Note: New top shock mount nuts will be required for installation.
Removing
Warning: A spring compression tool must be purchased. Available adjustable spring compressors are recommended for this operation. Any attempt to remove the spring without a tool is likely to result in breakage or injury.
1. Chock the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, then jack up the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands (see "Jacking up the car and placing it on stands"). Remove the relevant wheel.
2. Place a spring compressor on the spring and compress it to release the top and bottom cups.
3. Position a wooden block jack under the lower arm and raise the jack to securely support the arm.
4. Loosen and unscrew the nuts of the upper shock absorber support.
5. Carefully lower the lower suspension arm so that the spring and upper cup can be removed (see fig. 6.5).
Pic. 6.5. Remove the spring and upper spring cup along with the spring compressor
6. Check up a condition of a spring. If wear or damage is found, replace. If you find that the top cup is damaged or broken, replace it.
Installation
7. Check that the lower arm spring seat is clean, then install the upper cup onto the spring and reinstall the spring.
8. Position the lower end of the spring against the stop on the lower arm cup. Align the upper spring cup with the seat on the body and carefully raise the lever, aligning the upper shock mount with the body (see fig. 6.8, a, b).
Pic. 6.8, a. Place the lower end of the spring into the stop (shown by arrow) on the lower control arm
Pic. 6.8b. Align the upper cup with the support on the body and carefully raise the lower arm
9. Make sure that the spring is located correctly, then install new nuts on the upper shock absorber support and tighten them to the required torque.
10. Remove the jack from under the lower arm, then carefully release the spring compressor, making sure the lower and upper ends of the spring are correctly positioned.
11. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the required torque.