Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly













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 numbers or 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.

NOTICE: Orientation of the suspension fasteners is important. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as when removed or incorrect clamp load and damage to components may occur.

1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).





2. Remove and discard the 3 shock absorber upper mount nuts.

3. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

4. Using a suitable jack, support the lower control arm near the lower ball joint.

5. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link nut and grommet and then remove the stabilizer bar link.

6. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower bolt and flag nut.

7. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

8. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.

NOTICE: Do not damage the ball joint boot while installing the C-Frame and Screw.

Using the C-Frame and Screw, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.





9. While lowering the suspension, remove the shock and spring assembly.

Installation

NOTICE: Before tightening any suspension bushing fasteners, use a suitable jack to raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1 (curb height). This will prevent unequal clamp load and bushing damage.

NOTE: For additional information on the disassembly and assembly of the shock absorber and spring assembly, refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Front Suspension.

1. Install the shock absorber and spring assembly.

2. Connect the upper ball joint to the wheel knuckle and install the new upper ball joint nut.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

3. NOTE: Do not tighten the bolt at this time.

Install the new shock absorber lower bolt and flag nut.

4. Using a suitable jack, raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1 (curb height).

5. Position the stabilizer bar link and install the new nut.
- Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

6. Tighten the shock absorber lower bolt to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

7. Install the 3 new shock absorber upper mount nuts.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

8. Remove the jack.

9. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

10. Check and if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Suspension &/or Alignment.