Spring Link

SPRING LINK

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Access and remove rear spring.





3. Remove spring link-to-knuckle nut and bolt (Fig. 20).

CAUTION: It is important to use Guide, Special Tool 905OA-2, when tapping sleeve to help keep Tap, Special Tool 905OA-1, straight during use or damage to Tap may occur.





4. Place Guide 905OA-2 against sleeve in knuckle as shown (Fig. 21).
5. Insert Tap 905OA-1, on an appropriate handle, through Guide and into sleeve (Fig. 21). Cut threads approximately halfway through bushing (or about six complete threads). It is important to back Tap out often and clean out burrs that can build up inside Guide. Keep Tap well lubricated to avoid damaging it.

NOTE: Prior to using Remover, Special Tool 9050A, lubricate Bolt threads to provide ease of use and promote tool longevity.





6. Assemble Remover 9050A as shown (Fig. 22).

NOTE: When installing thrust bearing on Remover, be sure to place hardened side toward nut.





7. Remove sleeve retaining spring link ball joint in knuckle as follows (Fig. 23):
a. Hand thread assembled Remover 9050A into tapped knuckle sleeve until it stops.
b. Rotate Nut down, matching Sleeve 905OA-5 angled end with angled face of knuckle.
c. Continue to rotate Nut until knuckle sleeve is removed from knuckle. Discard knuckle sleeve; replace it with new upon installation.





8. Remove bolt and nut fastening spring link to crossmember (Fig. 24).
9. Remove spring link.

INSTALLATION
1. Guide ball joint end of spring link into mounting pocket of knuckle, then swing opposite end up to bushing in crossmember and install bolt and nut fastening spring link to crossmember (Fig. 24). Do not tighten bolt at this time.

NOTE: Prior to using Special Tool 9050A, lubricate Bolt threads to provide ease of use and promote tool longevity.





2. Place new knuckle sleeve onto Installer Bolt, Special Tool 9050-4, and slide it up to Bolt's head (Fig. 25).
3. Install NEW sleeve in knuckle as follows:





a. Slide Installer Bolt 905OA-4 (with sleeve) through knuckle and spring link ball joint starting from knuckle forward end (Fig. 26).
b. Install thrust bearing and nut on end of Bolt (Fig. 26). When installing thrust bearing on Installer Bolt, be sure to place hardened side toward nut.
c. While holding Bolt head stationary, rotate Nut (using hand tools) installing sleeve in knuckle. Install sleeve until Nut can no longer be turned. Do not overtighten Nut.
d. Remove tool.

4. Install spring link-to-knuckle bolt and nut as shown (Fig. 20). While holding bolt head stationary, tighten nut to 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.) torque.
5. Install rear spring as well as all components necessary to access it.
6. Lower vehicle.
7. Position vehicle on alignment rack/drive-on hoist. Raise vehicle as necessary to access mounting bolt.
8. Tighten spring link bolt at crossmember to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.) torque.
9. Perform wheel alignment.