Contents: Removal ⇓ Installation ⇓
Attention! The shock absorber struts of all-wheel drive models with adjustable ride height should not be disassembled; in case of malfunction, they should be replaced as a set.
Cars up to 9/89 issue and "station wagon" models
5 - piston rod nut and washer; 6 - mounting plate; 7 - shock absorber support; 8 - spring cup; 9 - casing; 10 - rebound buffer, spring; 11 - shock absorber
Cars from 10/89 issue, except for"station wagon" models
1 - lid; 2 - piston rod nut and washer; 3 - lock washer; 4 - shock absorber support; 5 - rebound buffer; 6 - casing; 7 - coil spring; 8 - lower spring cup; 9 - shock absorber
Removal
1. Remove the rear shock absorber strut.
2. Clamp the upper support of the shock absorber strut in a vice with gaskets. Loosen the piston rod nut a few turns without unscrewing.
3. To remove the shock absorber, it is necessary to compress the spring. In workshops, a special device is used for this.
Caution! Never loosen the shock absorber unless the spring is compressed.
4. Clamp the MAZDA compressor or other standard compressor in a vice. Insert the rear shock absorber into the compressor and slowly and evenly compress the spring until the upper spring cup is unloaded.
Caution: If a standard spring coil compressor is used, make sure that the spring coils are gripped securely and the compressor cannot slip off.
Attention! It is necessary to compress the spring in 3 opposite places. The spring has a very high compression ratio, so it is necessary to use only a reliable tool. Risk of accident!
Caution! The fastening nut can only be removed if the spring is securely compressed.
5. Remove the shock absorber support, coil spring and rebound buffer.
Caution! If only the spring needs to be replaced, it must be slowly released. If, on the contrary, only the shock absorber needs to be replaced, the spring remains compressed.
Installation
1. Before installation, check the shock absorber and replace if necessary.
2. If necessary, compress the coil spring.
3. Cars up to 9/89 and station wagon models: Place the lower insulation on the shock absorber.
4. Install the coil spring. Make sure that the coil spring fits correctly against the cup stops.
5. Put on the bounce buffer and casing.
6. Cars up to 9/89 and station wagon models: Install the upper shock absorber strut support and align it. When installed, the white mark should face the inside of the car.
Cars from 10/89 issue, except for"station wagon" models
1. Cars from 10/89 except station wagon models: Install the upper shock absorber strut support and align it with the lower shock absorber mount.
2. Screw on the new self-locking nut with force 60 Nm, to hold the upper support, clamp it in a vice with gaskets.
3. Slowly loosen the coil spring, making sure that the ends of the spring are seated correctly in the spring cups.
4. Install the rear shock absorber strut, see Chapter Suspension and steering system.