Front Suspension

Damper/Spring Replacement

Damper/Spring:

Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SLOA202

NOTE: When compressing the damper spring, use a commercially available strut spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent). According to the manufacturer's instructions.

Removal
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, and remove the nut (B).





4. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering arm on the damper using the special tools.
5. Remove the bolts, and remove the wheel sensor harness bracket (A) and brake hose bracket (B) from the damper. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.





6. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) while holding the nuts (B).





7. Remove the flange nuts (A) from the top of the damper.





8. Lower the lower arm, then remove the damper assembly (B).

Disassembly/Inspection
1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft (B) with a hex wrench (C). Do not compress the spring more then necessary to remove the nut.





2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.
3. Reassemble all the parts, except for the upper spring seat and spring.
4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.





5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly
1. Install all the parts except the self-locking nut onto the damper unit by referring to the Exploded View. Align the bottom of the spring (A) and the stepped part of the lower spring seat (B) as illustrated. Align the upper spring seat so that the small hole (C) in it is on the outside when it is installed in the body.





2. Install the damper assembly on commercially available strut spring compressor (D).
3. Compress the, damper spring with the spring compressor.
4. Install a new self-locking nut (A) on the damper shaft.





5. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B), and tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque values.

Installation
1. Lower the lower arm, and position the damper assembly in the body. Turn the damper mounting base so that the "L" or "R" mark (A) faces toward the outside of the vehicle.





2. Loosely install the flange nuts (B) onto the top of the damper.
3. Position the damper bottom on the knuckle, and install the new damper pinch bolts (A) and nuts (B), and lightly tighten the nuts.





4. Place the floor jack under the lower arm ball joint, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.

NOTICE: Do not place the jack against the flat section of the lower arm. Lifting the arm in this area might bend it.

5. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque value.
6. Tighten the damper pinch nuts to the specified torque value.
7. Connect the tie-rod end to the steering arm, and tighten the nut (A) to the specified torque value. Install the cotter pin (B) after tightening, and bend its end as shown.





8. Install the brake hose bracket and the flange bolt onto the damper, and tighten the bolt to the specified torque value.





9. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheels.
10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.