Damper/Spring Removal & Installation

Damper/Spring Removal/Installation

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) 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).





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 new 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 the new flange 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) 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.