Front Suspension Acura RSX I

Scheme 1

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
2. Ball joint thread protector, 14 mm 071AF-S3VA000
3. Hub dis/assembly tool, 42 mm 07GAF-SD40100
4. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
5. Attachment, 62 x 68 mm 07746-0010500
6. Driver 07749-0010000
7. Support base 07965-SD90100

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__safety-stands) ).
2. Remove the wheel cap, wheel nuts, and front wheel.
3. Remove the brake hose mounting bolt (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. Raise the stake (A), then remove the spindle nut (B).
6. Remove the 6 mm brake disc retaining screws (A).
7. Screw two 8 x 1.25 mm bolts (B) into the brake disc to push it away from the hub. Turn each bolt two turns at a time to prevent cocking the disc excessively.
8. Remove the flange bolt (A) and wheel sensor (B) from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
9. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
10. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, and remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, insert the new lock pin as shown after tightening the nut.
11. Disconnect the lower arm from the knuckle using the special tools (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
12. Loosen the damper pinch bolts (A) while holding the nuts (B), and remove the bolts and the nuts.
13. Remove the driveshaft outboard joint (C) from the knuckle (D) by tapping the driveshaft end (E) with a plastic hammer while drawing the knuckle outward, then remove the knuckle. NOTE: Do not pull the driveshaft end outward. The driveshaft joint may come apart.
14. Separate the hub (A) from the knuckle (B) using the special tool and a hydraulic press. Be careful not to deform the splash guard. Hold onto the hub to keep it from falling when pressed clear.
15. Press the wheel bearing inner race (A) off of the hub (B) using the special tool, commercially available bearing separator (C), and a press.
16. Remove the snap ring (A) and the splash guard (B) from the knuckle (C).
17. Press the wheel bearing (A) out of the knuckle (B) using the special tools and a press.
18. Wash the knuckle and hub thoroughly in high flash point solvent before reassembly.
19. Press a new wheel bearing (A) into the knuckle (B) using the old bearing (C), a steel plate (D), the special tool, and a press. Place the wheel bearing on the knuckle with the pack seal side facing (E) (metal color) toward the inside. Be careful not to damage the sleeve of the pack seal.
20. Install the snap ring (A) securely in the knuckle (B).
21. Install the splash guard (C), and tighten the screws (D) to the specified torque value.
22. Press a new hub bearing unit (A) onto the hub (B) using the special tools and a press.
23. Install the knuckle/hub/hub bearing unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the arm, decrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, and the arm connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut. 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. Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. 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. Reinstall the lock pin on the castle nut after torquing. Use a new spindle nut on reassembly. Before installing the new 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 surface of the front hub and the inside of the brake disc. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

Special Tools Required

Front hub dis/assembly tool, 36 mm 07965-SA50500

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1. Remove the boot.
2. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with fresh grease. Keep the grease off of the boot-to-knuckle mating surfaces (B).
3. Wipe the grease off the tapered section of the pin (C), and pack fresh grease onto the base (D).
4. Install the boot onto the ball joint pin, then squeeze it gently to force out any air. Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
5. Press the boot with the special tool until the bottom seats on the knuckle (A) evenly around.
6. After installing a boot, wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__safety-stands) ).
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Remove the self-locking nuts (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer links (D) from the stabilizer bar (E) on the right and left.
4. Remove the flange bolts (A) and bushing holders (B), then remove the bushings (C) and the stabilizer bar (D).
5. Install the stabilizer bar in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Use new self-locking nuts on reassembly. 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/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__safety-stands) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and flange nut (B) while holding the respective joint pins (C) with a hex wrench (D), then remove the stabilizer link (E).
4. Install the stabilizer link (A) on the stabilizer bar (B) and lower arm (C) with the joint pins (D) set at the center of their range of movement. NOTE: The left stabilizer link has a yellow paint mark (E), while the right stabilizer link has a white paint mark.
5. Install the self-locking nut and flange nut, and lightly tighten them. NOTE: Use a new self-locking nut on reassembly.
6. Place the floor jack under the lower arm ball joint, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight. NOTE: Do not place the jack against the flat section of the lower arm. Lifting the arm in this area might bend it.
7. Tighten the new self-locking nut (A) and flange nut (B) to the specified torque values while holding the respective joint pins (C) with a hex wrench (D).
8. Reinstall all removed parts and test drive the vehicle.
9. After 5 minutes of driving, tighten the self-locking nut again to the specified torque values.

Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
2. Ball joint thread protector, 14 mm 071AF-S3VA000
3. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__safety-stands) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
4. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, and remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, insert the new lock pin as shown after tightening the nut.
5. Disconnect the lower arm from the knuckle using the special tools (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
6. Remove the flange bolts (A), and remove the lower arm (B).
7. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the lower arm to the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the arm, decrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, and the arm connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut. 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 it to the specified torque values. Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. 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. Reinstall the lock pin on the castle nut after torquing. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

Scheme 28

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
2. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

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. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__safety-stands) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, and remove the nut (B).
4. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering arm on the damper using the special tools (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
5. Remove the bolts, and remove the wheel sensor harness bracket (A) and brake hose bracket (B) from the damper. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
6. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) while holding the nuts (B).
7. Remove the flange nuts (A) from the top of the damper.
8. Lower the lower arm, then remove the damper assembly (B).

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1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft (B) with a hex wrench (C). 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 upper spring seat 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.

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1. Install all the parts except the self-locking nut onto the damper unit 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 outside when it is installed in the body.
2. Install the damper assembly on commercially available strut spring compressor (D).
3. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor.
4. Install a new self-locking nut (A) on the damper shaft.
5. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (B), and tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque values.

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1. Lower the lower arm, and position the damper assembly in the body. Turn the damper mounting base so that the ""UTRI"L" or ""UTRI"R" mark (A) faces toward the outside of the vehicle.
2. Loosely install the flange nuts (B) onto the top of the damper.
3. Position the damper bottom on the knuckle, and install the new damper pinch bolts (A) and nuts (B), and lightly tighten the nuts.
4. Place the floor jack under the lower arm ball joint, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight. NOTE: Do not place the jack against the flat section of the lower arm. Lifting the arm in this area might bend it.
5. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque value.
6. Tighten the damper pinch nuts to the specified torque value.
7. Connect the tie-rod end to the steering arm, and tighten the nut (A) to the specified torque value. Install the cotter pin (B) after tightening, and bend its end as shown.
8. Install the brake hose bracket and the flange bolt onto the damper, and tighten the bolt to the specified torque value.
9. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheels.
10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

See also:
• SAFETY STANDS
• BALL JOINT REMOVAL
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION