Front Suspension Leaf Spring

Front Transverse Spring Replacement


Tools Required
* J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor
* J 42188 Ball Joint Separator



Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service Intervals) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
3. If the transverse spring is to be replaced, measure the front spring adjuster bolt gap (1).
This measurement will be used in the installation procedure to setup the vehicle trim height.





Notice: During this procedure, use care not to scratch the transverse spring.


4. Install the transverse spring compressor J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
5. Compress the transverse spring.




6. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolts from one of the lower control arms.




7. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.




8. Loosen the lower ball joint stud nut (2) on the lower control arm. Do not remove the nut.
9. Separate the lower the ball joint from the steering knuckle using ball joint separator tool J 42188 .




10. Remove the ball joint separator tool.
11. Remove the lower ball joint stud nut and discard.
12. Support the lower control arms with jackstands.




13. Mark the position of the cam bolts for reference at reinstallation.
14. Remove the cam bolts from the lower control arm.
15. Remove the lower control arm.




16. Remove the transverse spring bolts and retainers.
17. Discard the old transverse spring bolts.
18. Remove the transverse spring from the vehicle.
19. Remove the transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring, if the spring is to be replaced.



Installation Procedure





1. Install the transverse spring compressor J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
2. Install the transverse spring to the crossmember.





Notice: Do not remove the transverse leaf spring compressor tool until after the shock absorber has been installed. The pad on the transverse leaf spring bolt could move out of position resulting in damage to the pad or a rattle in the suspension.


Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

3. Install the transverse spring retainers and bolts (use new bolts) to the crossmember.

Tighten the transverse spring retainer bolts (use new bolts) to 62 N.m (46 lb ft).





4. Install the lower control arm to the front crossmember.
5. Install the cam bolts to the position that was marked during disassembly.
Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to the final torque specification at this time.





Important: Use a new ball joint stud nut.


6. Install the lower control arm ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.

Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N.m (20 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.





7. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
8. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts.

Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).





9. Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.

Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).





10. Remove the J 33432-A transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring.
11. Remove the jackstands from the lower control arms.
12. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
13. Adjust the front trim height. Refer to Trim Height Specifications (Trim Height Specifications) .
14. Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Service and Repair) .