Rear suspension strut (models before 2001).
1 - cap, 2 - washer, 3 - upper bushing, 4 - upper strut support, 5 - upper spring seat, 6 - lower bushing, 7 - cap, 8 - dust cover, 9 - spring, 10 - shock absorber.
Removal
1. Jack up the car, unscrew the bolts and remove the rear wheel.
- Tightening torque: 90-110 Nm
2. Remove the rear seat, rear shelf and rear side trim (see chapter "Body").
3. Unscrew the two nuts of the upper support of the rack.
- Tightening torque: 40-50 Nm
4. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring.
5. Unscrew the lower bolt securing the rack.
- Tightening torque: 80-90 Nm
6. Remove the rack assembly.
Disassembly
1. Using the special tool, compress the spring.
Caution: Do not use a pneumatic tool to tighten the nuts, this may cause damage to the special tool.
2. Having fixed the shock absorber rod, unscrew the strut nut.
- Tightening torque: 20-25 Nm
3. Remove the special tool, upper strut mount, bushings, spring seat, dust cover and spring.
Examination
1. Check the rubber elements for damage and wear.
2. Check the spring for deformation, damage and wear.
3. When pulling and pressing the shock absorber rod, check that its movement is smooth and there is no extraneous resistance or noise.
If a fault is detected, replace the shock absorber.
Gas removal
1. Pull the strut rod out fully.
2. Using a drill, drill a gas vent hole in the cylinder at the area shown in the figure.
Caution: The gas release is safe, but metal chips may fly out during drilling.
Assembly
1. The front suspension strut is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly; the tightening torque of the nut is specified in the text of the description of the disassembly procedure and in the assembly drawing "Rear suspension strut".
2. When assembling, make sure that the springs with the same color marks are used for the left and right struts.
3. When assembling the rack, position the top support as shown in the figure.
Installation
The rear suspension strut is installed in the reverse order of removal; the tightening torques for the bolts and nuts are specified in the text describing the removal procedure and in the assembly drawing "Rear suspension strut (models up to 2001)".