Rear Suspension

Shock Absorber and Spring

Assembly - All Wheel Drive (AWD)

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 part, 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. 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 the interior trim to access the upper shock absorber-to-mount nut.
3. Remove and discard the upper shock absorber-to-mount nut.
4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

5. CAUTION: When removing the rear brake caliper, never allow it to hang from the brake caliper flexible hose. Provide a suitable support.

Remove the rear brake caliper anchor plate bolts and position the brake caliper assembly aside.
^ To install, tighten to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
6. Raise the vehicle.
7. Position a suitable jackstand under the wheel knuckle at the trailing arm and wheel knuckle attachment point, then raise it enough to compress the shock absorber and spring.
8. Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt.
9. Loosen the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt.
10. Remove and discard the lower arm-to-knuckle bolt.
11. Lower the jackstand.
12. Remove and discard the lower shock absorber and spring assembly-to-knuckle bolt.
13. Carefully push the lower shock absorber and spring assembly off of the lower arm.
14. Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.

Installation
1. Tape the spring to the upper rubber spring seat.
2. Insert a 76 mm (3 inch) piece of rubber hose on the upper shock absorber stud, then position the spring and upper rubber seat on the shock absorber.
3. Install the shock absorber and spring assembly on the lower arm. Install a new bolt.
^ Tighten to 105 Nm (77 ft. lbs.).
4. Position a suitable jackstand under the lower arm at the lower shock absorber mount.
5. Slowly raise the lower arm with the transmission jack while an assistant guides the upper shock absorber stud into the bushing.
6. Loosely install a new lower arm-to-knuckle bolt.
7. Raise the jackstand until the center of the wheel hub is at the correct curb height (measured in Step 1 of the Removal procedure).
8. Tighten the lower arm-to-knuckle bolts to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).
9. Lower the jackstand and position it under the trailing arm attachment point.
10. Raise the jackstand, then install a new trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt.
^ Tighten to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).
11. Tighten the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
^ Tighten to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
13. Remove the jackstand.
14. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Remove the rubber hose, then install a new shock absorber-to-mount nut.
^ Tighten to 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.).
17. Install the interior trim.