Front Suspension

Damper/Spring Replacement

Damper/Spring:

NOTE: When compressing the damper spring, use a commercially available strut spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent). According to the manufacturer's instructions.

Removal
1. Remove the covers (A) in the engine component.





2. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
3. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the caliper.
4. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C) while pushing the lower arm down.





5. Disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm.
6. Remove the 8 mm flange nuts (A) and the 10 mm flange nuts (B) from the top of the damper.





7. Remove the damper assembly (A).

NOTE:
^ Before removing the damper assembly, make a space to remove the damper assembly by rotating the steering wheel clockwise until it stops.
^ Be careful not to damage or scratch the aluminum parts. It may weaken the suspension.





Disassembly/Inspection
1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.





2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.
3. Reassemble all the parts, except for the spring mounting cushion and spring.
4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.





5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly

NOTE: Refer to the Exploded View as needed.

1. Align the damper mounting base (A) and spring mounting cushion (B) as shown, then reassemble the damper except for the washer and self-locking nut.





2. Install the damper assembly on a commercially available strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring lightly.





3. Align the bottom of the spring and the stepped part (B) of the lower spring seat.
4. Position the damper mounting base (A) so the stud bolt (B) is aligned with the aligning tab (C) in the damper unit as shown.





5. Compress the damper spring. Do not compress the spring excessively.
6. Install the washer (A) and a new 10 mm self-locking nut (B). Hold the damper shaft with a hex wench (C), and tighten the 10 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque value.





7. Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.

Installation
1. Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside.





2. Loosely install the 8 mm flange nuts (A) and the 10 mm flange nuts (B) on the top of the damper.





3. Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm while pushing the lower arm down. Install the front damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot (C) in the damper fork.





4. Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (D) into the damper fork.
5. Install the flange bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, then lightly tighten the new damper fork mounting nut (F).

NOTE: Use a new damper fork mounting nut on reassembly.

6. Install the lower arm side stabilizer link.
7. Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.
8. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque values.
9. Tighten the damper pinch bolt and the flange nut on the damper fork to the specified torque value.
10. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
11. Install the engine compartment covers.