Festiva L4-81 1.3L SOHC (1988)
Differential Axle Housing: Service and Repair
1.
Raise and support rear of vehicle so that struts are fully extended, then remove rear wheels.
2.
Remove struts as outlined further on in this section.
3.
Disconnect all brake lines that will interfere with axle removal.
4.
Disconnect parking brake cable at backing plates, then remove equalizer and cables from axle.
5.
If necessary, remove backing plates and spindles from trailing arms.
6.
Remove axle assembly to body bracket pivot bolts, then lower axle assembly out of vehicle.
Fig. 2 Positioning bushing on trailing arm
7.
If axle bushings require replacement, proceed as follows:
a. Using tool D80L-1002-L or equivalent, press bushings out of trailing arm from inboard side.
b. Lubricate new bushings with soapy water, then position on outboard edges of trailing arm. Ensure that marks on bushing face are aligned
parallel with trailing arm axis,
Fig. 2. Press bushings into trailing arms using tool mentioned in previous step. To distinguish between right
and left bushings, note the ``F'' and ``R'' marks molded into the bushing. When properly installed, the letters should be right side up
with the ``F'' facing toward front of vehicle.
8.
Raise axle assembly, then align pivot bolt holes and install pivot bolts. Do not tighten bolts at this time.
9.
If removed, install backing plates and spindles. Torque spindle attaching nuts to 42 ft. lbs.
10.
Install parking brake equalizer assembly on axle, then connect parking brake cables to parking brake levers at backing plates.
11.
Connect brake lines at routing brackets and clip in place.
12.
Install struts and rear wheels, then lower vehicle to allow suspension to reach normal ride height.
13.
With vehicle on level surface, torque pivot bolts to 78 ft. lbs.
14.
After installation is completed, check rear suspension alignment as follows:
a. Mark center of underbody at a position equidistant between left and right body bracket inboard mounting bolts.
b. Measure distance from center mark obtained in previous step to centers of right and left strut lower mounting bolts.
c. If measurement obtained on right and left sides are not within .200 inch, shift body brackets side to side to center suspension.
d. After adjustment is completed, torque upper body bracket bolts to 45 ft. lbs. and lower bolt to 78 ft. lbs.
