How To Safely Replace Struts On A 2009 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Step By Guide

Learn how to replace struts on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500 with this comprehensive step-by-step guide. Prioritize safety, follow related videos, and ensure a proper wheel alignment after the operation.

• This guide provides step-by-step instructions on replacing the struts on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.
• It emphasizes safety and the importance of following specific videos for related tasks.
• The process involves removing wheels, disengaging various components, and installing new struts.
• Torque wrenches are recommended for tightening various nuts and bolts.
• The importance of performing a wheel alignment after the operation is stressed.

This guide provides detailed instructions on replacing the struts of a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500. It focuses on safety, emphasizes the importance of following specific videos for related tasks, and guides you through the process.

• Safety First The guide begins by stressing the importance of safety. Before starting any work, turn off your engine, set the parking brake, and follow proper safety protocols. If you're new to lifting vehicles, it's highly recommended to watch a video on "How to jack your RAM 1500 safely" before proceeding.

• Measuring Distance Before lifting the vehicle, it's crucial to measure the distance between the center of your wheel and the wheel arch. This measurement ensures the struts are tightened in their initial position.

• Removing Wheels To replace the struts, you need to remove the wheels to gain complete access to the suspension system. Don't forget to place the wheels under the vehicle to ensure safety.

• Access to Struts Once the wheels are off, you can see your car's struts and the outer tie rod that needs to be removed. A separate video titled "How to replace the outer tie rod Dodge RAM 1500" is recommended for this step.

• Handling Sway Bar End Link If you've only lifted one side of the vehicle, you must use a jack to slightly lift the lower control arm to compensate for the tension exerted by the sway bar on the end link. It's also necessary to disengage the sway bar end link from the lower control arm. Another video titled "How to replace the sway bar end link Dodge RAM 1500" is recommended for this process.

• Removing Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Disengage the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle. This involves using a ratchet and a 21mm socket and a hammer to release the ball joint.

• Strut Removal Unfasten the strut foot bolt and remove the three nuts that hold the strut mount bearing in place. The strut can now be removed. Safety is important here, so use a jack to ensure sufficient clearance before removing the strut.

• Installing New Strut To install the new strut, unscrew the three nuts holding the strut mount bearing. Insert the top part of the strut, then the bottom part. Replace the bolt of the strut foot and hand-screw the nut back on. Screw the three nuts holding the mounts back on until there is contact.

• Reconnecting Components Use the jack to lift the wheel knuckle assembly to reinstall the upper control arm ball joint and the lower ball joint of the sway bar end link in their respective positions. Secure them with a torque wrench.

• Final Tightening To avoid damaging the silent blocks, tighten the strut foot bolts in the "vehicle on the ground" position. Lift the wheel knuckle with the jack until the original measurement between the center of the wheel and the wheel arch is reached. Finish tightening the lower bolt with a torque wrench and tighten the three nuts with a torque wrench.

• Greasing and Wheel Installation Apply silicone grease to the part that will be in contact with the sleeve of the outer tie rod. Do not grease the inside of the cone. Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle. Remount the castle nut, tighten it using a ratchet and a 21mm socket, and finish tightening with a torque wrench.

• Wheel Placement Fit the key into the castle nut and bend it with a screwdriver. Now, you can put the wheels back on your vehicle. Before fixing the wheels properly, put your vehicle back on the ground. Since you'll be working on the front axle of your car, it's advisable to perform a wheel alignment after completing the operation.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process for replacing the struts on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500 while prioritizing safety and proper techniques throughout the operation.

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