Front Suspension

Damper/Spring Removal/Installation

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 engine compartment covers (A).





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.





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.