Front Suspension

Shock Absorber Replacement

Removal Procedure






Notice: The front shock absorbers of the vehicle are multifunctional. In addition to contributing to a smooth ride they also provide the only stop to the front suspension when fully extended. Therefore, when servicing the shock absorber, service replacement shock absorbers must be equivalent to original shock absorbers in both extended length and strength. Use of shocks not complying to original equipment or strength could result in suspension over-travel or shock breakage. Suspension over-travel may result in suspension component breakage.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
3. Disconnect the Electronic suspension Control (ESC) link rod from the sensor, if equipped.





4. Grasp the connector lock tabs (1, 2). Rotate the connector tabs counterclockwise until the connector is unlocked.
5. Disengage the connector from the tension by firmly pulling the connector up.





6. Hold the tension end with a wrench while removing the nut.
7. Remove the nut.
8. Remove the upper insulator (1). Do not discard the plastic pilot ring (2).





9. Remove the shock absorber mounting bolt at the lower control arm, 15 Series.





10. Remove the shock absorber mounting bolt (2) at the lower control arm, 25/35 Series.
11. Remove the shock absorber.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the shock absorber. Insert the stem through the hole in the shock bracket on the frame.
2. Align the shock absorber with the mounting holes in the lower control arm, 15 Series.





3. Align the shock absorber with the mounting holes in the lower control arm, 25/35 Series.
4. Install the shock absorber bolt (2) to the lower control arm.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

5. Install the shock absorber nut (3) to the bolt.
^ Tighten the nut to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).






Important: The upper insulators are substantially larger that the lower insulators. The upper insulator (1) must be installed above the shock mounting bracket on the frame. The plastic pilot ring (2) will assist the alignment of the isolators.

6. Install the upper insulator to the shock absorber.
7. Install the nut to the tension end. Do not tighten the nut.
8. Connect the ESC link rod to the sensor, if equipped.
9. Remove the safety stands.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Hold the tension end with a wrench while torquing the nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
12. Dispose of the shock absorber.