Note: All rubber parts of the rear suspension are tightened only under load.
Like the front subframe, the rear crossmember must be precisely aligned when removed. To do this, there are coaxial holes on the right and left, into which special pins are inserted, which fit into the corresponding holes in the bottom of the car. If there are none, then mark the position of the crossmember before removing.
To remove the rear suspension assembly, proceed as follows:
- loosen the wheel nuts, place the rear of the car on supports and unscrew the wheels;
- remove the exhaust system, brake hoses and parking brake cables;
Fig. 210. Fastening the jet thrust to the hub
- unscrew the bolts and nuts shown in Fig. 210 on the hub and disconnect the torque rod;
- unscrew the nuts securing the trailing arm to remove the anti-roll bar link, remove the rubber bushings from the links;
- if there is ABS, disconnect both wheel speed sensors;
- unscrew the bolts and nuts of the trailing arm from the hub and disconnect the independent suspension arms;
- place a jack under the frame cross member to prevent it from falling and compress both rear springs with a suitable clamp;
- unscrew the shock absorber struts from above;
- check that the frame crossbar is positioned on the jack, unscrew the four bolts, slowly lower the crossbar;
- unscrew the two bolts and remove the stabilizer mounting clamps, remove the rubber bushings from the stabilizer;
- unscrew the nuts and bolts and remove both trailing arms from the crossmember, the trailing arms use eccentric bolts and washers (for adjusting the rear wheels);
Note: Before disassembling this joint, mark it properly so that it can be installed in the same position when reassembling. Pay attention to which side the bolts are inserted.
Before assembly, carefully check all parts. Follow the instructions when assembling the suspension. Tighten connections without rubber bushings immediately. Replace all self-locking nuts with new ones. Assemble and install the rear suspension as follows:
- insert the front trailing arm into the frame cross member, install the bolts on the correct side and tighten the nuts to 85 Nm;
- insert the rear trailing arm into the frame cross member, install the eccentric bolts and nuts in the pre-marked position and tighten the nuts to 85 Nm;
- secure the stabilizer to the cross member with rubber bushings and clamps, tighten both bolts to a torque of 23 Nm;
Fig. 211. Frame crossmember mounting bolts (two bolts are not visible - they are on the other side)
- use a jack to lift the crossbar to the required height and align it precisely according to the marked marks, tighten the four bolts (two of them are shown in Fig. 211) and tighten to a torque of 120 N·m;
- attach both trailing arms to the hub, the tightening torques are different here: for the bolts and nuts of the front arm - 85 Nm, for the rear arm - 120 Nm;
- if available, install ABS sensors and tighten them to 10 Nm;
- insert the stabilizer rods with the rubber bushings inserted through the front trailing arms and tighten the nuts from the back side to a torque of 35 Nm;
- connect the reaction rods to the hubs and tighten the connections to a torque of 120 Nm;
- install the exhaust system;
- lower the car to the ground and tighten the wheels to 85 Nm;
- place the vehicle on a lifting platform, then tighten the suspension rubber support parts to the tightening torques specified above. Check the rear wheel alignment angles and adjust them if necessary or have this work done at a service station.
[The original can be found on the specified resource FORDBOOK]