Rear

�/LFig. 2 Rear suspension components. Tempo & Topaz:

TEMPO & TOPAZ
These vehicles use a new MacPherson strut independent rear suspension, Fig. 2. Each side consists of a shock absorber strut assembly, two parallel control arms per side, tie rod, spindle and a jounce bumper and bracket. The shock absorber strut assembly includes a rubber isolated top mount, upper spring seat, coil spring insulator, coil spring and a lower spring seat. the strut assembly is attached at the top by two studs, which retain the top mount of the strut to the inner body side panel. The lower end of the assembly is bolted to the spindle. The two control arms are attached to the underbody and spindle with nuts and bolts. The tie rod is attached to the underbody and the spindle. The jounce bumper bracket is bolted to the strut.

1987-88 TEMPO & TOPAZ MODELS W/ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM

REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY, REPLACE
Remove rear axle assembly to a suitable workbench to conduct all axle repairs.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle. Position a suitable jack under the rear axle assembly.
3. Disconnect and remove exhaust system components from catalytic converter to rear of vehicle.
4. Remove rear U-joints bolts and caps retaining driveshaft from torque tube yoke flange. Lower driveshaft.
5. Remove four attaching bolts from torque tube support bracket.
6. Remove axle attaching bolt from lefthand differential support bracket.
7. Remove axle attaching bolt from center differential support bracket.
8. Lower axle assembly and remove inboard U-joint attaching bolts and caps from each half shaft. Remove and wire half shaft assemblies aside.
9. Reverse procedure to install. Torque inboard U-joint cap attaching nuts to 15-17 ft. lbs. Torque differential housing to left hand and center differential support bracket attaching bolts to 70-80 ft. lbs. Torque mounting bracket and torque tube to crossmember attaching bolts to 28-35 ft. lbs. Torque driveshaft to torque tube yoke flange attaching bolts to 15---17 ft. lbs.

HALF SHAFT, REPLACE
1. Remove rear suspension control arm attaching bolt.
2. Remove outboard U-joint attaching bolts and caps.
3. Remove inboard U-joint attaching bolts and caps.
4. Carefully slide shafts together. Do not allow splined shafts to contact with excessive force. Remove half shafts. Do not drop the half shafts as the impact may damage U-joint bearing cups.
5. Remove and retain bearing cups.
6. Inspect U-joint assemblies for wear and/or damage. Replace U-joints, if necessary.
7. Reverse procedure to install. Note the following:
a. The inboard shaft has a larger diameter than the outboard shaft.
b. Torque inboard U-joint attaching bolts to 15-17 ft. lbs.
c. Torque outboard U-joint attaching bolts to 15-17 ft. lbs.
d. Torque rear suspension control arm attaching bolt to 60-86 ft. lbs.

DRIVESHAFT, REPLACE
During removal and installation, support driveshaft using a suitable jack or hoist under the center bearing assembly.
1. To maintain driveshaft balance, mark U-joints so they may be installed in their original positions. Do not use a sharp tool to place alignment marks on any component.
2. Remove front U-joint attaching bolts and caps.
3. Slide driveshaft toward rear of vehicle and disengage driveshaft.
4. Remove rear U-joint attaching bolts and caps attaching driveshaft, from torque tube yoke flange.
5. Slide driveshaft toward front of vehicle and disengage driveshaft. Do not allow splined shafts to contact with excessive force.
6. Remove center bearing attaching bolts.
7. Remove driveshaft and retain bearing cups with tape, if necessary.
8. Inspect U-joint assemblies for wear or damage. Replace, if necessary.
9. Reverse procedure to install. Torque U-joint retaining caps and bolts to 15---17 ft. lbs. Torque center bearing and attaching bolts to 23---30 ft. lbs.