Front Suspension

Spring













Removal

WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part number or an equivalent part if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Index-mark the lower arm to the frame with the vehicle in a static ground position (curb height).





2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

3. NOTICE: Do not allow the shaft to turn while removing the nut. Hold the flats on the shock rod using a suitable wrench or damage to the shock can result.

Remove and discard the shock absorber rod nut and washer assembly.

4. Remove and discard the 2 shock absorber lower nuts, and remove the shock absorber.

5. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut and grommet, then remove the link assembly.
- Discard the nut.

6. Using the Coil Spring Compressor, compress the coil spring.





7. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin and nut.

8. Using a suitable jack, support the lower arm.





9. NOTICE: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.

Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel spindle.





10. Carefully remove the jack from under the lower arm.

11. Loosen the lower arm bolts and allow the lower arm to swing down.





12. Position the wheel spindle aside and remove the coil spring.

Installation

1. NOTE: The end of the coil spring must cover the first hole and should not be visible in the second hole of the lower arm.

Install the coil spring in the lower arm.





2. Using a suitable jack, support the lower arm.

3. NOTICE: Always install the cotter pin into the lower ball joint nut from outboard to inboard. Failure to do so will result in damage to the wheel and tire assembly.

Position the lower ball joint and install a new nut.

- Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

- Install a new cotter pin.

4. Remove the jack from under the lower control arm.

5. Install the stabilizer bar link assembly in the following sequence.

1. Install the stabilizer bar link stud and grommet.

2. Install a new stabilizer bar link nut and grommet.

- Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

6. Remove the Coil Spring Compressor.





7. Position the shock absorber and install 2 new shock absorber lower nuts.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

8. Install a new shock absorber rod nut and washer.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

9. Position a suitable jack under the lower arm and raise the suspension until the index marks on the lower arm and the frame are aligned (curb height).
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).





10. Remove the jack from under the lower control arm.