Rear leaf spring — removal and installation

Attention! If one of the rear springs is to be replaced, the other must also be replaced so as not to disturb the suspension geometry.

Removing

1. Block the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and place it on axle stands. Remove the rear wheel.

2. Separate the brake hose from the bracket on the diagonal arm by pulling out the blocking plate.

3. Unfasten the rubber pads from the intermediate and rear mufflers (see related section), then lower the exhaust system from the bottom about 30 cm and tie it up in this position.

4. On models with a rear suspension stiffness regulator, disconnect the wiring from the rear vehicle pitch sensor. Apply alignment marks to the pitch sensor drive arm and anti-roll bar link, then push the link away from the ball joint on the drive arm.

5. Slightly raise the diagonal arm on the jack to reduce the load on the shock absorber.

6. On models equipped with a rear suspension damper, relieve air pressure through the damper valve by separating the pressure tube from it (see chapter 11).

7. Loosen and remove shock absorber bottom mounting bolt (see chapter 11).

8. Unfasten the rear wheel speed sensor wiring from the bottom, then disconnect the wiring connector (see Section 9).

9. Support the final drive unit with a jack, then unscrew the bolts securing the rear cross member damper bracket to the bottom (see Chapter 19).

10. Lower final drive unit, rear cross member and diagonal arm so that the rear leaf spring and rubber pads can be removed.

Installation

11. Install in reverse order, paying attention to the following:

• A) When installing the spring, make sure the top end of the spring is facing the rear of the vehicle.
• b) Tighten all nuts and bolts with a tightening torque specified specifications.
• V) On vehicles with a rear suspension stabilizer, install the pitch sensor arm using the marks made before removal.
• G) Install the wheel speed sensors as described in Section 9.