Rear Suspension

Removal Procedure





1. On two-door models, raise the liftgate. On four-door models, open the rear compartment lid.
2. On two-door models, remove the trim cover from the strut tower. Place the rear seat back in the forward position. On four-door models, reposition the rear compartment side trim in order to access the strut nuts.
3. Raise and support the vehicle in order to allow access to the top of the strut and to the bottom of the strut. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
4. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
5. Support the rear suspension using a floor jack.
6. Remove the bolt (3) that retains the strut (2) to the knuckle (1).





7. Remove the 2 nuts (2) from the strut (1).
8. Use the following procedure in order to remove the strut from the vehicle:
^ Compress the strut.
^ Separate the strut from the knuckle.
^ Remove the strut from the vehicle.

Notice: Keep the floor jack in place while the strut is off the vehicle to keep the coil spring from fully extending and falling off, and to prevent damaging the brake hose.

Important: Do not expand the opening in the knuckle wider than necessary.





9. If the strut (1) is difficult to remove, insert a wedge (3) in order to expand the opening in the knuckle (2).

Installation Procedure





1. Compress the strut.
2. Install the strut to the knuckle (2). Position the strut alignment projection (1) inside the opening in the knuckle (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the 2 nuts (2) to the strut (1
^ Tighten the nuts to 30 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).
4. On two-door models, install the trim cover to the strut tower. Move the rear seat back to the upright position.
On four-door models, install the rear compartment side trim.





5. Install the bolt (3) to the knuckle.
^ Tighten the bolt to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove the floor jack.
7. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. On two-door models, close the liftgate. On four-door models, close the rear compartment lid.