Rear Shock

REMOVAL
1. Remove the rear wheels.





2. Remove the lower rear hatch glass trim.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the window lock mechanism, place a shop towel over the mechanism.





3. Remove the three self-locking nuts.





4. Hold the damper lower mount of stabilizer link with a wrench, then remove the damper mounting nut.
5. Hold the ball pin of the stabilizer link with a hex wrench, then loosen the self-locking nut.





6. Remove the self-locking nut, then remove the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar and knuckle.

DISASSEMBLE





1. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the self-locking nut.

CAUTION: Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.





2. Remove the spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown.

INSPECTION
1. Reassemble all parts, except the spring.





2. Push on the damper assembly and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension.

CAUTION: The damper should move smoothly. If it does not (no compression or no extension), the gas is leaking, and the damper should be replaced.

3. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises or binding during these tests.

ASSEMBLE
1. Install the damper unit on a spring compressor.





2. Assemble the damper in reverse order of removal except the damper mounting washer and self-locking nut.

NOTE: Align the bottom of damper spring and spring lower seat.





3. Position the damper mounting base so that the angle of the stud bolts is as shown.

NOTE: Follow the manufacture's instructions.

4. Compress the damper spring.

CAUTION: Do not compress the spring more than necessary to install the self-locking nut.

5. Install the damper mounting rubber and damper mounting washer, and loosely install a new self-locking nut.





6. Hold the damper shaft, and tighten the self-locking nut.

INSTALLATION





1. Reposition the damper assembly between the frame and knuckle.
2. Install the stabilizer link and connect the stabilizer bar.
3. Loosely install a new self-locking nut.





4. Hold the ball pin of the stabilizer link with a hex wrench, then tighten the self-locking nut.
5. Loosely install a new damper mounting nut.

NOTE: The damper mounting nuts should be tightened with the damper under vehicle load.





6. Install the new self-locking nuts on the top of the damper assembly.
7. Tighten the damper mounting nut to the specified torque.
8. Secure the damper assembly to the frame with the self-locking nuts.





9. Install the rear hatch glass trim.
10. Install the engine cover support rod onto the strut brace.
11. Install the rear wheels.