seat, dust shield, spring isolators and coating on the coil spring, replacing what needs to be replaced.