REAR SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM...............44
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................44
SPINDLE ...............................45
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................45
LATERAL LINKS..........................46
TRAILING ARM ..........................46
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................46
SPINDLE ...............................47
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................47
LATERAL LINKS..........................47
TRAILING ARM ..........................47
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................48
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ........48
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................48
SPINDLE ...............................51
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................54
LATERAL LINKS..........................55
TRAILING ARM ..........................57
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................59
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS (REAR) ..........60
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................61
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .......................63
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION ......................63
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension used on this vehicle is a fully
independent rear suspension (Fig. 1).
Each side of the rear suspension consists of these
major components:
• Strut assembly
• Spindle
• Hub and bearing
• Two lateral links
• Trailing arm
• Stabilizer bar
OPERATION
The rear suspension allows each rear wheel on the
vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and condi-
tions without affecting the control of the vehicle.
Each side of the suspension is allowed to move inde-
pendently from the other.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
DESCRIPTION
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around the
struts (Fig. 1). The coil springs are contained
between the upper mount of the strut assembly and
a lower spring seat on the body of the strut assembly.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the top
of the inner fender through the rubber isolated upper
mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
spindle. Strut attachment to the spindle is accom-
plished using a split collar on the rear spindle. The
collar uses a pinch bolt to retain the spindle to the
strut.
The rear coil springs are rated separately for each
corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. Coil springs
come in a various rates; be sure the correct spring is
in use.
The components of the strut assembly listed below
are serviceable if found to be defective (Fig. 2).
• Strut shaft retainer nut
• Upper mount
• Dust shield
• Jounce bumper
• Coil spring
• Upper spring isolator
• Lower spring isolator
• Strut
OPERATION
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle. They cushion the ride of the vehicle, con-
trolling vibration, jounce and rebound of the suspen-
sion.
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