General Information

On all models except those with 3S-GE engines, the front suspension is of the conventional MacPherson strut type, consisting of coil springs and non-serviceable telescopic shock absorbers. The struts are held at the bottom by lower control arms, whose inner ends are attached to the body through rubber bushings and whose outer ends are fitted with ball joints. The steering knuckles, which accommodate the wheel hub bearings and brake calipers, are bolted to the MacPherson struts and connected to the control arms by ball joints. The front stabilizer bar is fitted on all models; it is mounted on the subframe with rubber bushings and connected to the lower control arms by vertical links.

The rear suspension is of the MacPherson strut type, including coil springs and integral telescopic shock absorbers. The lower ends of the MacPherson struts are connected to the subframe by transverse trailing arms (two on each side) and to the body floor brackets by longitudinal trailing arms. The rear transverse arms are adjustable, which is used to set the wheel alignment angles. The rear hub carriers, which hold the hub bearings, are bolted to the rear axle carriers, which carry the rear brake shoes or disc brake calipers. The axle carriers, in turn, are bolted to the MacPherson struts and connected to the transverse and longitudinal arms. If the model is equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, it is mounted on the body side members with rubber bushings and connected to both suspension struts by vertical links.

The steering column is connected by a universal joint to an intermediate shaft, which has a second universal joint on its lower end. The lower universal joint is secured to the drive pinion of the steering gear with a pinch bolt.

The steering gear is mounted on the front subframe. It is connected to the steering knuckle arms by two tie rods. The tie rod end studs have threaded shanks for toe-in adjustment.

Some vehicle models are equipped with power steering. The power steering pump is driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley or from the water pump, depending on the engine type.