Front Suspension Acura RL II

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Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A1O2

Note. To avoid damage, do not strike aluminum parts with a metal hammer. If necessary, tap gently with a plastic-tipped hammer.

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the caliper.
3. Remove the brake hose mounting bracket (A).
4. Remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts (B), and remove the caliper assembly (C) from the knuckle. To prevent damage to the caliper assembly or brake hose, use a short piece of wire to hang the caliper assembly from the undercarriage. Do not twist the brake hose with force.
5. Remove the wheel sensor (A) and O-ring (B) from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
6. Raise the stake (A), then remove the spindle nut (B).
7. Remove the brake disc (see «FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#conventional-brake-components) ).
8. Remove the hub bearing unit mounting bolts (A).
9. Remove the hub bearing unit (B) by tapping the driveshaft end (C) with a plastic hammer while drawing the hub bearing unit outward.
10. Install the hub bearing unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Use a new spindle nut on reassembly. Before installing the spindle nut, apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of the nut. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder against the driveshaft. Before installing the brake disc, clean the mating surfaces of the front hub bearing unit and the inside of the brake disc. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.

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1. Remove the hub bearing unit
2. Remove the splash guard (A).
3. Remove the wheel sensor (A) from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector. NOTE: Use a new wheel sensor bracket (B) and new clips (C) on reassembly.
4. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, then loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new cotter pin after tightening the nut, and bend its end as shown.
5. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
6. Remove the holder (A) from the knuckle (B). NOTE: Use a new flange bolt and self-locking nut during reassembly.
7. Remove the lock pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, and loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new lock pin as shown after tightening the nut.
8. Disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ), then remove the knuckle.
9. Install the knuckle in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all the components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the upper arm to the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the knuckle, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut. Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces on the brake disk and the inside of the wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint boot clip guide, 53 mm 070AG-SJA0200
2. Ball joint boot clip guide, 51 mm 07MAG-SL00200

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1. Remove the boot clip and the boot.
2. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease. Keep the grease off of the boot-to-knuckle mating surfaces (B).
3. Wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the pin (C), and pack fresh grease into the base (D). Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
4. Install the boot on the ball joint, then squeeze it gently to force out any air.
5. Adjust the depth by turning the ball joint boot clip guide (A) until its base is just above the groove around the bottom of the boot. Then slide the clip (B) over the tool and into position on the boot.
6. After installing a boot, wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.

Upper Arm Replacement

Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

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1. Remove the front damper (see «DAMPER/SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
2. Remove the wheel sensor bracket (A) from the upper arm (B). NOTE: Use new wheel sensor bracket on reassembly.
3. Remove the lock pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, then loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new lock pin as shown after tightening the castle nut.
4. Disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
5. Remove the upper arm mounting bolts (A), then remove the upper arm (B). NOTE: Use the new upper arm mounting bolts during reassembly.
6. Install the upper arm by inserting a rod (A) of appropriate size (O.D. 6 mm/L: 300 mm) into the positioning holes (B), and place the upper arm (C) on the rod to position it before tightening the upper arm mounting bolts.
7. Install the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all the components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the knuckle, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the knuckle connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut. Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces on the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SLOA102

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheels taking care not to scratch the caliper.
3. Remove the holder (A) from the knuckle (B). NOTE: Use a new flange bolt and a new self-locking nut during reassembly.
4. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower ball joint castle nut (B), then remove the nut. NOTE: To avoid damaging the ball joint, install a hex nut on the threads of the ball joint. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the remover. Do not force or hammer on the lower arm, or pry between the lower arm and knuckle. You could damage the ball joint. Insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the rear to the front of vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
5. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the holder using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
6. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and washer (B) (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ), then remove the damper fork mounting nut (C) and bolt (D). NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut, new damper fork mounting nut and new bolt during reassembly.
7. Remove the flange bolts (A) and self-locking nut (B), then remove the lower arm (C). NOTE: Use a new flange bolts and a new self-locking nut during reassembly.
8. In case of a loose lower arm bracket (A), follow the steps to retighten its bolts: Lightly tighten the new three bolts. Align the center of the cam (B) to the edge (C). Tighten the adjusting bolt (D). Tighten the lower arm bracket mounting bolt (E). Tighten the lower arm bracket mounting bolt (F).
9. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all the components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. Before connecting the lower ball joint to the holder, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the holder connecting hole, the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut. Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it. Install a new cotter pin on the castle nut after torquing. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheels, taking care not to scratch the caliper.
3. Remove the self-locking nuts (A) while holding the respective joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and remove the washer (D) and the stabilizer link (E).
4. Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension. NOTE: Do not place the jack against the holder of the knuckle.
5. Install the stabilizer link (A) on the stabilizer bar (B) and lower arm (C) with the joint pins set at the center of their range of movement. NOTE: The paint mark (D) on the stabilizer link is near the upper end of the stabilizer link.
6. Install the washer and new self-locking nuts (A), and lightly tighten them.
7. Tighten the new self-locking nuts (A) to the specified torque values while holding the respective joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C).
8. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
9. Test-drive the vehicle.
10. After 5 minutes of driving, tighten the self-locking nuts again to the specified torque value.

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheels, taking care not to scratch the caliper.
3. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar on the right and left sides (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
4. Remove the front suspension subframe from the body (see «SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame) ).
5. Remove the flange bolts (A) and bushing holders (B), then remove the bushings (C) and the stabilizer bar (D). NOTE: Use new flange bolts during reassembly.
6. Install the stabilizer bar in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Note the right and left direction of the stabilizer bar. Align the ends of the paint marks (A) on the stabilizer bar with each end of the bushings (B). Note the fore/aft direction of the bushing holders. Refer to Stabilizer Link Replacement to connect the stabilizer bar to the links (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ). Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of wheel, then install the front wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

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1. Remove the upper fender trims (A) (see «UPPER FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__upper-fender-trim-replacement) ).
2. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
3. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the caliper.
4. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C) while pushing the lower arm down.
5. Disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
6. Remove the 8 mm flange nuts (A) and the 10 mm flange nuts (B) from the top of the damper.
7. Remove the damper assembly (A). NOTE: Before removing the damper assembly, make a space to remove the damper assembly by rotating the steering wheel clockwise until it stops. Be careful not to damage or scratch the aluminum parts. It may weaken the suspension.

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1. Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside.
2. Loosely install the 8 mm flange nuts (A) and the 10 mm flange nuts (B) on the top of the damper.
3. Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm while pushing the lower arm down. Install the front damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot (C) in the damper fork.
4. Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (D) into the damper fork.
5. Install the new flange bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, then lightly tighten the new damper fork mounting nut (F).
6. Install the stabilizer link on the lower arm with the washer and the new self-locking nut, and lightly tighten them.
7. Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.
8. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque values.
9. Tighten the damper pinch bolt, the flange nut on the damper fork, and self-locking nut to the specified torque value.
10. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
11. Install the upper fender trims (see «UPPER FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__upper-fender-trim-replacement) ).

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Disassembly/Inspection

Note. When compressing the damper spring, use a commercially available strut spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent). According to the manufacturer's instructions.

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1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.
2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.
3. Reassemble all the parts, except for the spring mounting cushion and spring.
4. 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. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.
5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly

Note. Refer to the EXPLODED VIEW as needed.

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1. Align the damper mounting base (A) and spring mounting cushion (B) as shown, then reassemble the damper except for the washer and self-locking nut.
2. Install the damper assembly on a commercially available strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring lightly.
3. Align the bottom of the spring and the stepped part (B) of the lower spring seat.
4. Position the damper mounting base (A) so the stud bolt (B) is aligned with the aligning tab (C) in the damper unit as shown. LEFT: RIGHT
5. Compress the damper spring. Do not compress the spring excessively.
6. Install the washer (A) and a new 10 mm self-locking nut (B). Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the 10 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque value.
7. Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.

See also:
• LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS
• FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT
• BALL JOINT REMOVAL
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT
• UPPER FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT
• DAMPER/SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION