Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number, or an equivalent, must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new 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.

1. Remove the hub cap or wheel cover.





2. 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).
3. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly.
4. Using a jack stand, support the rear suspension arm and bushing.





5. Remove and discard the bolts and flag nuts. Detach the stabilizer bar bracket.





6. CAUTION: The lower control arm must be supported before removing the upper or lower shock absorber mounting fasteners to prevent damage to attached components.

Remove and discard the bolt and nut. Detach the shock absorber. Remove the washer and the bushing.





7. Remove and discard the nuts, four washers and flag bolts.
8. Separate the trackbar arm from the rear wheel spindle.





9. Using the jack stand, lower the lower control arm until the rear spring (5560) can be removed. Remove the rear spring and rear spring center mounting insulator as an assembly.





10. Remove the rear spring center mounting insulator.





11. Remove the rear spring insulator.

Installation





1. Install the rear spring insulator. Make sure the rear spring insulator is correctly seated.





2. Install the rear spring center mounting insulator. Make sure the rear spring center mounting insulator is correctly seated.





3. Position the rear spring and rear spring center mounting insulator as an assembly. Make sure the rear spring is correctly seated in the lower control arm. Using the jack stand, slowly raise the rear suspension arm and bushing while grinding the rear spring center mounting insulator into the underbody spring seat.
4. Position the trackbar in the rear wheel spindle.





5. Using the jack stand, position the lower control arm. Install new flag bolts, four washers and new nuts. Do not tighten at this time.





6. Note: Make sure the cupped side of the washer is facing away from the bushing.

Install the bushing, the washer and a new nut. Position the shock absorber. Install a new bolt.
7. Using the jack stand, raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken previously (curb height).





8. Tighten the nuts.





9. Position the stabilizer bar bracket and the nut and retainer assembly. Install new bolts and new flag nuts.
10. Remove the jack stand.
11. Partially lower the vehicle.





12. Install the rear brake hose support bracket bolt.
13. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
14. Check the wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary.