Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

STATION WAGON
Removal
1. Raise vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Position jack stand under lower rear suspension arm and bushing.





3. Remove the bolt retaining rear brake hose support bracket which retains the flexible rear brake hose to body.





4. Remove rear stabilizer bar link and bushing from vehicle.
5. CAUTION: Lower rear suspension arm and bushing must be supported before removal of upper or lower shock absorber attachments to prevent injury or damage to attached components.

Position jackstand under rear suspension arm and bushing. Lower hoist slightly to put suspension at normal position. Remove shock absorber.
6. Install Rotunda Spring Compressor 014-00781 on rear spring.
7. Remove and discard upper ball joint nut. Separate upper ball joint from rear wheel spindle.





8. Slowly lower rear suspension arm and bushing until rear spring can be removed. Remove rear spring, lower rear spring insulator and upper rear spring insulator.

Installation
1. Position rear spring insulator on rear suspension arm and bushing and press insulator downward into place. Verify rear spring insulator is properly seated.
2. Position upper rear spring insulator on top of rear spring. Install rear spring on rear suspension arm and bushing, making sure rear spring is properly seated.





3. Slowly raise rear suspension arm and bushing and guide upper rear spring insulator onto upper spring seat on underbody.
4. Position upper ball joint into rear suspension arm and bushing. Install new upper ball joint nut. Tighten nut to 68 - 92 Nm (50 - 67 ft. lbs.).




5. Install shock absorber.





6. Install rear stabilizer bar and stabilizer bar bracket to lower rear suspension arm and bushing. Tighten to 19 - 26 Nm (14 - 19 ft. lbs.).





7. Install rear brake hose support bracket to body. Tighten bolt to 12 - 15 Nm (106 - 132 inch lbs).
8. Install wheel and tire assembly.
9. Remove jackstand and lower vehicle.
10. Check rear wheel alignment.