Rear Suspension Acura RL II

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Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

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1. Raise the rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts (A), and remove the caliper assembly (B) 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.
4. Remove the two washers (A).
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), and remove the spindle nut (B).
7. Remove the brake disc/drum (see «REAR BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#conventional-brake-components) ).
8. Remove the hub bearing unit (A).
9. Install the hub bearing unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. 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/drum, clean the mating surfaces of the hub bearing unit and the inside of the brake disc/drum. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc/drum 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. Remove the hub bearing unit.
2. Remove the lower arm A mounting nut (B), washers (C), and mounting bolt (D) from the knuckle side. NOTE: Use new lower arm A mounting nuts and new bolts during reassembly.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (E), washers (F), and the flange bolt (G), then remove the lower arm A.
4. Remove the backing plate mounting nuts (A), then remove the backing plate (B). To prevent damage to the backing plate or parking brake shoes assembly and cable, use a short piece of wire to hang the backing plate from the undercarriage. Do not twist the parking brake cable with force.
5. Remove the wheel sensor bracket (A) from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector. NOTE: Use a new wheel sensor bracket on reassembly.
6. Remove the lock pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, then loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the lock pin as shown after tightening a new castle nut.
7. 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) ).
8. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and the washer (C), then disconnect the stabilize link (D) from lower arm B (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-hubs/#rear-suspension) ). NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut during reassembly.
9. Remove the damper lower mounting bolt (A), and disconnect the damper (B) from the knuckle. NOTE: Use a new damper lower mounting bolt during reassembly.
10. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
11. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm B ball joint, and loosen the nut (C). NOTE: During installation, 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. Use a new nut during reassembly.
12. Disconnect the knuckle ball joint from the lower arm B 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) ).
13. Remove the control arm mounting nut (A) and washer (B) from the knuckle (C), then remove the knuckle. NOTE: Use a new control arm mounting nut during reassembly.
14. 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. Before connecting the ball joint to the knuckle and the lower arm B, 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. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle to the lower arm B and upper arm to the knuckle. 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/drum 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, 45 mm 070AG-SJA0300
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 special tool (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. Raise the rear 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 rear wheels.
3. Place a floor jack under the trailing arm, and support the suspension.
4. Remove the wheel sensor bracket (A) from the upper arm (B). NOTE: Use a new wheel sensor bracket on reassembly.
5. Remove the lock pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, and loosen the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, insert the lock pin as shown after tightening the new castle nut.
6. 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) ).
7. Remove the flange bolts (A) and self-locking nuts (B), and remove the upper arm (C). NOTE: Use new flange bolts and new self-locking nuts during reassembly.
8. Install the upper arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all the suspension components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening the bolts and nuts to the specified torque values. 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 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 of the brake disc/drum 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 rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Remove the lower arm A mounting nut (B), washers (C) and mounting bolt (D) from the knuckle side. NOTE: Use a new lower arm A mounting nuts and bolts during reassembly.
4. Remove the self-locking nut (E), washers (F), and the flange bolt (G), then remove the lower arm A.
5. Install the lower arm A in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First, install 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. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces on the brake disc/drum and 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) ).

Scheme 22

1. Raise the rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Remove the control arm mounting nut (A) and washer (B) from the knuckle side. NOTE: Use a new control arm mounting nut during reassembly.
4. Mark the cam positions of the adjusting bolt (C) and adjusting cam (D), then remove the self-locking nut (E), and adjusting cam, and adjusting bolt. NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut and a new adjusting bolt during reassembly.
5. Remove the control arm (F).
6. Install the control arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First, install 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. Align the cam positions of the adjusting bolt and adjusting cam with the marked positions when tightening. Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces on the brake disc/drum and 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) ).

Lower Arm B Removal and Installation

Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

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1. Raise the rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and the washer (C) while holding the joint pin (D) with a hex wrench (E), and disconnect the stabilizer link (F) from lower arm B.
4. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm B ball joint, and loosen the castle nut (C). NOTE: During installation, insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the rear to the front of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle using the special tool (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
7. Lower the floor jack gradually.
8. Remove the spring (A), spring mounting cushion (C), and lower spring seat (D).
9. Remove the self-locking nut (E) and flange bolt (F), then remove lower arm B.

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1. Position lower arm B, install the new flange bolt (A), and loosely install the new self-locking nut (C).
2. Install the spring mounting cushion (D) and spring (E).
3. Align the bottom of the spring (A), the stepped part of the lower spring seat (C) and lower arm B.
4. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
5. Raise the jack slowly until you can align the bolt hole of lower arm B and the knuckle ball joint pin, then loosely install the castle nut (A).
6. Install the stabilizer link on the lower arm B with the washer and the new self-locking nut, and lightly tighten them.
7. Raise the rear suspension with a floor jack to load it with the vehicle's weight.
8. Tighten the castle nut and self-locking nut to the specified torque value. NOTE: 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. Insert a new cotter pin (C) into the ball joint pin from the rear to the front of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown. Refer to stabilizer Link Replacement to connect the lower arm B and the link (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-hubs/#rear-suspension) ).
9. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc/drum the inside of the wheel, then install the rear wheel.
10. Check the rear 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 rear 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 rear wheels.
3. Remove the self-locking nuts (A) while holding the respective joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), then remove the washer (D) and the stabilizer link (E).
4. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link, and raise the suspension.
5. Install the stabilizer link (A) on the stabilizer bar (C) and lower arm B with the joint pins set at the center of their range of the movement. NOTE: The left stabilizer link has a yellow paint mark (D), while the right stabilizer link has a white paint mark.
6. Install the washer and new self-locking nuts (A), and lightly tighten them.
7. Tighten the self-locking nuts 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/drum and the inside of the wheel, then install the rear 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 rear 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 rear wheels.
3. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar (A) on the right and left sides (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-hubs/#rear-suspension) ).
4. Remove the flange bolts and bushing holders (B), then remove the bushing (C) and the stabilizer bar. NOTE: Use new flange bolts during reassembly.
5. 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). Refer to Stabilizer Link Replacement to connect the stabilizer to the links (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-hubs/#rear-suspension) ). Clean the mating surface of the brake disc/drum and the inside of the wheel, then install the rear 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 rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link to support them.
4. Disconnect the headlight leveling sensor linkage (A) from the damper.
5. Remove the rear shelf (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - REAR SHELF AREA»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-rear-shelf-area) ).
6. Remove the two flange nuts (A).
7. Remove the damper lower mounting bolt (A) from the knuckle.
8. Lower the rear suspension, then remove the damper (A) from the vehicle.

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1. Disassemble the damper and check all the parts as shown in the Exploded View.
2. Install the damper mounting base, washer, and 10 mm nut to the damper unit.
3. Push on the damper by hand as shown.
4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should extend in a smooth, continuous motion when the compression is released. If it does not (no compression or no extension), the gas is leaking, and the damper should be replaced.
5. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, or binding during these tests.

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1. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
2. Compress the damper (A) by hand, and move it into position.
3. Loosely tighten the new damper lower mounting bolt (A).
4. Loosely install the new flange nuts.
5. Raise the rear suspension with a floor jack to load it with the vehicle's weight.
6. Tighten the flange nuts and the damper lower mounting bolt to the specified torque value.
7. Connect the headlight leveling sensor linkage (A) to the damper with the self-locking nut (B).
8. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc/drum and the inside of the wheel, then install the rear wheel.
9. Check the rear 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) ).
10. Do the adaptive front lighting control unit learning procedure (see «ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT LEARNING PROCEDURE»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/exterior-lights/#adaptive-front-lighting-system) ).

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Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

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1. Raise the rear 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 rear wheel.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and the washer (C) while holding the joint pin (D) with hex wrench (E), and disconnect the stabilizer link (F) from lower arm B.
4. Place a floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm B ball joint, and loosen the castle nut (C). NOTE: During installation, 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.
6. Disconnect the lower 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) ).
7. Lower the floor jack gradually.
8. Remove the spring (A), spring mounting cushion (B), and lower spring seat (C).

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1. Install the spring mounting cushion (A) and spring (B).
2. Align the bottom of the spring (A), the stepped part of the lower spring seat (C) and lower arm B.
3. Place the floor jack at the connecting point of lower arm B and the stabilizer link.
4. Raise the jack slowly until you can align the bolt hole of lower arm B and the knuckle ball joint pin, then loosely install the new castle nut (A).
5. Install the stabilizer link on the lower arm B with the washer and the new self-locking nut, and lightly tighten them.
6. Raise the rear suspension with a floor jack to load it with the vehicle's weight.
7. Tighten the castle nut and self-locking nut to the specified torque value. NOTE: Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tightens if only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it. Insert a new cotter pin (C) into the ball joint pin from the rear to the front of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown. Refer to stabilizer Link Replacement to connect the lower arm B and the link (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rl/ii-2004-2008/remont/wheel-hubs/#rear-suspension) ).
8. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc/drum and the inside of the wheel, then install the rear wheel.
9. Check the rear 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) ).

See also:
• LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS
• REAR BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• BALL JOINT REMOVAL
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - REAR SHELF AREA
• ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT LEARNING PROCEDURE
• STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION