Removing
Arrangement of screws of fastening of a protective casing of the lower arm of a back suspension bracket
Removing the protective cover from the base of the lower arm of the rear suspension
Upper rear shock mount
Unscrewing the nut from the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
Elements of the upper mounting of the rear shock absorber on early models
1 - nut and locknut; 2 - washer; 3 - rubber cushion; 4 - rubber cushion; 5 - body element; 6 - rear shock absorber
Elements of the upper mounting of the rear shock absorber on later models
1 - nut and locknut; 2 - washer; 3 - rubber cushion; 4 - bushing; 5 - rubber cushion; 6 - buffer; 7 - dust cover; 8 - rear shock absorber
1. Raise the rear of the car and secure it on stands. Remove the corresponding rear wheel.
2. Unscrew the screws and remove the cover from the base of the lower rear suspension arm (see fig. The location of the screws for fastening the protective casing of the lower rear suspension arm, Removing the protective casing from the base of the lower rear suspension arm).
3. Support the lower rear suspension arm with a jack through a block of wood.
4. To access the upper mounting of the rear shock absorber, remove the side trim of the luggage compartment (see fig. Better rear shock mount).
5. While holding the shock absorber rod nut from turning with a wrench, unscrew the lock nut with a second wrench. Unscrew the nut securing the shock absorber rod, while holding the rod from turning. Remove the washer and rubber pad.
6. Working under the vehicle, unscrew the nut from the lower shock mounting bolt and remove the bolt and washers (see fig. Unscrewing the nut from the shock absorber lower mounting bolt).
7. Being careful, slightly release the lower arm of the rear suspension, then remove the shock absorber from under the rear wheel arch. Remove the rubber cushion from the top of the shock absorber. On models from December 1986, remove the gasket installed on the upper rubber cushion, then remove the dust cover and rubber buffer from the shock absorber rod (see fig. Upper rear shock mounts on early models, Upper rear shock mounts on later models).
Examination
1. Check the shock absorber for signs of damping fluid leaks. Check the entire length of the damper rod for pitting. Check the shock absorber housing for mechanical damage. Set the shock absorber to a vertical position and check its operation by moving the shock absorber rod through its full stroke. Also check the operation of the shock absorber by moving the shock absorber rod up and down a distance of 50 - 100 mm. In all cases, the shock absorber rod should move smoothly with perceptible resistance. If the shock absorber rod moves jerkily or there are mechanical damages, the shock absorber must be replaced.
Installation
1. On later models, install the buffer, dust cover, and gasket onto the damper rod.
2. On all models, install the lower rubber cushion on the shock absorber rod and install the shock absorber in the car.
3. Align the mounting holes in the lower part of the shock absorber and the lower rear suspension arm, insert a bolt into the hole and screw a new nut onto the bolt without completely tightening it.
4. Raise the lower arm of the rear suspension with a jack, while the shock absorber rod must pass through the hole in the body.
5. In the luggage compartment, install a rubber cushion and a washer on the shock absorber rod and screw the fixing nut onto the shock absorber rod. Check that the rubber pad is properly positioned, then tighten the fixing nut to the correct torque. At the same time, keep the shock absorber rod from turning. While holding the fixing nut with a wrench, screw on the lock nut and tighten it to the required torque.
6. Install the luggage compartment trim.
7. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the correct torque.
8. Rock the car to ensure that the shock absorber is correctly installed in its place. Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nut to the required torque. Install the protective cover on the base of the lower rear suspension arm and screw on.