Alliance/Encore L4-1397cc 1.4L (1984)
Trailing Arm: Service and Repair
Axle Tube & Suspension Arms, Replace
The suspension arm and tube are serviced as an assembly. Do not try to separate them.
1.
Raise and support rear of vehicle and remove wheels.
2.
Disconnect brake hose from axle lines and plug open fittings.
3.
Disconnect shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and parking brake cable, and remove exhaust pipe heat shield.
4.
Remove brake drum, backing plate, and brake shoes.
Fig. 1 Axle tube & suspension arm removal.
5.
Remove bracket bolts (1), Fig. 1, then remove torsion bar and axle bracket (2) using suitable slide hammer.
6.
Remove suspension arm (3) and axle tube (4) as an assembly, Fig. 1.
7.
Inspect axle tube bushings and axle bracket nut plates, and replace as needed.
8.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Lubricate suspension arm tube bushings and bushing surfaces of inner tube with suitable lubricant.
b. Torque axle bracket nuts to 59 ft.lbs., stabilizer mounts to 37 ft.lbs., then lower vehicle and torque shock absorber lower nut to 59 ft.lbs.
c. Adjust underbody height as outlined in ``Wheel Alignment Section.''
d. Bleed brakes as needed and adjust parking brake cable.
Axle Bracket Nut Plates, Replace
1.
Remove rear axle tube and suspension arm assembly as outlined.
2.
Remove rear seat cushion.
3.
Remove trim panel beside seat cushion.
Fig. 2 Suspension arm nut plate removal.
4.
Remove bracket bolts (a), Fig. 2, from inside of vehicle.
5.
Pry up damaged nut plate and install replacement.
Axle Tube Bushing, Replace
1.
Remove driver's side axle tube and suspension arm and clamp assembly in suitable vise.
