Suspension: Service and Repair

Fig. 10 Rear Suspension.:

1. Raise and support vehicle and remove rear wheels.
2. Remove stabilizer link, upper link, front lower link and rear lower link, Fig. 10. Use tool 490727575 or equivalent to separate each link ball joint from rear hub. Use chisel to remove dust boots.
3. Inspect links for bending or damage and the dust boots for damage, replacing as necessary.
4. Check ball joint preload as follows:
a. Attach tool 490180510B or equivalent to ball stud, then attach spring scale to tool and ensure preload is 1.1-2.6 lbs. Measure preload after shaking stud of ball joint 3 or 4 times.
5. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Liberally coat inside of dust boots with grease and press on with suitable tools.
b. Torque rear lower link attaching bolt, rear lower link attaching nut, front lower link attaching bolt, front lower link attaching nut, upper link righthand nut, upper link, lefthand nut and upper link center nut to specification.