Front Suspension
Damper/Spring Disassembly, Inspection, and ReassemblyDamper/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.
Disassembly
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.
Inspection
1. Reassemble all the parts, except for the damper mounting bearing, the upper spring seat, upper spring mounting cushion, and damper spring.
2. 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.
3. 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. Align an angle (A) of the ball joint connecting hole (B) on the steering arm and the cutout (C) on the upper spring seat.
Left side
8. Turn the damper mounting base and L/R mark (D) faces toward the outside position, then align angle (E) of the ball joint connecting hole and stud bolt (F).
9. Hold the bottom of the damper with your hand, and compress the spring. Do not compress the spring excessively.
10. Install a new 12 mm self-locking nut (A) on the damper shaft (B).
11. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the 12 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque value.
12. Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.