Galant L4-2.0L SOHC (1989)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Service and Repair
Suspension Strut
REMOVAL
Less Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel.
2.
Remove brake hose bracket from strut assembly.
3.
Disconnect strut assembly from knuckle arm.
4.
Remove dust cover from strut assembly.
5.
Hold piston rod with a suitable hex wrench, then remove strut assembly attaching nut using tool No. MB991038 or equivalent.
6.
Remove stopper and stopper rubber insulator, then remove strut assembly from wheel house.
With Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel.
2.
Remove brake hose bracket from strut assembly.
3.
Disconnect height sensor rod from lower control arm.
4.
Disconnect strut assembly from knuckle arm, then support knuckle assembly with a suitable piece of wire.
5.
Disconnect and cap air tube from strut assembly joint, then remove dust cover. Use caution not to bend air tube.
6.
Remove strut assembly attaching nuts, then remove strut assembly from wheel house.
DISASSEMBLY
Less Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
Compress coil spring using tool No. MB990987 or equivalent.
2.
Hold piston rod with suitable hex wrench, then remove piston rod attaching nut using tool No. MB991036 or equivalent.
3.
Remove rubber insulator, support, spring seat, spring pad, rubber bumper, dust cover and coil spring from strut.
4.
Remove bearing from support using a suitable brass rod.
With Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
Attach tool No. MB991043 or equivalent to strut assembly.
2.
Remove snap ring using a suitable screwdriver, then the air joint from strut assembly.
3.
Remove actuator bracket from strut assembly.
4.
Remove insulator attaching nut, then the insulator from strut assembly.
5.
Slowly loosen tool No. MB9901043 or equivalent and remove sub-tank, coil spring and lower spring pad.
6.
Remove O-ring from sub-tank.
INSPECTION
Check all strut assembly components for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
ASSEMBLY
Coil springs have color marks to indicate coil spring identification and load classification. This identification mark indicates applicable
vehicle model equipped with that particular coil spring. When replacing coil spring, be sure to use spring having appropriate identification
mark.
Less Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
With support facing black retainer side of bearing, press bearing into support using suitable tool.
2.
Compress spring using tool No. MB990987 or equivalent, then install spring into strut.
3.
Extend piston rod as far as possible, then install dust cover, rubber bumper and spring pad.
4.
Install spring upper seat onto piston rod and align D-shaped hole with notch in rod.
5.
Install support on piston rod, then torque nut to 40-50 ft. lbs. using suitable tool.
6.
Align both ends of coil spring with grooves in spring seat, then slowly loosen spring compressor. Ensure spring seat does not become twisted. The
upper and lower spring seats can be easily aligned by inserting a .4 inch diameter rod into holes in the seats.
7.
Install rubber insulator on strut assembly.
With Electronically Controlled Suspension
1.
Apply a coating of suitable grease to sub-tank O-ring, then install O-ring in sub-tank.
2.
Install strut assembly lower spring pad, coil spring and sub-tank into tool No. MB991043 or equivalent. Ensure larger outer diameter of coil
