Rear Knuckle Alignment Link: Service and Repair

SEDAN

REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle on frame contact hoist using lift pads located to rear of front wheels and forward of rear wheels. Raise hoist only enough to contact body.
2. From package tray, loosen but do not remove, three nuts retaining the rear shock absorber bracket to body.
3. Raise vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove and discard nut retaining rear suspension tension strut and bushing to rear wheel spindle.
5. Remove and discard nut retaining rear suspension tension strut and bushing to body.
6. Move rear wheel spindle rearward enough for rear suspension tension strut and bushing to be removed.

INSTALLATION
1. Place new washers and bushings on both ends of new rear suspension tension strut and bushing. Bushings at front and rear of rear suspension tension strut and bushing are different. The rear suspension tie rod bushings are smaller and have indentations in them.
2. Insert one end into body bracket and install a new rear strut body end bushing, sleeve and nut. Do not tighten at this time.
3. Pull back on rear wheel spindle enough so rear suspension tension strut and bushing end can be installed in rear wheel spindle.
4. Install new rear suspension tie rod bushing, washer and nut. Verify that bushings are correctly piloted into the rear wheel spindle. Tighten nut to 47 - 63 Nm (35 - 46 ft. lbs.).
5. Verify that bushings are correctly piloted into the body bracket. Tighten nut to 47 - 63 Nm (35 - 46 ft. lbs.).
6. Support rear wheel spindle with jackstand. Remove three strut-to-body retaining nuts. Install three new strut-to-body retaining nuts. Tighten to 25 - 34 Nm (19 - 25 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove jackstand.
8. Install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten lug nuts to 114 - 142 Nm (85 - 104 ft. lbs.).
9. Lower vehicle.

STATION WAGON

REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle on a frame contact hoist.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove and discard nut retaining rear suspension tension strut and bushing to rear wheel spindle.





4. Remove and discard nut retaining rear suspension tension strut and bushing to body bracket, pull rearward on rear wheel spindle and remove rear suspension tension strut and bushing.

INSTALLATION
1. Insert front end of rear suspension tension strut and bushing into body bracket and install bushing, sleeve and a new nut. Do not tighten at this time.

NOTE: After installation of rear suspension tension strut and bushing it may be necessary to check rear wheel alignment.

2. Pull rear wheel spindle rearward and position rear suspension tension strut and bushing in rear wheel spindle. Install rear suspension tie rod bushing, washer and a new nut. Tighten nut to 47 - 63 Nm (35 - 46 ft. lbs.).
3. Tighten nut at front of rear suspension tension strut and bushing to body bracket to 47 - 63 Nm (35 - 46 ft. lbs.).
4. Install wheel and tire assembly. Tighten lug nuts to 114 - 142 Nm (85 - 104 ft. lbs.).
5. Remove floor jack and lower vehicle.