
(a) Severe deterioration of rubber isolator; re-
tainers for cracks and distortion and bond failure of
retainers and rubber isolators. (b) Bearings for binding.
(c) Shock Absorber for flat spots over full stroke
also see, Shock Absorbers, (strut damper).
ASSEMBLE (STRUT DAMPER)
(1) Mount the strut assembly in a vertical position.
(2) Place the compressed spring onto the strut as-
sembly, so the end of the coil is seated in the seat re-
cess in lower spring mount (Fig. 9). (3) Install the dust shield, isolator (if so equipped)
jounce bumper, spacer (as required), and spring seat
onto the top of the strut shaft (Fig. 8). (4) Position top spring seat alignment tab correctly
with respect to bottom bracket (Fig. 9). (5) Install the rebound retainer and shaft nut (Fig.
8). (6) Tighten the strut shaft nut using, Strut Rod
Socket And Holder, Special Tool L-4558. Torque strut
shaft nut to 75 N Im (55 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn (Fig. 10).
WARNING: THIS STEP MUST BE DONE BEFORE
SPRING COMPRESSOR, SPECIAL TOOL C-4838 IS
RELEASED FROM THE COIL SPRING.
(7) Verify coil spring is aligned correctly with respect
to bottom bracket (Fig. 9). (8) Release Spring Compressor Tool C-4838.
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
Springs are rated separately for each side of vehicle
depending on optional equipment and type of service.
During service procedures where both springs are
removed, mark springs (Chalk, Tape, etc.) (Fig. 11) to
ensure installation in original position. If the coils
springs require replacement. Be sure that the
springs needing replacement, are replaced with
springs meeting the correct load rating for the
vehicle and its specific options. During service procedures requiring the re-
moval or installation of a coil spring with Spring
Fig. 7 Loosening Strut Assembly Shaft Nut
Fig. 8 Mount Assembly
Fig. 9 Spring Seat Alignment Notch Position to Bracket
Fig. 10 Tighten Strut Rod Nut with Tool
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 9

Compressor, Special Tool C-4838. It is required
that five coils be captured within the jaws of the
tool (Fig. 11).
SPRING RETAINER UPPER
Ensure that upper spring retainer is positioned
properly, see; step (4), Assemble (Strut Damper).
SPRING SEAT LOWER
During assembly of the coil spring to strut damper.
Ensure that lower coil spring end is seated in strut
damper spring seat recess refer to (Fig. 9) in assem-
ble (Strut Damper) section.
SHOCK ABSORBERS (Strut Damper)
INSPECTION
Inspect for evidence of fluid leaking from around
the strut assembly shaft seal at the upper end of the
reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of fluid
running down the side and dripping off lower end of
unit. A slight amount of seepage around the strut
rod is not unusual and does not affect performance.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
The lower control arm if damaged, is serviced only
as a complete component. Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a broken or bent lower control arm. The serviceable components of the lower control
arm are, the ball joint assembly, and both pivot
bushings. The service procedure to replace these com-
ponents is detailed in the specific component sections
of this group.
REMOVAL (ASSEMBLY)
(1) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication,
Group 0 of this service manual. (2) Remove the ball joint stud to steering knuckle
clamp nut and bolt (Fig. 1). (3) Remove the sway bar to lower control arm re-
tainer on both sides of the vehicle (Fig. 2). Then ro-
tate the sway bar down away from the lower control
arms. (4) Separate the steering knuckle from the ball
joint stud (Fig. 1). (5) Remove the front and rear control arm pivot
bushing to crossmember attaching nuts and bolts
(Fig. 2). Then remove the lower control arm from the
crossmember.
CAUTION: Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle
after releasing from ball joint can separate inner
C/V joint. See Driveshafts.
Fig. 11 Identifying Coil Springs
Fig. 1 Control Arm To Steering Knuckle Attachment
Fig. 2 Lower Control Arm Typical
2 - 10 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

the lower clamps and bolts. The center offset in the
sway bar should be oriented toward the front of the
vehicle (Fig. 16)(3) Position bushing retainers on lower control arms
and install bolts (Fig. 16). (4) With lower control arms raised to design height,
tighten all retainer attaching bolts to 70 N Im (50 ft.
lbs.) torque. (5) Lower vehicle.
KNUCKLE (FRONT SUSPENSION)
The front suspension knuckle (Fig. 1) provides for
steering control of the vehicle. Supports the brake
caliper and absorbs the loads exerted during vehicle
braking. It also supports the front (driving) hub and
bearing and stub axle assembly. The front suspension knuckle also provides the abil-
ity to align the front wheels of the vehicle. This is done
by allowing for front wheel camber adjustment and the
ability for front tire Toe adjustments The front suspension knuckle is not a serviceable
component. Do not attempt to straighten or repair the
front suspension knuckle in any way. Service repair or replacement of the front (drive) hub
and bearing, can be done with the front suspension
knuckle remaining on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cotter pin, hub nut lock and spring
washer from the front axle (Fig. 2). (2) Loosen hub nut while the vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 3). The hub and drive-
shaft are splined together through the knuckle
(bearing) and retained by the hub nut. (3) Raise and support the vehicle. See Hoisting in
Lubrication and Maintenance, Group 0. (4) Remove the wheel lug nuts, front tire and
wheel assembly and hub nut and washer. (5) Remove the brake caliper adapter to steering
knuckle attaching bolts and washers (Fig. 1). Re-
move the brake caliper and adapter from the steering
knuckle and braking disc. Support brake caliper/
adapter assembly using a wire hook and not by hy-
draulic hose (Fig. 4). (6) Remove the braking disc from the front hub/
bearing assembly (Fig. 5). (7) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod
end. Remove the tie rod end from the steering
knuckle arm using Puller, Special Tool C-3894-A
(Fig. 6). (8) Remove the clamp nut and bolt (Fig. 7) secur-
ing the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. (9) Separate ball joint stud from knuckle assembly
by prying down on lower control arm. Pull knuckle
assembly out and away from driveshaft (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 Remove Cotter Pin, Hub Nut Lock, & Spring Washer
Fig. 3 Loosen Hub Nut
Fig. 1 Front Knuckle Assembly (Typical)
2 - 16 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

REAR SUSPENSION INDEX
page page
Coil Springs and Jounce Bumper ............ 51
General Information ....................... 50
Pivot Bushing AC AG AJ AP Body ........... 55
Pivot Bushing AC and AY Body ............. 52 Rear Axle Assembly
...................... 57
Shock Absorbers ......................... 51
Track Bar-Brace-Bracket ................... 52
GENERAL INFORMATION
All front wheel drive passenger cars. Utilize a
Trailing Arm Twist Beam type rear axle in conjunc-
tion with coil (or air) springs (Fig. 1). The blade type
Trailing Arms, attached to body mounted pivots, pro- vide fore and aft location of the suspension while a
Track Bar provides lateral location. Located in line with the spindles. An open channel
section beam axle assures that the rear tires remain
parallel to each other, and essentially perpendicular
Fig. 1 Trailing Arm Rear Suspension
2 - 50 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

to the road surface. While being able to twist as one
wheel moves vertically with respect to the other.Roll resistance is provided partly by the axle's re-
sistance to twist. But primarily by a torque tube or
rod (depending on the suspension option called for)
running through the channel and attached rigidly to
its end plates by welding. Because the torque tube/
rod is an integral part of the axle assembly, it cannot
be individually replaced. The spindles are bolted to the axle end (spindle
mounting) plates and can be individually replaced if
required. Rear wheel alignment changes require the
use of shims between the spindle and axle end plates.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting, Group 0.
(2) Support axle and remove wheel and tire assem-
bly. (3) If equipped with air shocks, disconnect air
lines. (4) Remove upper and lower shock absorber fasten-
ers, remove shock absorbers (Fig. 2).
INSPECTION
Inspect for evidence of fluid leakage from upper
end of reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of
fluid running down and leaking off lower end). Slight
seepage is not unusual and will not effect perfor-
mance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position shock absorber on car. Install upper
and lower fasteners loosely to hold shock absorber in
place. (2) Tighten upper fastener to 61 N Im (45 ft. lbs.)
torque. Connect air line, if so equipped. (3) Install wheel and tire assembly, tighten wheel
stud nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque. Lower vehi-
cle to ground. (4) With suspension supporting the weight of the
vehicle. Tighten lower shock absorber fastener to 54
N Im (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
COIL SPRINGS AND JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Lift vehicle see hoisting Group 0.
(2) Support axle assembly and remove both lower
shock absorber attaching bolts. (3) Lower axle assembly until spring and spring
upper isolator can be removed (Fig. 3). Do not
stretch brake hose. (4) Remove two screws holding cup to rail (Fig. 1).
Remove assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position cup to rail. Install and tighten attach-
ing bolts to 8 N Im (70 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install isolator over jounce bumper and install
spring. (3) Raise axle and loosely assemble both shock ab-
sorber to axle mounting bolts. Remove axle support
and lower vehicle. (4) With suspension supporting the weight of the
vehicle. Tighten both shock absorber attaching bolts
to 61 N Im (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 2 Remove/Install Shock Absorber Fasteners
Fig. 3 Coil Spring & Jounce Bumper
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 51

WARNING: WHEN REMOVING THE REAR AXLE
PIVOT BUSHING ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EI-
THER REAR COIL SPRINGS OR AIR SUSPENSION.
THE REAR AXLE MUST BE SUPPORTED BY THE
AXLE AND TRAILING ARM TO ENSURE ADEQUATE
SUPPORT OF REAR AXLE.
(3) Support the rear axle assembly at both the axle
channel and the trailing arm (Fig. 6). Then remove
lower shock absorber to rear axle mounting bolt (Fig.
6).
(4) Remove hanger bracket to frame rail bolts (Fig.
7).
(5) Lower axle assembly down enough to remove
pivot bolt and hanger bracket (Fig. 7). Right side
trailing arm shown.
PIVOT BUSHING REMOVAL FROM AXLE AS- SEMBLY
Remove bushing with Remover/Installer Spe-
cial Tool C-4212-L (Press) and 3 piece set, Spe- cial Tool 6122 (Receiver Support Bridge, Bushing
Remover/Installer and Bushing Remover). (1) Install receiver (support) bridge into base of
press C-4212-L and bushing Remover/Installer disc
onto screw. (2) Position assembly with receiver bridge support-
ing trailing arm while turning screw to begin bushing
removal. (3) After bushing has begun to move replace bushing
remover/installer (round disc) with bushing remover
(oval shaped disc). Use this assembly to finish pressing
bushing out of trailing arm (Fig. 8).
PIVOT BUSHING INSTALLATION
(1) Align the bushing with the bushing mounting
hole in the trailing arm bracket (Fig. 9). Tap bushing in
slightly to hold position. (2) Assemble bushing installer Tool onto press screw
and support bridge into press base. Position assem-
bly as shown in (Fig. 10) and press bushing into
arm to depth shown in (Fig. 9). (3) Position hanger bracket on pivot bushing, and
install through bolt, loose assemble nut (Fig. 11). Right
side trailing arm shown. (4) Position hanger to frame rail (a suitable drift will
aid in guiding hanger bracket into position). Install
and tighten screws to 75 N Im (55 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig.
12). Install lower shock absorber mounting bolt, but
do not tighten. (5) Position brake hose mounting bracket to trailing
arm, install and tighten retaining screw to 11 N Im (95
in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 13). (6) Attach park brake cable housing to hanger
bracket and cable to connector.
Fig. 8 Tools Installed To Remove Bushing
Fig. 6 Remove Pivot Bushing Hanger Bracket Bolts
Fig. 7 Remove Hanger Bracket
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 53

(7) Lower vehicle with suspension supporting vehi-
cle weight, trailing arm at design height. Tighten
pivot bolt nut and lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 61 N Im (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 9 Proper Position of Pivot Bushing
Fig. 10 Tools Assembled for Bushing Installation
Fig. 11 Install Hanger Bracket to Pivot Bushing
Fig. 12 Install Hanger Bracket on Frame
Fig. 13 Brake Hose Bracket & Park Brake Cable
2 - 54 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

PIVOT BUSHING AC AG AJ AP BODY
REMOVE FROM VEHICLE
(1) Raise vehicle (see Hoisting, Group 0). Remove
brake hose mounting bracket screw (Fig. 1). (2) Detach park brake cable at connector and from
hanger bracket (Fig. 1).
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING THE REAR AXLE
PIVOT BUSHING ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EI-
THER REAR COIL SPRINGS OR AIR SUSPENSION.
THE REAR AXLE MUST BE SUPPORTED BY THE
AXLE AND TRAILING ARM TO ENSURE ADEQUATE
SUPPORT OF REAR AXLE. (3) Support the rear axle assembly at both the axle
channel and the trailing arm with jack stands (Fig.
2). Then remove lower shock absorber to rear axle
mounting bolt (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove hanger bracket to frame rail bolts (Fig.
3). (5) Lower axle assembly down enough to remove
pivot bolt and hanger bracket (Fig. 3). Right side
trailing arm shown.
PIVOT BUSHING REMOVAL FROM AXLE AS- SEMBLY
Remove bushing with Remover/Installer Spe-
cial Tool C-4702-7 Press. And 3 piece set, Special
Tool C-4212 and C-4366-1 (Receiver Support
Bridge, Bushing Remover/Installer and Bushing
Remover). (1) Install receiver (support) cup C-4366-1 into base
of press C-4212 and Bushing Remover Cup C-4702-7
onto screw. (2) Position assembly with receiver bridge support-
ing trailing arm while turning screw to begin bushing
removal. (3) After bushing has begun to move replace bushing
remover/installer (round disc) with bushing remover
(oval shaped disc). Use this assembly to finish pressing
bushing out of trailing arm (Fig. 4).
PIVOT BUSHING INSTALLATION
(1) Align the bushing with the bushing mounting
hole in the trailing arm bracket (Fig. 5). Tap bushing in
slightly to hold it in position on trailing arm. (2) Assemble Bushing Installer Special Tool
C-4702-2 onto press screw and Support Cup Special
Fig. 1 Remove Brake Hose Mounting Bracket Screw and Park Brake Cable
Fig. 2 Remove Pivot Bushing Hanger Bracket Bolts
Fig. 3 Remove Hanger Bracket
Fig. 4 Tools Installed To Remove Bushing
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 55