Front Damper; Removal; Disassembly/Inspection - Acura 3.5 RL Manual

Front Damper

Removal

1. Remove the brake hose clamps from the damper.
BRAKE HOSE
CLAMPS
FLANGE BOLT
DAMPER FORK
2. Remove the flange bolt.
3. Remove the flange bolt and self-locking nut, then
remove the damper fork.
4. Remove the damper by removing the five flange
nuts.
NOTE: Mark the right and left dampers or store them
separately. Do not confuse them on installation.
FLANGE
BOLT
SELF-LOCKING NUT
12 x 1.25 mm
Replace.
FLANGE NUTS

Disassembly/Inspection

Disassembly
1. Compress the damper spring with the spring com-
pressor according to the manufacturer's instructions,
then remove the self-locking nut.
CAUTION: Do not compress the spring more than
necessary to remove the nut.
SELF-LOCKING NUT
10 x 1.25 mm
Replace.
STRUT SPRING
COMPRESSOR:
(Commercially available)
BRANICK® T/N MST-580A, T/N 7200,
or equivalent
2. Remove the damper from the spring compressor,
then disassemble the damper as shown on the next
page.
Inspection
1. Reassemble all parts, except the spring.
2. Push on the damper as shown.
3. Check for smooth operation through a full stroke,
both compression and extension.
NOTE: The damper should move smoothly. If it does
not (no compression or no extension), the gas is
leaking and the damper should be replaced.
4. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, or binding dur-
ing these tests.
WOODEN
BLOCK