Contents: Removal ↡ Installation ↡
Warning: A spring compressor must be purchased. Commercially available adjustable spring compressors are recommended for this operation. Any attempt to remove the spring without a compressor will likely result in damage or injury.
Note: A new lower control arm pivot inner bolt nut and sway bar connecting link nut are required for installation.
Removal
1. Place chocks under the front wheels, then raise the rear of the vehicle with a jack and securely support it on stands (see "Lifting the car with a jack and installing a support"). Remove the corresponding wheel.
2. Place the spring compressor on the spring and compress it to release the upper and lower cups.
3. Remove the mounting screws and the protective cover from the base of the lower control arm. Place a jack and a block of wood under the lower control arm and raise the jack to support the weight of the arm.
4. Loosen and remove the nut and remove the axle bolt securing the lower control arm to the rear subframe. Loosen and remove the nut and bolt securing the stabilizer bar connecting link to the lower control arm.
5. Carefully lower the lever to allow removal of the spring and upper spring cup.
6. Check the condition of the spring. If it is worn or damaged, replace it. If you find that the upper cup is damaged or destroyed, replace it.
Installation
7. Check that the lower arm spring seat is clean, then install the upper seat onto the spring and install the spring in place.
8. Position the lower spring end against the stop on the lower control arm cup. Align the upper spring cup with the support on the body and carefully lift the control arm, aligning the upper shock absorber support with the subframe.
9. Check that the spring is seated correctly, then insert the lower arm axle bolt. Install a new nut on the bolt and tighten it by hand. Install the stabilizer bar connecting link bolt 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 positioned correctly.
11. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque.
12. When the car is on the ground, rock it so that the spring takes the required position, then tighten the nut of the lower arm axle bolt to the required force. Install the protective cover on the lower arm and tighten the screws of its fastening.