Front Suspension

Damper/Spring Replacement

Damper/Spring:

Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

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. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, and remove the nut (B).





4. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering arm on the damper using the ball joint thread protector and ball joint remover.
5. Remove the bolts, and remove the wheel sensor harness bracket (A) (with ABS) and brake hose bracket (B) from the damper. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.





6. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) while holding the nuts (B).





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





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





Disassembly/inspection
1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft (B) with a hex wrench (C). 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 the parts, except for the upper spring seat and 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, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly

NOTE: Refer to the Exploded View as needed.

1. Install the upper spring mounting cushion (A) on the upper spring seat (B) by aligning the tab portion (C) on the cushion with the cutout (D) in the seat.





2. Install the damper spring (E) in the groove of the cushion securely.
3. Install the damper mounting bearing and damper mounting base on the upper spring seat.
4. Install the upper spring seat and the spring on a strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring lightly.





5. Insert the damper unit (B) up through the compressed spring.
6. Align the bottom of the spring (C) and the stepped part (D) of the lower spring seat.
7. Check that the cutout (A) in the side of the upper spring seat (B) is in the position shown. If the cutout is out of position, remove all the components from the strut spring compressor. Go to step 2, and reassemble the spring and upper spring seat accordingly.





8. Hold the bottom of the damper with your hand, and compress the spring. Do not compress the spring excessively.





9. Install the new 12 mm self-locking nut (A) on the damper shaft (B). Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the 12 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque value.
10. Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.

Installation
1. Lower the lower arm, and position the damper assembly in the body. Turn the damper mounting base so the "triangle L" or "triangle" R" mark (A) faces toward the outside of the vehicle.





2. Loosely install the flange nuts (A) onto the top of the damper.





3. Position the damper on the knuckle, and install the new damper pinch bolts (A) and nuts (B), and lightly tighten the nuts.

NOTICE: Do not place the jack against the lower arm ball joint.





4. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque value.
5. Tighten the damper pinch nuts to the specified torque value.
6. Install the brake hose bracket (A) and the wheel sensor harness bracket (B) (with ABS) onto the damper, and tighten the bolt to the specified torque values.





7. Clean off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads, then connect the tie-rod end to the steering arm. Tighten the nut (A) to the specified torque value. Install the cotter pin (B) after tightening, and bend its end as shown.





8. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheels.
9. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.