Front Suspension

Damper/Spring Replacement





Exploded View

Special Tools Required
Strut spring compressor, Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent, commercially available

Removal
1. Raise the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the front wheels.





3. Remove the damper.
^ 1 Remove the wheel sensor harness (A) from the damper (B). Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
^ 2 Remove the brake hose bracket (C) from the damper.
^ 3 Disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the damper.
^ 4 Remove the flange nuts (E) and damper pinch bolts (F) from the damper.





4. Remove the service caps (A), and remove the damper by removing the three flange nuts (B).

NOTE: Damper springs are different, left and right. Mark the springs L and R before you continue.

Disassembly/Inspection





1. Compress the damper spring with commercially available strut spring compressor (A) according to the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the self-locking nut (B). 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 parts, except for 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 in a smooth, continuous motion when the compression is released. If it does not (no compression or no extension), the gas is leaking, and the damper should be replaced.
5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, or binding during these tests.

Reassembly





1. Install all the parts except the damper mounting washer and 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).
2. Align the mark (C) on the upper spring seat with the spring mounting cushion as shown. And install the damper assembly on commercially available strut spring compressor (D).
3. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor. Do not compress the spring excessively.





4. Install the damper mounting washer (A) and a new self-locking nut (B).
5. Hold the; damper rod using a hex wrench (C), and tighten the self-locking nut.

Installation





1. Loosely install the damper (A) onto the frame, then loosely install the three flange nuts (B).





2. Install the damper onto the knuckle.
^ 1 Loosely install the damper pinch bolts (A) and flange nuts (B) to the damper (C).
^ 2 Install the wheel sensor harness (D) to the damper.
^ 3 Install the brake hose bracket (E) to the damper.
^ 4 Loosely install the stabilizer link (F) to the damper.
3. Raise the front suspension with a floor jack to load the suspension with the vehicle's weight.
4. Tighten the damper pinch bolts and flange nuts to the specified torque value.
5. Tighten the flange nuts on top of the damper to the specified torque value.
6. Install the service caps.
7. Install the front wheels.
8. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.