Rear Suspension

Damper/Spring Replacement

Damper/Spring:

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. Remove the spare tire from the trunk.
2. Raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
3. Remove the rear wheel.





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





5. Remove the flange bolt (A) at the bottom of the damper.





6. Lower the lower arm, and remove the damper assembly (A).

Disassembly/Inspection





1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A). Do not compress the spring more than 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 of the parts, except the 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, or binding during these tests.

Reassembly





1. Assemble all of the damper components except the self-locking nut onto the damper unit. Align the spring bottom end (A), the stepped part of the lower spring mounting cushion, and the step on the lower spring seat (B).
2. Install the damper assembly on a commercially available strut spring compressor (C).





3. Position the stud bolt (A) in the damper mounting base as shown.
4. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor.





5. Install a new self-locking nut (A) on the damper shaft.
6. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B), and tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque.

Installation





1. Lower the lower arm, and position the damper assembly (A) in the body.





2. Loosely install the new flange nuts (A) onto the damper studs.





3. Position the bottom of the damper on the lower arm (A).
4. Install the new flange bolt (B), and lightly tighten.
5. Raise the suspension until the vehicle just lifts off the safety stand.
6. Tighten the flange bolt to the specified torque value.
7. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque value.
8. Put the spare tire back in the trunk.