Front Damper/Spring Replacement

Exploded View



 

Special Tools Required
Deep socket (  07XAA-0010100)
 



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.Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.

2.Remove the front wheel.

3.Remove the wheel sensor harness clip (A) and the brake hose bracket (B) from the damper. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.

 


4.Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and self-locking nuts (B) from the damper.

NOTE: Do not allow the knuckle to rotate too far out ward. This may allow the inner CV joint bearing to unseat.

 

5.Turn the ignition switch on (II), then turn the side of the windshield, turn the ignition switch off, leaving the wipers near the A-pillars.

6.Remove the service cap (A) and the lid (B).

 

7.Remove the three flange nuts (C) from top of the damper.

NOTE:
  • Damper springs are different, left and right. Mark the springs L and R before you continue.
  • Be careful not to damage the body.

8.Remove the damper assembly (A).

 

Disassembly/Inspection


1.Remove the cap (A) from the top of the damper.

 

2.Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.

 

3.Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.

4.Reassemble all the parts, except for the upper spring mounting cushion, the bump stop, and the damper spring.

5.Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.

 

6.Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, or binding during these tests.

Reassembly


1.Install the spring (A) on the upper spring mounting cushion (B) by aligning the ledge portion (C).

 

2.Compress the damper spring.

3.Install all the parts except the damper mounting washer and self-locking nut onto the damper unit (A) by referring to the Exploded View.

 

4.Align the lower spring seat, the bottom of the spring (B) and the stepped part of the lower spring seat (C).

5.Align the damper bracket (A) and the damper mounting base (B) so that the ‘‘[utri]'' stamp (C) points toward the front.

 

6.Align the angle of the stud bolt (D) on the damper bracket as shown.

7.Install the damper mounting washer (A) and a new self-locking nut (B).

 

8.Hold the damper shaft using a hex wrench (C), and tighten the new self-locking nut to the specified torque value.

9.Install the cap.

Installation


1.Install the damper assembly (A) onto the frame.

 

2.Loosely install new flange nuts (A).

NOTE: Install the service cap (B) and the lid (C) after tightening the flange nuts to the specified torque value.

 

3.Loosely install new damper pinch bolts (A) and new self-locking nuts (B) to the damper (C).

 

4.Install the wheel sensor harness clip (A) and the brake hose bracket (B) to the damper (C).

 

5.Raise the front suspension with a floor jack to load the suspension with the vehicle's weight.

6.Tighten the damper pinch bolts and the self-locking nuts to the specified torque value.

7.Tighten the flange nuts on top of the damper to the specified torque value.

8.Install the service cap the and the lid.

9.Install the front wheel.

10.Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.