You are installing the bearing on the wrong side of the disc. It goes on top into the rubber part between the disc and the rubber bumber

First you put on the spring, then the spring stop ("cup") then the bearing, then the rubber strut mount, then you put the first nut on and tighten it.  I made the mistake of watching this and putting the bearing on first and then the cup on top of it and it drove the shaft through the bearing and stuck up under my "hood" and was useless while limping it home. I took some large washers made for bolting a bottom part of a shocks (you know the ones that go on the stud. First you put on the washer, then push the shock on with the rubber bushing and then another big washer before the nut to make a rubber bushing sandwich on the bottom stud) anyway, I opened the hole of the washer to fit it over the shaft, then I put it on top of the broken bearing to keep it together under the big rubber strut mount.  I will now need to buy new strut bearings, but for now my "washer hack" works fine.

A perfect guide for thickos.  As I count myself as a thicko, that was perfect.  Thank you.

I will be doing mine soon. Thank you for your video. The comments are also helpful. I'm doing the whole strut and other recommended parts.

I have a 2014 purchased new in the passion spec, this was incredibly useful

Using vice grips can scratch cut the shock. Not good for seal. It's easy to get headlight out and use offset 21mm wrench so you can use Allen socket. Take the brake line clip off and use pry bar to push down on control arm to get it out. Cake from there getting the new spring in.

I use real spring compressor, dont like the ones you used ("can be dangerous") but whatever works. Good work

Thanks brother. Doing one tomorrow morning 👌 thanks for the run down.

You could easily refer to the near side strut?

Where can I find this strut assembly online I can not find one anywhere

Some of the more persistent problems with these cars are associated with the SAM module and the clutch/gear selection - with the latter eventually causing the car to refuse to run. I don't know if you plan to look at these if your car is working normally but it would help a lot of owners.

I’m wondering if my Smart has a broken strut because there is a persistent rattle/knock and I can’t find anything loose!

The bearing was installed on the wrong side of the top cup. Cup first, then bearing on top and then the rubber bushing. Bearing will do nothing where it is now

Thanks for this video, very informative.  I have a 2009 diesel passion purchased new.   I have had one broken front spring. excessive play in a pin/bush, mass air flow sensor replaced last year and just now had all shocks replaced, MOT test due in two weeks. The air con stopped working after about two years, which I never bothered with, cause it is not really that important to me here in the south east of England.
When I first got the car, I went back to the dealer and said, it only got a little over 270 miles on a tank, how is that economical?  
The sales guy just said it will get better.
Today the car gets around 500 miles to a tank, pretty much on just normal driving, it actually manages more on a long drive where I am in 5th for long periods.
I have been up to 90 mph, but drive at 70 or below on motorways.   My version only has 45 bhp so it takes
its time getting up to speed.   Diesel in the UK is around £7 per gallon.

3:09 i did it with a makita flex 😂. The torx was totally messed up

Take the headlight off to give better access

You assumed it wrong. First comes the washer, then the bearing and finally the pillow

Ok ! But how ?

This is not strut replacement, it is SPRING replacement - you should take the trouble to describe the content accurately ?

A 21mm offset ring spanner and T45 Torx angled key are all you need - we have been an indy MB and Smart workshop for over 10 year.
Use a pair of motorcycle spring compressors and you don't need to undo the track rods.

This reminds me of how fortunate certain cars are that have “quick struts” available for them. Literally just unbolt the whole assembly and bolt the new one in.

Awesome video!