Editing S130/frontstrutreplacement php (section)

=== Prepare the Car and get Access to the Parts to Replace ===

* Loosen front lug nuts
'''½ turn'''. - Jack up the car and support the front on jack stands (refer to the factory service manual or Haynes manual for jack points and stand placement).
* Remove front wheels.
-
Remove brake calipers and suspend them on spare jack stands.
Avoid mangling, kinking, or stretching the brake hoses.
Note: The Haynes manual advises disconnecting the brake hose and plugging it — this mainly applies to ’82 and earlier models with the hose support clip on the strut. My ’83 lacks this clip, so I left the hose connected. If you do disconnect the hose, be sure to bleed the brakes properly during reinstallation.

* Remove brake pad retainers and brake pads. Store them in the labeled bag for their side of the car.
* Remove brake caliper mounting brackets.
-
Remove wheel bearing dust cap and store in a labeled bag.
'''Do not store it with brake parts.''' -
Remove the cotter pin (
'''discard it'''), then remove the wheel bearing nut cap, nut, washer, and bearing. Store them together in their own labeled bag. - Remove wheel hub/brake rotor assemblies. Tip: I stored mine in cardboard boxes along with their labeled bags and set them aside in the hatch until reinstallation.
* Clean the spindle — not strictly necessary, but it prevents old grease from getting everywhere.
-
Remove deflector shields.
Problem I had: The four Phillips screws were extremely tight after nearly 15 years. Solution: Using a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, I gently tapped a #3 Phillips bit into the screw head, then used a 3/8" ratchet with a 6" extension and ¼" socket to turn the bit. Credit to Marshall Cone of ZCCNV for this trick — it worked perfectly.

* Loosen all lower bolts
'''½ to 1 turn''':- Tension rod to control arm
* Ball joint to control arm
* Steering knuckle to strut
* Tie rod adjustment lock nuts
* Outer tie rod castle nut (
''remove cotter pin first'')

* Loosen all upper strut nuts
'''½ turn''':- Strut insulator mounting nuts
* Piston nut (
''only ½ turn'')