Special Tools

CH-48845 Spring Compressor

Important: Use only hand tools to perform the following service procedure.

Caution: Use only the CH-48845 Spring Compressor when servicing suspension components on this vehicle. Other tools may not be strong enough for the springs on this vehicle and you could be injured if you do not use Special Tool CH-48845. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.

1. Install the front shock absorber assembly in the CH-48845 .




Important: For vehicles equipped with electronic suspension control, ensure that the upper retaining bracket of the CH-48845 is adjusted properly so that it DOES NOT damage the front suspension mount.

2. Position the shock absorber (2) in the upper retaining bracket of the CH-48845  (1) so the shock absorber will be centered.



3. Using the CH-48845  (1), compress the front spring (2).




Important: DO NOT re-use the shock absorber nut, discard and replace with new ONLY.

4. Using the appropriate tool, remove and discard the shock absorber nut (1).



5. Remove the front lower shock absorber (2) and the front spring lower insulator (1).



6. Remove the front suspension strut mount (1), front spring upper seat (2), front suspension strut bumper (3), front spring upper insulator (4), and the front suspension spring (5) from the spring compressor.

Important: The inboard strut mounting studs are spaced closer together than the outboard stud. The outboard stud should be facing toward the outside (closest to the technician proper alignment.

1. Assemble the front suspension strut mount (1), front spring upper seat (2), front suspension strut bumper (3), front spring upper insulator (4), and the front suspension spring (5) in the spring compressor.



2. Align the spring seat stop (3), the outboard stud (1), and the center of the lower strut mount (4). The notch in the spring seat (2) should be just to the right of the outboard stud.




Important: For vehicles equipped with electronic suspension control, ensure that the upper retaining bracket of the CH-48845 is adjusted properly so that it DOES NOT damage the front suspension mount.

3. Position the shock absorber (2) in the upper retaining bracket of the CH-48845  (1) so the shock absorber will be centered.



4. Using the CH-48845  (1), compress the front spring (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.




5. Install the NEW shock absorber nut (1).

Tighten
For vehicles equipped with electronic suspension, tighten the shock absorber nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Tighten
For vehicles equipped with electronic suspension, tighten the electrical connector to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

Tighten
For vehicles without electronic suspension, tighten the shock absorber nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

6. Remove the shock absorber assembly from the spring compressor
7. Install the shock absorber in the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.