Rear Suspension Damper Replacement

Exploded View Removal

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

1. Remove the rear wheel.

1. Place a floor jack under the lower arm B to support the suspension.

1. Remove the lid on the rear side trim panel.

1. Hold the damper shaft (A) with a hex wrench (B), and loosen the self-locking nut (C).

1. Remove the self-locking nut, damper mounting washer (D), and damper mounting rubber (E) from the top of damper.

1. Disconnect the lower arm B and dumper (A).

1. Lower the jack, then remove the damper unit (A).

Inspection

1. Install the 10 mm flange nut on the top of the damper rod.

1. Push on the damper by hand as shown.

1. Check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend in a smooth, continuous motion when the compression is released. If it does not (no compression or no extension), the gas is leaking, and the damper should be replaced.

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

Installation

1. Install the damper mounting rubber (A) onto the damper unit. Position the damper assembly (C) between the body and lower arm B.

1. Place a jack under the lower arm B to support the suspension.

1. Loosely tighten the damper mounting bolt (A).

1. Raise the rear suspension with the jack until the vehicle just lifts off the safety stands, then tighten the damper mounting bolt to the specified torque values.

1. Install the damper mounting rubber (A), damper mounting washer (B), and new self-locking nut on the damper shaft.
   NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut on reassembly.

1. Tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque values while holding the damper shaft (A) with a hex wrench (B).

1. Reinstall the lid on the rear side trim panel.

1. Install the rear wheel.