Disassembly and Assembly
DISASSEMBLY1. Remove the rear spring and shock absorber.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SPRING FROM THE STRUT WITHOUT FIRST COMPRESSING THE SPRING WITH A TOOL DESIGNED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove strut rod nut by turning rod and holding nut. Nut must be turned and rod held stationary to avoid possible fracture of rod at base of hex.
NOTE: Before compressing rear spring, mark location of rear spring to top mount using a grease pencil.
2. Place shock absorber and rear spring assembly in a suitable spring compressor.
3. Place 10 mm six point deep well socket on top of shock absorber shaft and hold while removing top shaft mounting nut with a Oxygen Sensor Wrench 303-476 and ratchet.
4. Loosen spring compressor tool, then remove top rear shock absorber bracket and rear spring.
ASSEMBLY
1. Inspect rear spring to make sure rear spring damper rear spring insulator retainer are properly positioned.
2. Using a spring compressor, install rear spring, bottom washer, if equipped, rear shock absorber bracket, upper washer and nut on rear shock absorber shaft.
3. Make sure rear spring is properly located in upper mount and lower spring seat and that mount washers are positioned correctly.
NOTE: Install rear spring with rear spring insulator retainer on the bottom as shown to prevent rear spring damper from sliding down the spring.
4. Tighten rod nut to 53 - 71 Nm (39 - 53 ft. lbs.). Use Oxygen Sensor Wrench 303-476 to turn the nut and a 10 mm six point deep well socket to hold shaft so it will not turn while tightening nut. Do not use pliers on strut rod as finished rod surface could be damaged.