Front Suspension Strut Installation Details on Mirage Models
1 - Brake hose fastening clamp; 2 - Wheel sensor (models with ABS); 3 - Lower support mounting bolt (2 pcs); 4 - Self-locking nut; 5 - Rack-mounted assembly; N - Replace
Diamante and Galant models produced up to 1993 and since 1999.
Removal
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Warning! If the car stereo system is equipped with a security code, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Jack up the car and place it on supports. Remove the corresponding wheel.
3. Remove the brake line support bracket from the strut - do not pry off the mounting clamp with any tools!
4. On ABS equipped models, release the wheel sensor retaining clip on the pillar assembly.
5. Support the lower control arm with a jack and loosen the bolts securing the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Tie the steering knuckle to the suspension components in such a way as to prevent tension on the brake hose.
6. On models with active suspension (Active-ECS) loosen the nut securing the air line to the top of the rack. Disconnect the line and remove the sealing ring, then unscrew the fasteners and remove the Active-ECS actuator from the rack - do not forget to disconnect the electrical wiring.
7. Mark the position of the upper strut mount relative to the vehicle body, then loosen the mounting nuts and remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
Installation
1. Install the rack assembly in its regular place (make sure that the mounting marks applied during dismantling are correctly aligned), screw on the upper fastening nuts and tighten them with the required force (45 N·m).
2. Align the strut and connect it to the steering knuckle assembly, tightening the mounting bolts to the required torque (90÷105 Nm).
3. On models with Active Suspension, restore the original air line connection (remember to replace the O-ring) and reinstall the Active-ECS actuator - remember to reconnect the wiring.
4. Reinstall the support bracket with the brake hose. On models with ABS, install the wheel sensor.
5. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
6. Finally, adjust the front wheel alignment angles.
Mirage Models
Removal
1. Rackmount installation details on Mirage models are shown in the illustration.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Warning! If the car stereo system is equipped with a security code, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
3. Jack up the car and place it on supports. Remove the corresponding wheel.
4. On ABS equipped models, release the wheel sensor retaining clip on the pillar assembly.
5. Support the lower suspension arm with a jack and loosen the bolts securing the strut assembly to the steering knuckle.
6. Mark the position of the upper strut mount relative to the vehicle body, then remove the mounting bolts and remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
Installation
1. Install the rack assembly in its regular place (make sure that the mounting marks applied during dismantling are correctly aligned), screw on the upper fastening nuts and tighten them with the required force (40 N·m).
2. Align the strut and connect it to the steering knuckle assembly, tightening the mounting bolts to the required torque (110÷130 Nm).
3. Reinstall the support bracket with the brake hose. On models with ABS, install the wheel sensor.
4. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
5. Finally, adjust the front wheel alignment angles.
Galant models 1994÷1998.
Removal
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Warning! If the car stereo system is equipped with a security code, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Jack up the car and place it on supports. Remove the corresponding wheel.
3. Disconnect the anti-roll bar from the damper fork.
4. Remove the lower through bolt and upper tie bolt and remove the damper fork assembly.
5. Loosen the upper support mounting nuts and remove the shock absorber assembly with the coil spring from the vehicle.
Installation
1. Install the upper shock absorber support, making sure the three mounting bolts are positioned correctly.
2. Install the rubber bushing of the upper support, apply the washer, screw on the lock nut and tighten it to the required torque (24 Nm).
3. Install the shock absorber and tighten the upper nuts of its fastening to the required force (44 N·m).
4. Align the damper fork, install the lower through bolt of its fastening and tighten its nut with a force of 88 N·m. Tighten the upper tie bolt with a force of 103 N·m.
5. Connect the anti-roll bar strut to the damper fork and tighten its mounting nut to the required torque (39 N·m).
6. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
7. Finally, adjust the front wheel alignment angles.