Front
SpringSpecial Tool(s)
Removal
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a 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. Mark the front shock absorber relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Discard the cotter pin.
5. CAUTION: Use care not to damage the tie-rod end dust boot.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod from the spindle.
6. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the front suspension lower arm, do not remove the nut from the ball joint at this time.
Disconnect the ball joint stud from the arm.
1 Loosen the nut two or three turns.
2 Sharply rap on the front wheel spindle at the ball joint connection to disconnect the ball joint stud.
7. Disconnect the front stabilizer bar link from the front suspension lower arm.
1 Remove the nut and bushing.
2 Disconnect the link.
8. Loosen the lower arm bolts and nuts two or three turns.
9. Support the front suspension lower arm with a jack stand inboard of the spring seat.
10. NOTE: Note position of the front coil spring in the lower arm spring seat. It must be installed in the same position.
Using the special tool, compress the spring until it is loose in the spring insulator.
11. Remove the ball joint stud nut.
12. Position aside the strut and spindle assembly.
13. Partially raise the vehicle.
14. Remove the jack stand.
15. Remove the spring.
1 Position the front suspension lower arm down.
2 Remove the spring and the spring insulator.
Installation
1. Install the spring.
1 Position the lower control arm down.
2 Install the spring and spring insulator in the lower control arm.
2. Make sure the spring is correctly positioned in the front suspension lower arm.
1 The spring must not cover this hole.
2 The spring must cover this hole.
3. Install the jack stand.
4. Partially lower the vehicle.
5. Remove the special tool.
6. Position back the strut and spindle assembly.
7. With the jack stand under the front suspension lower arm ball joint, lower the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb height).
8. Install the ball joint stud nut.
9. Torque the ball joint stud nut.
10. Tighten the nuts.
11. Remove the jack stand.
12. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the suspension lower arm.
1 Install the link and bushing.
2 Install the nut.
13. Connect the tie-rod end to the spindle.
1 Install the tie-rod end into the spindle.
2 Install the nut.
3 Install a new cotter pin.
14. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Check the wheel alignment and adjust, if necessary.