Removal and Installation - Coil Spring

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

Vehicle/Axle Stands

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. 1
   Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
2. 2

   NOTICE: The rear suspension height sensor must be disconnected from the lower arm before servicing suspension components, or damage to the height sensor and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensor must be calibrated after assembly.

   If equipped.
   

   1. Disconnect the rear ride height sensor electrical connector.

   2. Remove the rear height sensor bracket nut and set the rear height sensor bracket aside.

   

3. 3
   Using a suitable jack, support the rear lower arm at curb height.
   Use general equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands.

   

4. 4

   NOTICE: Do not attempt to jack up the front lower arm or the rear lower arm on any vehicle. Suspension arm damage may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure the insulators are positioned correctly to prevent direct contact with other components.

   
   

   1. Remove and discard the lower arm-to-knuckle bolt and nut.

   2. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower bolt and nut.

   3. Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor harness clips and set the harness aside.

   

5. 5

   NOTICE: Never allow the upper and lower control arm joints to hang, or ball joint damage may occur.

   Support the steering knuckle assembly with a mechanic's wire.

   

6. 6

   NOTICE: Do not attempt to jack up the front lower arm or the rear lower arm on any vehicle. Suspension arm damage may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure the insulators are positioned correctly to prevent direct contact with other components.

   
   

   1. Lower the suspension to relieve spring compression.

   2. Remove the coil spring by lowering the lower arm and positioning it aside.

   

Installation

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the vehicle on its wheels and tires, or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height to avoid damage to the bushings.

1. 1
   Visual inspection.
   Inspect the upper and lower spring seats for damage. Replace as necessary.

   

2. 2

   NOTICE: Do not attempt to jack up the front lower arm or the rear lower arm on any vehicle. Suspension arm damage may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure the insulators are positioned correctly to prevent direct contact with other components.

   
   

   1. Install the coil spring into the upper and lower spring seats.

   2. Visual inspection.
      Align the spring in the lower spring seat.

   3. Position a jack under the lower arm and raise the lower arm to the required position.

   

3. 3
   Visual inspection.
   Align the spring in the upper spring seat.

   

4. 4
   
   

   1. Install the lower arm to the knuckle and install a new lower arm-to-knuckle bolt and nut.

   2. Install the lower bolt and nut of the new rear shock absorber.

   3. Position the rear wheel speed sensor harness and snap the harness clips into place.

   

5. 5

   NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the vehicle weight on the wheels and tires, or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height, otherwise bushing damage may occur.

   
   

   1. Tighten the new lower arm-to-knuckle bolt and nut.
      Torque:
      Stage 1: 81 lb-ft (110 N·m)
      Stage 2: 120°

   2. Tighten the lower bolt and nut of the new rear shock absorber.
      Torque: 81 lb-ft (110 N·m)

   

6. 6

   NOTICE: The rear suspension height sensor must be disconnected from the lower arm before servicing suspension components, or damage to the height sensor and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensor must be calibrated after assembly.

   If equipped.
   

   1. Position the rear height sensor bracket and install the rear height sensor bracket nut.
      Torque: 177 lb-in (20 N·m)

   2. Connect the rear ride height sensor electrical connector.

   

7. 7
   Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
8. 8
   Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear wheel toe.
   Refer to: Rear Wheel Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
9. 9
   Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and perform the ride height calibration procedure. Follow the scan tool directions.