Support Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE





1. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
3. Lower exhaust system.
4. Remove the springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement.
5. Remove the brake calipers and support. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brake Systems.
6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from each wheel.
7. Release the park brake cable from brake calipers.





8. Loosen the parking brake cable (1) and then disconnect the cable at the rear suspension support assembly.





9. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the support assembly.
10. Remove the electronic level control electrical connector and vent hose.
11. Disconnect the electronic level control link from the left and right control arm.
12. Remove the electronic level control vent tube from the electronic level control compressor.
13. Support the rear suspension support assembly with a transmission jack and securely support.





14. Remove three bolts per side, securing the support brackets to the body of the vehicle.





15. Remove the front two and rear two bolts securing the support assembly to the body.
16. Lower transmission jack and remove the support assembly.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Raise the support assembly with transmission jack in position.





2. Install two rear and two front bolts at the mounts.
- Tighten the front support assembly bolts to 191 Nm (141 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the rear support assembly bolts 191 Nm (141 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the brackets at the forward support assembly mounts.
Tighten bolts to 86 Nm (63 ft. lbs.).





4. Connect the electronic level control air tube to the electronic level control compressor.
5. Connect the electronic level control electrical connector and vent tube.
6. Connect the electrical connectors to the support assembly.
7. Connect the electronic level control links to both control arms.
8. Attach the parking brake cable at the support assembly.





9. Install the parking brake cable (1) to the brake calipers.
10. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brake Systems.
11. Install the springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement.
12. Install the exhaust system.
13. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
Tighten the wheel nuts to 140 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).





When checking the condition of the ball joint, be sure to follow the inspection procedure closely to prevent unnecessary ball joint replacement. During the inspection, have the vehicle supported by the wheels to insure that its weight is the loading ball joints. The ball joint has a visual wear indicator. Wear is indicated by a 13 mm (0.50 inch) diameter nipple retracting into the ball joint cover (the ball joint grease fitting is threaded into this nipple). The nipple protrudes 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) (1) beyond the ball joint cover surface (3) on a new, unworn joint. Replace the ball joint if the nipple is flush or below the cover surface (2).
As part of the inspection, check the ball stud tightness in the knuckle boss. Check it by shaking the wheel and feeling for movement of the stud end or castellated nut at the knuckle boss. Checking the fastener tightness at the castellated nut is an alternative method of inspecting. A loose nut can indicate a bent stud or an opened-up hole in the knuckle boss. If worn, replace the ball joint and the knuckle. If the ball joint is separated from the knuckle for suspension service, inspect the ball joint seal for damage. A damaged seal will cause joint failure. If seal damage is found, replace the ball joint.