Note: When compressing the suspension spring, use a commercially available spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent). Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Removal
1. Raise the front of the vehicle and place safety supports in appropriate places.
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Disconnect stabilizer link A from shock absorber B.
4. Remove the wheel speed sensor brackets C and the brake hose bracket D from the shock absorber. Do not disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
5. Remove the shock absorber fork bolts A and flange nuts B from shock absorber C.
6. Remove cap A and cap B.
7. Remove the three flange nuts C from the top of the shock absorber.
Note: The left and right shock absorber springs are different. Mark the springs L and R before continuing.
Be careful not to damage the case.
8. Remove shock absorber assembly A.
Disassembly and inspection
1. Compress the shock absorber spring, then remove the self-locking nut A while holding the shock absorber rod B with the Allen key C. Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.
2. Release the spring compressor pressure, then disassemble the shock absorber as shown in the figure (Disassembled).
3. Reassemble all parts except the upper spring support pad, hard stop, and shock absorber spring.
4. Compress the shock absorber unit with your hands and check its operation at full working stroke during compression and expansion. After the compression stops, the shock absorber should expand evenly and smoothly. If this does not happen, then there is a gas leak in the shock absorber and it must be replaced.
5. During this check, make sure there is no leakage of working fluid, extraneous sounds or jamming.
Assembly
1. Install spring A onto shock absorber support bearing B, aligning protruding part C.
2. Compress the suspension spring.
 |
 |
3. Install all parts except the self-locking nut on the shock absorber block A, referring to the disassembled strut drawing.
4. Align the lower end of the spring with the stepped portion of the lower spring support.
5. Align the shock absorber bracket corner A and the shock absorber mount base B so that mark C points outward.
6. Install the new self-locking nut A.
7. Tighten the self-locking nut to the recommended torque while holding the shock absorber rod B with Allen key C.
Installation
 |
 |
1. Install shock absorber assembly A into the housing.
2. Install new flange bolts A, tightening them lightly.
Note: Tighten the flange nuts to the recommended torque, then install cover B and cover C.
 |
 |
3. Install new shock absorber mounting bolts A and new flange nuts B onto shock absorber C.
4. Install the stabilizer link A onto the shock absorber without tightening it.
Note: Use a new flange nut.
5. Install the wheel speed sensor harness clamp B A and the brake hose mounting bracket C to the shock absorber D.
6. Raise the front suspension with a jack so that it supports the weight of the car.
7. Tighten the shock absorber mounting bolts to the recommended torque.
8. Tighten the upper shock absorber flange nuts and the stabilizer link flange nut to the recommended torque.
9. Install the cap and lid.
10. Install the front wheels.
11. Check the wheel alignment angles and adjust them if necessary.