- deterioration of ride smoothness, frequent suspension breakdowns;
- visible tilt of the rear of the vehicle or significant difference in height between the front and rear parts that arose during operation;
- clearly visible traces of spring coil impact.
NOTE: Replace springs as a set (left and right at the same time).
You will need a spring compressor.
USEFUL TIP: It is more convenient to perform the work with an assistant, placing the car on a lift.
1. If you are replacing the springs on a lift, place supports under the lower control arm and lower the car, slightly loading the suspension. This operation is not required when working on an inspection pit.
2. Unscrew the nuts securing the stabilizer struts to the lower suspension arms (see "Replacing the rear suspension stabilizer bar components").
3. Unscrew the bolt securing the shock absorber to the rear suspension beam bracket, remove the bolt (see "Replacing the rear shock absorber") and move the shock absorber to the side so that it does not interfere with work.
CAUTION: Do not move the shock absorber out to the side more than necessary to avoid bending the piston rod.
4. Install the spring compressor…
5. …and compress the spring.
6. Unload the vehicle's suspension by removing the supports from under the lower arm (if working on a lift), or lift the vehicle (if working with a jack) and remove the spring by pressing the lower suspension arm down.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when removing and installing the spring to avoid injury from the spring being ejected from the suspension.
7. Remove the top…
8. …and the lower (shown on the removed lower arm) spring gasket.
WARNING: Replace damaged spring pads with new ones.
9. Install the spring with the gaskets on the car in the reverse order of removal. Replace the second spring in the same way.