kastle
04-03-2002, 05:13 PM
Special thanks goes out to Tmat3 for sending this one in....
I have installed a set of adjustable struts on my car. The KYB AGX struts are
adjustable 4 ways for the front and 8 ways for the rear. They are great struts
if you want the ability to select the firmness of your struts. For example,
I can set it soft for city driving, and somewhat stiff for spirited driving,
and stiff for AutoX. The ability to control each strut is a great feature. Sometimes
I want more stiffness in the rear to make the car oversteer better.</P>
<P>Email <A HREF="mailto:matsut_rpi00@yahoo.com">me</A> for any questions.</P>
<P>You will need the following tools and material:</P>
<OL>
<LI>Flathead Screw driver</LI>
<LI>Hammer</LI>
<LI>Wrench and sockets (12mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm)</LI>
<LI>Sprint compressor (I rented one from Autozone for $40. You'll get your money
back in full when you return the compressor).</LI>
<LI>Impact Wrench Gun</LI>
<LI>Jackstands!! Always use jackstands</LI>
<LI>Anti-Seize compound</LI>
<LI>DOT3/DOT4 Brake Fluid</LI>
</OL>
<P><B><FONT SIZE="+1">NOTE: This site is only for reference purposes. I AM NOT
IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE for any damages, injuries or other accidents that may
occur from installations performed by you or any other people.</FONT></B></P>
<OL>
Installation procedure for front strut:
<LI>Raise and take the wheel off</LI>
<LI>Put the car on jack stands. Never ever work under the car only with floor
jack.</LI>
<LI>Take the U-clip at the brake line at the strut with a flathead screw driver
and a hammer.</LI>
<LI>Disconnect the brake line at the caliper, and take the brake line out of
the strut.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the ABS sensor bracket.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the 3 upper strut bolts at the strut tower.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the 2 strut-to-steering-knucle bolts and nuts.</LI>
<LI>Now, you should be able to drop the strut assembly from the vehicle.</LI>
<LI>Put a spring compressor over the spring.</LI>
<LI>Using an impact wrench gun, unbolt the strut bolt which is at the top of
the strut shaft.</LI>
<LI>Take the top strut mount off the strut.</LI>
<LI>Take the spacer out.</LI>
<LI>Take the upper spring seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the shaft boot out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber bumper out.</LI>
<LI>Now, the strut can be disassembled from the coil spring.</LI>
<LI>Take the coil spring from the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the coil spring over the new strut. Make sure the bottom of the
coil spring hits the little notch at the bottom of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the parts in the reverse order from #15 -> #10.</LI>
<LI>Make sure the little hole (shown in pic) on the upper spring seat is aligned
with the area that attaches to the steering knucle.</LI>
<LI>Use a new nut to tighten the strut assembly.</LI>
<LI>Install on the car and done.</LI>
</OL>
<OL>
Installation procedure for rear strut:
<LI>Take the backseat out.</LI>
<LI>Raise and take the wheel off.</LI>
<LI>Disconnect the brake line at the caliper, and take the brake line out of
the strut.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt 3 upper strut bolts at the strut tower.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt 2 strut-to-hub bolts and nuts.</LI>
<LI>Now, you should be able to drop the strut assembly from the vehicle.</LI>
<LI>Put a spring compressor over the spring.</LI>
<LI>Using an impact wrench gun, unbolt the strut bolt which is at the top of
the strut shaft.</LI>
<LI>Take the top strut mount off the strut.</LI>
<LI>Take the upper spring seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the shaft boot out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber bumper out.</LI>
<LI>Take the lower rubber seat out of the bottom part of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Now, the strut can be disassembled from the coil spring.</LI>
<LI>Take the coil spring from the strut.</LI>
<LI>Use the same lower rubber seat over the new strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the coil spring over the new strut. Make sure the bottom of the
coil spring hits the little notch at the bottom of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the parts in the reverse order from #13 -> #9.</LI>
<LI>Make sure one of the studs on the strut mount is aligned with the area that
attaches to the hub.</LI>
<LI>Use a new nut to tighten the strut assembly.</LI>
<LI>Install it on the car, and done.</LI>
</OL>
<OL>
Brake Bleed
<LI> After installing the struts, you need to bleed the whole entire brake system
because you had to disconnect the brake line.</LI>
<LI>Follow <A HREF="maintenance.html">here</A> for the brake bleed job.</LI>
</OL>
<TABLE WIDTH="75%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="1" CELLPADDING="1">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_06.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_06.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the 3 top bolts with a 12mm socket. When reinstalling,
apply only about 10lb/ft of torque. They are fragile.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_09.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_09.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Using a 12mm socket, unbolt the ABS sensor bracket and take
the ABS wheel sensor wire out of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_10.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_10.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the brake banjo bolt (my finger is pointing at it)
at the caliper with a 12mm socket. Brake fluid will come out. When reinstalling,
make sure everything is clean. </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_11.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_11.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">After removing the banjo bolt from the caliper, pull the brake
line out from the strut. This is the picture of the line after taking it
out of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_08.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_08.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the 2 bolts and nuts with a 19mm socket. Now, the strut
assembly can be removed from the vehicle.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"> <A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_01.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_01.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">The following pictures are taken as I installed the new strut.
This is a picture of the strut boot and rubber bumper.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_02.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_02.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Coil spring on the spring compressor.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"> <A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_03.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_03.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A> </TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Make sure the tiny mark (at my index finger) on the upper
rubber seat is aligned with the area where it meets the steering knucle
at bottom of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_04.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_04.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Make sure the tiny mark (at my index finger) on the upper
spring seat is aligned with the area where it meets the steering knucle
at bottom of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_05.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_05.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Install the strut mount and nut to assemble the strut and
the coil together.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_07.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_07.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">After reinstalling, you can adjust the front strut from the
top. There are 4 settings.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
I have installed a set of adjustable struts on my car. The KYB AGX struts are
adjustable 4 ways for the front and 8 ways for the rear. They are great struts
if you want the ability to select the firmness of your struts. For example,
I can set it soft for city driving, and somewhat stiff for spirited driving,
and stiff for AutoX. The ability to control each strut is a great feature. Sometimes
I want more stiffness in the rear to make the car oversteer better.</P>
<P>Email <A HREF="mailto:matsut_rpi00@yahoo.com">me</A> for any questions.</P>
<P>You will need the following tools and material:</P>
<OL>
<LI>Flathead Screw driver</LI>
<LI>Hammer</LI>
<LI>Wrench and sockets (12mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm)</LI>
<LI>Sprint compressor (I rented one from Autozone for $40. You'll get your money
back in full when you return the compressor).</LI>
<LI>Impact Wrench Gun</LI>
<LI>Jackstands!! Always use jackstands</LI>
<LI>Anti-Seize compound</LI>
<LI>DOT3/DOT4 Brake Fluid</LI>
</OL>
<P><B><FONT SIZE="+1">NOTE: This site is only for reference purposes. I AM NOT
IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE for any damages, injuries or other accidents that may
occur from installations performed by you or any other people.</FONT></B></P>
<OL>
Installation procedure for front strut:
<LI>Raise and take the wheel off</LI>
<LI>Put the car on jack stands. Never ever work under the car only with floor
jack.</LI>
<LI>Take the U-clip at the brake line at the strut with a flathead screw driver
and a hammer.</LI>
<LI>Disconnect the brake line at the caliper, and take the brake line out of
the strut.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the ABS sensor bracket.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the 3 upper strut bolts at the strut tower.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt the 2 strut-to-steering-knucle bolts and nuts.</LI>
<LI>Now, you should be able to drop the strut assembly from the vehicle.</LI>
<LI>Put a spring compressor over the spring.</LI>
<LI>Using an impact wrench gun, unbolt the strut bolt which is at the top of
the strut shaft.</LI>
<LI>Take the top strut mount off the strut.</LI>
<LI>Take the spacer out.</LI>
<LI>Take the upper spring seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the shaft boot out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber bumper out.</LI>
<LI>Now, the strut can be disassembled from the coil spring.</LI>
<LI>Take the coil spring from the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the coil spring over the new strut. Make sure the bottom of the
coil spring hits the little notch at the bottom of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the parts in the reverse order from #15 -> #10.</LI>
<LI>Make sure the little hole (shown in pic) on the upper spring seat is aligned
with the area that attaches to the steering knucle.</LI>
<LI>Use a new nut to tighten the strut assembly.</LI>
<LI>Install on the car and done.</LI>
</OL>
<OL>
Installation procedure for rear strut:
<LI>Take the backseat out.</LI>
<LI>Raise and take the wheel off.</LI>
<LI>Disconnect the brake line at the caliper, and take the brake line out of
the strut.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt 3 upper strut bolts at the strut tower.</LI>
<LI>Unbolt 2 strut-to-hub bolts and nuts.</LI>
<LI>Now, you should be able to drop the strut assembly from the vehicle.</LI>
<LI>Put a spring compressor over the spring.</LI>
<LI>Using an impact wrench gun, unbolt the strut bolt which is at the top of
the strut shaft.</LI>
<LI>Take the top strut mount off the strut.</LI>
<LI>Take the upper spring seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber seat out.</LI>
<LI>Take the shaft boot out.</LI>
<LI>Take the rubber bumper out.</LI>
<LI>Take the lower rubber seat out of the bottom part of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Now, the strut can be disassembled from the coil spring.</LI>
<LI>Take the coil spring from the strut.</LI>
<LI>Use the same lower rubber seat over the new strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the coil spring over the new strut. Make sure the bottom of the
coil spring hits the little notch at the bottom of the strut.</LI>
<LI>Install the parts in the reverse order from #13 -> #9.</LI>
<LI>Make sure one of the studs on the strut mount is aligned with the area that
attaches to the hub.</LI>
<LI>Use a new nut to tighten the strut assembly.</LI>
<LI>Install it on the car, and done.</LI>
</OL>
<OL>
Brake Bleed
<LI> After installing the struts, you need to bleed the whole entire brake system
because you had to disconnect the brake line.</LI>
<LI>Follow <A HREF="maintenance.html">here</A> for the brake bleed job.</LI>
</OL>
<TABLE WIDTH="75%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="1" CELLPADDING="1">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_06.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_06.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the 3 top bolts with a 12mm socket. When reinstalling,
apply only about 10lb/ft of torque. They are fragile.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_09.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_09.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Using a 12mm socket, unbolt the ABS sensor bracket and take
the ABS wheel sensor wire out of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_10.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_10.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the brake banjo bolt (my finger is pointing at it)
at the caliper with a 12mm socket. Brake fluid will come out. When reinstalling,
make sure everything is clean. </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_11.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_11.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">After removing the banjo bolt from the caliper, pull the brake
line out from the strut. This is the picture of the line after taking it
out of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_08.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_08.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Unbolt the 2 bolts and nuts with a 19mm socket. Now, the strut
assembly can be removed from the vehicle.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"> <A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_01.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_01.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">The following pictures are taken as I installed the new strut.
This is a picture of the strut boot and rubber bumper.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_02.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_02.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Coil spring on the spring compressor.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"> <A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_03.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_03.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A> </TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Make sure the tiny mark (at my index finger) on the upper
rubber seat is aligned with the area where it meets the steering knucle
at bottom of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_04.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_04.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Make sure the tiny mark (at my index finger) on the upper
spring seat is aligned with the area where it meets the steering knucle
at bottom of the strut.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_05.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_05.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">Install the strut mount and nut to assemble the strut and
the coil together.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="29%"><A href="/mods/impreza/images/strut_07.jpg"><IMG src="/mods/impreza/images/strut_07.jpg" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="150"></A></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%">After reinstalling, you can adjust the front strut from the
top. There are 4 settings.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>