Warning! To avoid serious injury, do not use homemade devices, wire, etc. when disassembling the shock absorber strut. Use only special spring compression devices.
Disassembly procedure:
- clean the removed rack from dirt and clamp it in a vice;
- remove the upper rubber support from the rack;
Fig. 5.4. Compressing the front suspension spring using a device
- install a compression device on the spring and, evenly tightening the nuts, compress the spring so that the lower coil moves away from the support cup (Fig. 5.4);
- unscrew the strut rod nut;
- remove the top washer, bearing and top spring cup;
- carefully remove the spring together with the compression tool;
- remove the bump stop and dust cover from the shock absorber rod.
Examination:
- inspect the shock absorber for leaks, rod corrosion, and dents on the body. The force when moving the rod should be uniform throughout its entire travel. If there are defects, replace the shock absorbers on both sides of the suspension;
- check the ease of movement of the upper thrust bearing of the rack;
- if you have any doubts about the suitability of the spring, carefully unscrew the compression device nuts and inspect the spring. Cracks, chips and deformations are not allowed. If the above damage is present, replace the springs on both sides of the suspension.
Assembly order:
- apply consistent grease to the outer coils of the spring;
- install the dust cover and bump stop on the shock absorber rod;
- install the compressed spring and the upper support cup. Both ends of the spring must be installed in the support recesses of the cups;
- install the thrust bearing and upper washer on the rod;
- tighten the rod nut;
- remove the compression device from the spring by evenly loosening the nuts;
- make sure that the ends of the springs are correctly positioned on the support cups.