Rear Suspension 167
NOTE: When a wheel bearing has been
removed from the hub it must be renewed.
(5) Press the new bearing into the hub, ensuring
that pressure is not exerted on the inner race of the
bearing and that the bearin g seal is not damaged. Do
not apply grease or oil to the mating surfaces of the
bearing and the hub.
NOTE: When installing the new bearing,
the press load must not exceed 3 tonnes.
(6) Inspect the snap ring for wear or cracks and
renew as necessary. Install the snap ring into the hub
ensuring that it is secur ely located in the groove.
(7) Apply multi-purpose grease to the bearing
sealing lip and install the hub as previously described.
4. SUSPENSION UNIT
Special Equipment Required:
To Dismantle — Spring compressor
TO REMOVE AND DISMANTLE
(1) On hatchback models, remove the rear par-
cel shelf and lower the rear seat backrests. Remove the
parcel shelf side panel re taining screws and remove
the relevant side panel.
(2) On sedan models, prise out the parcel shelf
retaining buttons using a suitable instrument and
withdraw the parcel shelf from the vehicle. If the rear
radio speakers are installed, remove the speaker grille
retaining screws and separate the speaker grilles from
the speakers prior to withdrawing the parcel shelf
from the vehicle. (3) Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands as describe d in the Wheels and Tires
section. Remove the rear wheel from the vehicle.
View of the suspension unit with the spring compres-
sors installed.
(4) Remove the clip securing the brake hose to
the suspension unit and disengage the hose from the
suspension unit. (5) Support the weight of the knuckle assembly
and remove the bolts and nuts securing the suspension
unit to the knuckle assembly.
(6) Remove the nuts securing the suspension
unit to the body panel and maneuver the suspension
unit from the vehicle. (7) Thoroughly clean the suspension unit and
secure it in a soft jawed vice.
(8) Remove the dust cap from the upper mount-
ing and while holding the end of the piston rod with
an adjustable spanner, loosen the upper mounting
retaining nut. Do not re move the retaining nut.
(9) Using a suitable spring compressor, com-
press the coil spring and remove the upper mounting
retaining nut and washer. (10) Remove the upper mounting, insulator and
spring seat from th e suspension unit.
(11) Withdraw the upper insulator, coil spring,
lower insulator and dust cover from the suspension
unit. (12) Check the coil spring for cracks, deformation
and damage. Compare the free length with a new coil
spring and renew as necessary.
Location of the suspension unit retaining nuts. Hatch-
back model.
168 Rear Suspension
NOTE: If a coil spring is defective it is
advisable to renew both coil springs as a
matched set.
(13) Check the spring seat for cracks, deforma-
tion or wear and renew as necessary.
(14) Check the upper mounting and the insulator
for wear, damage, signs of melting rubber or deterio-
ration. (15) Check that the piston rod is not cracked,
bent or damaged.
Dismantled view of the suspension unit.
(16 ) Check the hydraulic operation of the suspen-
sion unit. With the suspension unit vertical, move the
piston rod up and down severa l times. A firm pressure
with no slack spots should be evident in both direc-
tions. Also check the suspen sion unit for fluid leakage.
If fluid leakage is present, renew the suspension unit,
preferably in pairs.
TO ASSEMBLE AND INSTAL
Assembly is a reversal of the dismantling proce-
dure with attention to the following points:
(1) Install the coil spring and lower insulator to
the suspension unit ensuring th at the flat end of the
spring is positioned at the top and the lower end of the
spring is located correctly in the suspension unit.
(2) Install the remaining co mponents to the sus-
pension unit, ensuring that the arrow on the spring
seat will be facing the stub axle when installed.
(3) Install a new upper mounting retaining nut,
tighten to the specified tor que and remove the spring
compressor. (4) Position the suspension unit inside the rear
wheel housing and maneuver the mounting studs
into position. With the aid of an assistant, install the
suspension unit retaining nuts and tighten to the
specified torque.
View of the suspension unit removed from the vehicle.
(5) Install the bolts securin g the suspension unit
to the knuckle assembly and tighten the nuts to the
specified torque.
(6) Install the brake hose to the suspension unit
and secure with the retaining clip. (7) Install the rear wheel and lower the vehicle to
the ground. (8) On hatchback models, install the parcel shelf
side panel and the parcel shelf. (9) On sedan models, install the parcel shelf and
insert the retaining buttons firmly. If removed, install
the radio speaker grilles.
