Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Support the outboard end of the lower control arm with a suitable jack to securely hold the control arm in position.





4. Remove the stabilizer link lower attachment.





5. Remove the shock absorber lower attachment.
6. Disconnect the height sensor link attachment from the lower control arm.
7. Separate the ball joint from the control arm.
8. Slowly lower the control arm down with jack until spring pressure is released.
9. Pull the lower control arm downward to remove the spring.





10. Remove the lower control arm inboard nuts an bolts.
11. Remove the lower control arm.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the lower control arm in the vehicle.





2. Install the bolts and nuts.

IMPORTANT: To insure proper orientation of the spring, rest the spring (without insulators) on a flat surface. The spring will stand up straight when resting on its lower end, but will lean or tip when resting on its top end.

3. Raise a jack under the outboard end of the lower control arm.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Insert the ball joint in the knuckle and attach the nut.
- Tighten the ball joint nut to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).





5. Attach the shock absorber lower attachment.
- Tighten the lower nut to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the stabilizer link lower attachment.
7. Lower the vehicle to allow the suspension to obtain the designed trim height. The inner control arm nuts must be tightened in the designed position to reduce wind up in the bushings.
- Tighten the lower control arm inner nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the stabilizer link lower attachment to 52 Nm (38 ft. lbs.).

8. Install the wheel and tire.
- Tighten the wheel nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft. lbs.).

IMPORTANT: The vehicle must have a rear wheel alignment performed if the inner lower control arm fasteners have been loosened.