Overhaul

Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly









Disassembly

WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not remove the shock absorber center nut. Removal of this nut releases the spring tension and may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury Procedures.

Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Front Suspension.

2. NOTICE: Overtightening the vise may damage the shock absorber tube.

Mount and mark the shock absorber and spring assembly.

1. Position the shock absorber and spring assembly in a suitable holding device.

2. Mark the upper mounting bracket, spring and shock absorber for assembly reference.





3. NOTE: If installing a new spring, make sure the part number is correct. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label for the correct spring code. For additional information, refer to Identification Codes Application and ID to convert the spring code to a part number.

Compress the spring.

1. Install an appropriate spring compressor.

2. Compress the spring.





4. While holding the shock absorber rod, remove and discard the nut.

5. Remove the mounting bracket and dust boot as an assembly.





6. Carefully remove the spring and spring compressor.





Assembly

NOTE: If a new shock absorber, spring or upper mount is installed, the new part should be marked in the same place as the old part to make sure the assembly is correctly aligned.

1. Inspect the lower and upper spring seats for damage.

2. Inspect the spring insulator for wear or damage. Install a new mounting bracket if necessary.

3. NOTE: If installing a new spring, make sure the part number is correct. Refer to the VC label for the correct spring code. For additional information, refer to Identification Codes Application and ID to convert the spring code to a part number.

Inspect the spring for nicked or scratched paint. If the paint is nicked or scratched, install a new spring.

4. If removed, place the shock absorber into the vise.

5. Position the shock and spring compressor onto the strut.





6. Position the mounting bracket and dust boot onto the spring. Make sure the marks made during Disassembly, Step 3, are lined up.

7. Install a new shock rod nut.
- To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

8. Remove the spring compressor.

9. Install the shock absorber and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Front Suspension.

10. WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury Description and Operation.

If equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system.