Removing
1. Jack up the rear of the vehicle and place it on jack stands under the chassis frame.
Raise the rear axle housing with a jack under its central part. It is necessary to completely unload the shock absorbers.
2. Give a nut of fastening of the top end of the shock-absorber to the car chassis. Remove washers and rubber bushings (see accompanying illustration).
1 - nut; 2 - washer; 3 - rubber bushings; 4 - shock absorber
3. Give a nut of fastening of the bottom end of the shock-absorber to a basic plate of the forward bridge. Remove washers.
4. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
Installation
Installation is in the reverse order.
1. Track correctness of installation of rubber plugs and fastener washers.
2. Track correctness of installation of the shock-absorber. The dust muff should be facing down and fitted over the lower end of the shock absorber.
3. Tighten the upper and lower fixing nuts with a force of 30÷40 Nm after the weight of the car has been completely transferred to the wheels.
Checking and pumping
Note. Below is a description of shock absorber condition check procedures that do not require special equipment.
1. Inspect the shock absorber body for dents, other damage, and leaks. A defective shock absorber cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
2. Check the condition of the rubber bushings. The top sleeve can be replaced if necessary. If the lower bushing is worn or damaged, the shock absorber assembly must be replaced.
3. Clamp the shock absorber vertically in a vise (for the ring of the lower support).
4. Grasp the upper part of the shock absorber and, by pulling, lift it up to the stop, then slowly lower it down, completely squeezing the shock absorber.
5. Repeat the procedure of the last paragraph six to eight times, completely eliminating the play, determined by the air present in the shock absorber. If the play is not eliminated, the shock absorber must be replaced.