Note: This operation is not carried out on models equipped with an adjustable rear suspension.
Warning: Installation will require a new shock absorber lower bolt nut.
Removing
2. Place wedges under the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands (see "Jacking up the car and placing it on stands"). To improve access, remove the corresponding wheel.
3. Turn away screws of fastening and remove a protective casing from the basis of the lower suspension arm. Position the jack and trees (another block under the lower arm and raise the jack to support the weight of the arm (see fig. 11.3, a, b).
Pic. 11.3, a. Loosen the fixing screws (shown by arrows)...
Pic. 11.3, b....and remove the protective cover from the base of the lower arm
4. Remove the upholstery on the side of the luggage compartment to get to the upper shock absorber mount (see fig. 11.4, a, b).
Pic. 11.4, a. Remove the upholstery on the side of the luggage compartment...
Pic. 11.4, b....to get to the top support of the rear shock absorber (shown by arrow)
5. While holding the shock absorber upper mount nut with an open end wrench, loosen and remove the lock nut. Loosen the top mount nut, being careful not to rotate the shock body/piston, and remove the washer and rubber bushing (see fig. 11.5, a-c).
Pic. 11.5 a. Loosen two nuts...
Pic. 11.5b....remove the washer
Pic. 11.5. V....and then a rubber bushing
Warning: Do not attempt to remove the upper shock mount nut while the lower arm is jacked up.
6. Working from underneath the vehicle, loosen and remove the bottom support bolt nut and remove the bolt and washers (see fig. 11.6).
Pic. 11.6. Loosen the nut and remove the lower shock absorber mount bolt
7. Gently lower the suspension arm slightly, then maneuver the shock absorber out from under the wheel arch and remove the rubber bushing from its upper end. On later models (December 1986) also remove the metal bushing, which is installed on the upper support rubber bushing, then remove the mudguard from the shock absorber and slide the stem buffer (see fig. 11.7. a, b).
Pic. 11.7. A. Rear Shock Upper Mount Parts - Early Models
1 Locknut and support nut
2 Washer
3 Rubber bush
4 Rubber bush
5 Body
6 Shock absorber
Pic. 11.7b. Rear Shock Upper Mount Parts - Late Models
1 Locknut and support nut
2 Washer
3 Rubber bush
4 Metal sleeve
5 Rubber bush
6 Stem buffer
7 Dirt cover
8 shock absorber
Examination
8. Check if the shock absorber is leaking. Check the piston for pitting and body damage. While holding the shock vertically, check the piston movement throughout the stroke and then short strokes of 50 to 100 mm. In both cases, an even and continuous resistance should be felt. If the resistance is jerky or uneven, or there are signs of wear or damage to the shock absorber, it must be replaced. Check all other details. If damage or destruction is found, replace.
Installation
9. On later models, slide the stopper onto the shock piston, then install the mudguard and metal bushing.
10. On all models, install the lower shock absorber bushing and install it in place.
11. Align the lower end of the shock absorber with the suspension arm and insert the support bolt. Install a new nut without over tightening it.
12. Raise the lower suspension arm, checking that the upper end of the shock absorber is correctly positioned in the body.
13. Working from inside the luggage compartment, install the upper support bushing and washer onto the shock absorber, then screw on the support nut. Check that the rubber bushing is properly seated, then tighten the nut to the correct torque without turning the shock body/piston. Hold the support nut still, install and tighten the locknut to the required torque.
14. Install the decorative panel in the trunk.
15. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel bolts to the required torque.
16. With the vehicle on the ground, rock the vehicle until the shock absorber is in the desired position, then tighten the lower support bolt nut to the required torque. Stop the protective cover on the lower arm and tighten the screws securing it.