SECTION 2D
REAR SUSPENSION
Caution : Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing or installing any electrical unit or when atool or equipment could easily come in contact with exposed electrical terminals. Disconnecting this cablewill help prevent personal injury and damage to the vehicle. The ignition must also be in LOCK unlessotherwise noted.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fastener Tightening Specifications
Application | N•m | Lb-Ft |
Drive Module Bracket to Drive Module Bolts | 125 | 92 |
Drive Module Bracket to Support Assembly Bolts | 125 | 92 |
Jounce Bumper to Body Panel Hexagon Bolt | 15 | 11 |
Knuckle to Lower Control Arm Bolt | 160 | 118 |
Knuckle to Toe Link Bolt | 160 | 118 |
Knuckle to Trailing Arm Bolt | 110 | 81 |
Knuckle to Upper Control Arm Bolt | 160 | 118 |
Lower Control Arm to Support Assembly Bolt | 110 | 81 |
Lower Shock Bolt | 110 | 81 |
Park Brake Cable Clip | 25 | 18 |
Stabilizer Link to Lower Control Arm Nut | 15 | 11 |
Stabilizer Link to Stabilizer Shaft Nut | 57 | 42 |
Stabilizer Shaft Clamp Bolt | 70 | 52 |
Support to Body Bolts | 170 | 125 |
Toe Link to Support Bolts | 160 | 118 |
Trailing Arm Bracket to Body Bolts | 110 | 81 |
Trailing Arm Bushing to Bracket Bolt | 160 | 118 |
Upper Control Arm to Support Assembly Bolts | 160 | 118 |
Upper Shock Bolts | 110 | 81 |
Wheel Bearing/Hub Mounting Bolts – Rear | 84 | 62 |
Wheel Bearing/Hub to Steering Knuckle Bolts | 130 | 96 |
Wheel Drive Shaft Spindle Nut | 205 | 151 |
DIAGNOSIS
Excessive Friction Check
Check excessive friction in the rear suspension as follows:
- With the aid of another technician, lift up on the rear bumper and raise the vehicle as high as possible. Slowly release the bumper and allow the car to assume normal trim height.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the bumper.
- Push down on the bumper, release slowly, and allow the car to assume normal trim height.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the bumper.
The difference between the two measurements should be less than 12.7 mm (0.50 inch). If the difference exceedsthis limit, inspect the control arms for damage or wear.
Shock Absorber
A shock absorber has self - levelizing function. This function is to adjust constant vehicle height under various loading conditions The shock absorber is not serviceable.
Shock Absorber Weak
Checks | Action |
Check the tire pressures. | Adjust the tire pressures to the specifications on the tire placard. |
Check the load conditions under which the vehicle is normally driven. | Consult with the owner to confirm the owner's understanding of normal load conditions. |
Check the compression and rebound effectiveness of the shock absorber. | Quickly push down and then lift up on the corner of the bumper nearest the shock absorber being tested. Compare the compression and rebound with those of a similar vehicle that has an acceptable ride quality. Replace the shock absorber, if needed. |
Shock Absorbers Are Noisy
Checks | Action |
Check the mountings for looseness or damage. | Tighten the shock absorber. Replace the shock absorber, if needed. |
Check the compression and rebound effectiveness of the shock absorber. | Quickly push down and then lift up on the corner of the bumper nearest the shock absorber being tested. Compare the compression and rebound with those of a similar vehicle that has an acceptable ride quality. Replace the shock absorber, if needed. |
Leaks
Checks | Action |
Check for a slight trace of fluid. | The shock absorber is OK. |
Check the seal cover on the fully extended shock absorber. | Replace the shock absorber. |
Check for an excessive amount of fluid on the shock absorber. | Replace the shock absorber. |
COMPONENT LOCATOR
Rear Suspension
- Support
- Stabilizer Bar
- Stabilizer Link
- Spring Jounce Bumper
- Spring Upper Seat
- Coil Spring
- Spring Lower Seat
- Rear Shock Absorber
- Lower Control Arm
- Upper Control Arm
- Rear Knuckle
- Brake Shoe and Backing Plate Assembly
- Rear Hub Unit
- Rear Disc
- Trailing Arm
- Trailing Arm Bracket
- Rear Toe Link
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Wheel Bearing/Hub - Rear
Removal Procedure
- Remove the rear brake caliper assembly and disc. Refer to Section 4E, Rear Brakes.
- On vehicles with all - wheel drive, remove the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
- Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Important : Do not damage the wheel drive shaft joint seal.
- Support the wheel drive shaft with heavy mechanic’s wire, or equivalent.
- Remove the wheel bearing/hub mounting bolts.
- Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly from the suspension knuckle.
- Remove the wheel speed sensor from the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Section 4F, Antilock Brake System.
Installation Procedure
- Install the wheel speed sensor to the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
- Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly to the steering knuckle.
- Install the wheel bearing/hub mounting bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 84 N•m (62 lb-ft).
- On all-wheel drive vehicles, install the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 205 N•m (151 lb-ft).
- If equipped, route the wheel speed sensor electrical harness through the backing plate and seat the grommet.
- Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
- Install the rear brake drum.
Support
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the exhaust muffler and resonator assembly. Refer to Section 1G2/1G3, Engine Exhaust.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to "Stabilizer Shaft" in this section.
- Remove the lower control arm from the support assembly.
- Disconnect the upper control arm from the support assembly.
- Disconnect the toe link from the support assembly. "Toe Link" in this section.
- Remove the support to body bolts and remove the support assembly from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Position the support assembly to the vehicle.
- Install the support to body bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the support to body bolts to 170 N•m (125 lb-ft).
- Connect the toe link to the support assembly. Refer to "Toe Link" in this section.
- Connect the upper control arm to the support assembly.
- Install the lower control arm to the support assembly.
- Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to "Rear Stabilizer Shaft" in this section.
- Install the exhaust muffler and resonator assembly. Refer to Section 1G2/1G3, Engine Exhaust.
- Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Rear Knuckle
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
- Remove the upper control arm to knuckle bolt and nut.
- Remove the lower control arm to knuckle bolt and nut.
- Remove the toe link to knuckle bolt and nut.
- Remove the trailing blade to knuckle bolts.
- Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the knuckle to the lower control arm. Loosely install the bolt and nut.
- Install the knuckle to the upper control arm. Loosely install the bolt and nut.
- Install the knuckle to the toe link. Loosely install the bolt and nut.
- Install the knuckle to trailing blade. Loosely install the bolt and nut.
- Tighten the bolts and nuts in the following sequence:
Tighten
- Tighten the knuckle to lower control arm bolt and nut to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the knuckle to upper control arm bolt and nut to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the knuckle to toe link bolt and nut to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the knuckle to trailing blade bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
- Install the tire and wheel.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Perform a vehicle wheel alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Rear Upper Control Arm
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the trailing arm bracket to body bolts.
- If applicable, remove the antilock brake system (ABS) brake harness from the upper control arm.
- Remove the upper control arm to knuckle nut and bolt.
- Remove the upper control to support nut and bolt.
- Remove the upper control arm.
Installation Procedure
- Install the upper control arm to the knuckle.
- Loosely install the upper control arm to knuckle nut and bolt.
- Install the upper control to support bolt and cam nut.
- Tighten the upper control arm to knuckle nut and bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the nut and bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the upper control arm to support bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the upper control arm to support bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- If applicable, install the ABS harness to the upper control arm.
- Push upward on the trailing arm and loosely install the front bolt.
- Use a drift to align the remaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the trailing arm bracket to body bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Rear Lower Control Arm
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the tire and wheel.
- Remove the stabilizer link to lower control arm nut.
- Remove the trailing arm bracket to underbody bolts.
- Place a screw type jack stand under the lower control arm.
- Using the jackstand, compress the coil spring.
- Remove the lower shock bolt.
- Loosen the lower control arm to support the frame bolt.
- Remove the lower control arm to knuckle nut and bolt.
Caution : Lower the jackstand slowly, otherwise, serious bodily injury to the technician may occur by the compressed spring force.
- Remove the lower control arm.
Installation Procedure
- Position the lower control to the support and hand tighten the bolt and nut.
- Position the spring with the rubber insulators intothe vehicle.
- Use a screw type jack stand to compress then spring.
- Install the knuckle to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the lower control arm to knuckle nut and bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the lower control arm to support nut and bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the nut and bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the shock to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the lower shock bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Remove the jack stand.
- Install the stabilizer link to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 15 N•m (11 lb-ft).
- Push the trailing arm upward to align the front bracket to the body bolt.
- Use a drift to aid in bracket alignment and install the remaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bracket to body bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the tire and wheel.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar nut.
- Remove the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
- Disengage the stabilizer bar from the stabilizer link ball studs, while removing the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Position the stabilizer in the vehicle, while positioning the links to the stabilizer bar.
- Install the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 70 N•m (52 lb-ft).
- Install the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 57 N•m (42 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
- Remove the insulators from the stabilizer bar.
Installation Procedure
- Install the insulators the stabilizer bar.
- Install the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 70 N•m (52 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Loosen the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
- Remove the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar nut.
Important : When disconnecting the stabilizer link, hold the link with a wrench to prevent turning.
- Remove the stabilizer link to lower control arm nut.
- Remove the stabilizer link from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Position the stabilizer link through the lower control arm.
Important : When connecting the stabilizer link, hold the link with a wrench to prevent turning.
- Install the stabilizer link to control arm nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 15 N•m (11 lb-ft).
- Install the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 57 N•m (42 lb-ft).
- Install the stabilizer bar clamp bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 70 N•m (52 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Rear Shock Absorber
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the lower shock bolt.
- Remove the upper shock bolt.
- Remove the shock from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the shock to the vehicle.
- Install the upper shock bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the lower shock bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Rear Coil Spring/Insulators
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the tire and wheel.
Important : Hold the link with a wrench during nut removal.
- Remove the stabilizer link to lower control arm nut.
- Remove the trailing arm bracket to underbody bolts.
- Place a screw-type jackstand under the lower control arm.
- Using the jackstand, compress the coil spring.
- Remove the lower shock bolt.
- Loosen the lower control arm to support frame bolt.
- Remove the lower control arm to knuckle nut and bolt.
- Lower the control arm in order to unload the coil spring.
- Remove the coil spring and insulators.
Installation Procedure
- Fully seat the top and bottom coil spring insulators to the spring.
- Position the spring with the rubber insulators into the vehicle.
- Use a screw-type jackstand to compress the spring.
- Install the knuckle to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the lower control arm to knuckle bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the lower control arm to support nut and bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the shock to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the lower shock bolt to 110 N•m (81 lb-in).
- Remove the jackstand.
Important : Hold the link with a wrench during nut installation.
- Install the stabilizer link to the lower control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 15 N•m (11 lb-in).
- Push the trailing arm upward to align the front bracket to body bolt.
- Use a drift to aid in bracket alignment and install the remaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bracket to body bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-in).
- Install the tire and wheel.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Trailing Arm
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the trailing arm bracket to body bolts.
- Remove the trailing arm bushing to bracket nut and bolt.
- Remove the park brake cable clip from the trailing arm.
- Remove the trailing arm to knuckle bolts.
- Remove the trailing arm.
Installation Procedure
- Install the trailing arm to the knuckle.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Position the trailing arm bracket to the trailing arm.
- Loosely install the trailing arm bushing to bracket nut and bolt.
- Push upward on the trailing arm and loosely install the front bolt.
- Use a drift to align the remaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the trailing arm bracket to body bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Tighten the trailing arm bushing to bracket nut and bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Install the park brake cable clip.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N•m (18 lb-in).
- Lower the vehicle.
Trailing Arm Bracket
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the park brake clip from the trailing arm.
- Remove the bracket to underbody bolts.
- Remove the trailing arm to bracket nut and bolt.
- Remove the bracket.
Installation Procedure
- Install the bracket to the trailing arm.
- Loosely install the trailing arm bracket nut and bolt.
- Push the trailing arm upward to align the front bracket to body bolt.
- Use a drift to aid in bracket alignment and install the remaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bracket to body bolts to 110 N•m (81 lb-ft).
- Install the parking brake cable clip to the trailing arm.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
- Tighten the bracket to trailing arm bushing bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the nut and bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Spring Jounce Bumper
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the coil spring. Refer to "Rear Coil Spring/Insulators" in this section.
- Remove the jounce bumper.
Installation Procedure
- Install the jounce bumper to the body panel.
- Tighten the jounce bumper to the body panel hexagon bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 15 N•m (11 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
Toe Link
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the toe link to knuckle nut and bolt.
- Remove the toe link to support nut and bolt.
- Remove the toe link from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the toe link to the support assembly.
Important :
- Install the bolt with the head towards the front of the vehicle.
- Position the cam nut in same position as in the upper control arm.
- Install the toe link to the knuckle.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Tighten the toe link to support bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 160 N•m (118 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the rear alignment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND SYSTEM OPERATION
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension system on this vehicle is of the independent link type. The rear suspension system performs the following functions:
- Maintains the relationship of the rear axle to the body
- Controls the torque reaction on acceleration and braking
The rear coil springs are retained between the spring seat in the lower control arm. Rubber insulators isolate the coil spring at both top and bottom.
The suspension system consists of the following components:
- Support assembly
- Coil springs
- Stabilizer shaft, insulators, and stabilizer links
- Toe link
- Upper control arm
- Lower control arm
- Trailing arm
- Knuckles
- Wheel bearing/hub
- Shock absorbers
