Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Rear Suspension

Fig. 2 Rear strut installation:




Fig. 4 Lower control arm installation:





1. Raise and support vehicle on frame contact type hoist, remove wheel and tire assembly and reinstall 2 wheel nuts to retain brake rotor.
2. If left control arm is to be replaced, disconnect ELC height sensor link.
3. Remove stabilizer shaft mounting bolt at strut, if equipped.
4. Remove brake caliper as outlined, and secure aside leaving hoses connected.
5. Loosen but do not remove knuckle pivot bolt at outboard end of control arm.
6. Remove clip and disconnect air line from strut.
7. Remove upper strut rod cap, mounting nut and insulator, Fig. 2.
8. Compress strut by hand and remove lower insulator.
9. Support knuckle assembly, remove knuckle pivot bolt, then remove strut and knuckle as an assembly.
10. Remove both inner control arm bolts and the control arm, Fig. 4.
11. Reverse procedure to install, ensuring strut is fully seated with tang on strut bottomed in steering knuckle slot. When suspension is fully assembled, torque bolts to specifications as follows: pinch bolt, 40 ft. lbs.; upper strut nut, 65 ft. lbs.; control arm bolts, 66 ft. lbs.; knuckle pivot bolt, stabilizer bolt, 43 ft. lbs.