Rear Suspension Strut

Removal

PROCEDURE

1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on stands.

2. Remove the wheel.

3. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut from the strut.

4. Disconnect the ABS wiring from the strut.

5. Remove the bracket and disconnect the brake hose from the strut.

6. Remove the two nuts (indicated by arrows) securing the strut to the knuckle housing, then disconnect the strut.

7. To access the upper strut mounting, disassemble the rear seatback. Refer to Subsection 13.23.

8. On sedan models, remove the rear parcel shelf.

9. Remove the floor mat trim.

10. Pry off and remove the plastic cover of the strut mount (the arrows indicate the upper rear strut mounting nuts).

11. Have an assistant support the strut from below. Remove the three strut mounting nuts, then lower and remove the strut.

Disassembly

PROCEDURE

1. Clamp the lower part of the strut in a vise using protective pads.

2. Install nuts onto the studs, then use a lever against the studs to loosen the upper shock absorber rod nut. Do not remove the nut completely.

3. Compress the spring with the special tool so that the upper spring seat can be turned by hand.

4. Remove the shaft nut while holding the shaft from turning.

5. Remove the washers, gasket, upper cap and spring seat.

6. Remove the spring, dust boot and rubber bump stop.

7. Inspect all components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

8. Check the shock absorber for fluid leakage and inspect the rod along its entire length.

9. Check the body for cracks and damage.

10. Check strut operation by extending the rod fully, then compressing and extending it 50–100 mm. The rod should move with smooth resistance.

11. If there are signs of leakage or mechanical damage, or if the rod moves with jerks, replace the strut. The spring and all components can be installed on the new strut.

12. Inspect the spring.

13. Replace the spring if there is severe corrosion, cracks in the coils, deformation, or any sign of questionable condition.

14. Clamp the strut in a vise, then install the rubber bump stop and dust boot.

15. Compress and install the spring so that the color marking faces down. The end of the coil must seat in the recess of the spring seat.

16. Install the upper bump stop and spring seat, correctly positioning the spring coil in the seat. When installing the strut, the arrow on the upper spring seat must point outward in the transverse direction (A – transverse direction, B – toward the front of the vehicle).

17. Assemble the upper strut mount in the correct parts order, then install a new rod nut.

18. Tighten the nut to the specified torque while holding the rod.

19. Remove the spring compressor.

Installation

PROCEDURE

1. Install a new upper strut mount gasket.

2. Install the strut so that the studs enter the body holes, with the groove on the upper spring seat pointing outward in the transverse direction.

3. Replace and tighten the nuts to the specified torque.

4. Align the holes in the strut and the knuckle housing, then tighten new nuts and bolts to the specified torque (nuts must face the direction of vehicle travel).

5. Connect the stabilizer link and tighten a new nut to the specified torque.

6. The stabilizer link ball joint must be centered on the arc described by the link as it moves. In this position, the ball joint must be fully unloaded.

7. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle.