Acura 2002 RSX Service Manual page 897

Front Suspension
Damper/Spring Replacement {cont'd)
Disassembly/lnspection
1 . C o m p r e s s t h e d a m p e r s p r i n g w i t h a c o m m e r c i a l l y
available strut compressor (A) according to the
manufacturer's instructions, then remove the self-
locking nut (B) while holding the damper shaft (C)
with a hex wrench (D). Do not compress the spring
more than necessarv to remove the nut.
Release the pressure from the strut spring
compressor, then disassemble the damper as
shown in the Exoloded View.
Reassemble all the pans, except for the spring.
Compress the damper assembly by hand, and
check for smooth operation through a full stroke,
both compression and extension. The damper
should extend smoothly and constantly when
compression is released, lf it does not, the gas is
l e a k i n g a n d t h e d a m p e r s h o u l d b e r e p l a c e d .
C h e c k f o r o i l l e a k s , a b n o r m a l n o i s e s , a n d b i n d i n g
during these tests.
18-22
Reassembly
1. Install all the parts except the self-locking nut onto
the damper unjt by referring to the Exploded View.
Align the bottom of the spring (A) and the stepped
part of the lower spring seat {B) as illustrated. Align
the upper spring seat so that the small hole (C) in it
is on the out side when it is installed in the bodv.
I n s t a l l t h e d a m p e r a s s e m b l y o n a c o m m e r c i a l l y
available strut spring compressor (C).
Compress the damper spring with the spring
compressor.
Install a new self-locking nut (A) on the damper
shaft.
12x 1.25 .nm
44 N.m {4.5 kgf.fm.33 lbf.ftl
Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench {B), and
tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque.