Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembly

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

WARNING: The shock absorber and spring assembly is under extreme load. Do not attempt to disassemble the shock absorber and spring assembly without using a spring compressor. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.





2. CAUTION: Over-tightening the vise can damage the shock absorber tube.

Mount and mark the shock absorber and spring assembly.
1 Position the shock absorber and spring assembly in a suitable holding device.
2 Mark the upper mount, spring and shock absorber for assembly reference.





3. NOTE: If installing a new spring, make sure the part number is correct. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label for the correct spring code.

Compress the spring.
1 Install an appropriate spring compressor.
2 Compress the spring.





4. While holding the shock absorber rod, remove and discard the nut.





5. Remove the upper mount and dust boot as an assembly.





6. Carefully remove the spring and spring compressor.

Assembly

1. NOTE: If a new shock absorber, spring or upper mount is installed, the new part should be marked in the same place as the old part to make sure the assembly is correctly aligned.

Inspect the lower and upper spring seats for damage.
2. Inspect the spring insulator for wear or damage. Install a new upper mount if necessary.

3. NOTE: If installing a new spring, make sure the part number is correct. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label for the correct spring code.

Inspect the spring for nicked or scratched paint. If the paint is nicked or scratched, install a new spring.
4. If removed, place the shock absorber into the vise.





5. Position the shock and spring compressor onto the strut.





6. Position the upper mount and dust boot onto the spring. Make sure the marks made during disassembly, Step 2, are lined up.





7. Install a new nut.
8. Remove the spring compressor.
9. Install the shock absorber and spring assembly.