Front Suspension

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

CAUTION:

- Before removing the steering wheel and air bag module assembly, refer to Service Precautions ( Technician Safety Information) and Air Bag Module and Clock Spring ( Service and Repair). Also, put the front wheels in straight-ahead position. Failure to do so may damage the SRS clock spring and render the SRS air bag inoperative, which results in serious driver injury.
- *: Indicates parts which should be initially tightened, and then fully tightened after placing the vehicle horizontally and loading the full weight of the engine on the vehicle body.













Required Special Tool:

- MB991897: Ball Joint Remover

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS

[[A]] STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY DISCONNECTION

1. Remove the steering gear and steering column assembly connecting bolt.





2. Pinch the steering column shaft clip with pliers, and pull up the shaft in the direction shown to disengage the steering column assembly.





NOTE:
If the steering column shaft is removed accidentally, remove the steering column assembly and be sure to insert the steering column shaft into the steering column as shown in the figure.

[[B]] JAM NUT (CONNECTION FOR TIE-ROD END AND KNUCKLE) DISCONNECTION

CAUTION:

- Do not remove the nut from ball joint. Loosen it and use special tool MB991897 to avoid possible damage to ball joint threads.
- Hang special tool MB991897 with a cord to prevent it from falling.





1. Install special tool MB991897 as shown in the figure.





2. Turn the bolt and knob as necessary to make the jaws of special tool MB991897 parallel, tighten the bolt by hand and confirm that the jaws are still parallel.
NOTE:
When adjusting the jaws in parallel, make sure the knob is in the position shown in the figure.

3. Tighten the bolt with a wrench to disconnect the tie rod end.

[[C]] FRONT AXLE CROSSMEMBER STAY REMOVAL





The crossmember mounting bolts should not be unscrewed when the front axle crossmember stay is replaced. However, the bolts may be loosened while the front axle crossmember stay is removed. It is recommended that you retighten the bolts to 180 ± 20 Nm (133 ± 14 ft-lb).

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS

]]A[[ STABILIZER BAR/STABILIZER BUSHING/STABILIZER BAR BRACKET INSTALLATION





Align the stabilizer bar identification mark with the right end of the bushing (LH).

]]B[[ FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER INSTALLATION





1. Use a transmission jack to lift the crossmember assembly.









2. From inside the vehicle, pull tab A and then tab B to secure the three clips to the body panel.
NOTE:
When securing the steering column dash panel cover to the body panel, be careful that the seal lip does not move backwards.

3. Check that it has been secured by pressing down the tip of the clips by your finger.
Also check that the steering column dash panel cover is installed securely to the steering gear.





4. After installing the steering column dash panel cover, check that the steering column dash panel cover rubber is not disengaged from the retainer. If there is any doubt, release the clips from the body, engage the rubber again and reinstall to the body.
5. Tighten the crossmember mounting nuts and bolts.

]]C[[ FRONT AXLE CROSSMEMBER STAY INSTALLATION





Ensure that the crossmember mounting bolts have been tightened to 180 ± 20 Nm
(133 ± 14 ft-lb), and then install the front crossmember stay with the jam nut.