Front Suspension Acura TL III

Scheme 1

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint thread protector 07AAF-SEPA200
2. Ball joint remover 07AAF-SEPA100
3. Hub dis/assembly tool, 42 mm 07GAF-SD40100
4. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
5. Attachment, 72 x 75 mm 07746-0010600
6. Attachment, 96 mm 07948-SB00101
7. Driver 07749-0010000
8. 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»(ref-219517-S06925466662006021400000) ).
2. Remove the wheel nuts and front wheel, taking care not to scratch the caliper on M/T models.
3. Remove the brake hose mounting bracket (A). A/T model: M/T model
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 washers (D) (M/T model only).
6. Remove the wheel sensor (A) from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
7. Raise the stake (A), then remove the spindle nut (B).
8. Remove the 6 mm brake disc retaining screws (A).
9. Screw two 8 x 1.25 mm bolts (B) into the disc to push it away from the hub. Turn each bolt two turns at a time to prevent cocking the disc excessively.
10. Remove the brake disc (C) from the hub.
11. 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.
12. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle using the special tool (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
13. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, and remove the nut (B). NOTE: To avoid damaging the ball joint, install the special tool 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 the knuckle. You could damage the ball joint. Insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
14. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the lower arm using the special tools (see «07AAF-SEPA100»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension) ). NOTE: If the collar/sleeve on the lower arm is removed with ball joint, the lower arm must be replaced (see «LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-removalinstallation) ).
15. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, then loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
16. Disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the special tool (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
17. Remove the driveshaft outboard joint (A) from the knuckle (B) by tapping the driveshaft end (C) with a plastic hammer while drawing the hub outward, then remove the knuckle. NOTE: Do not pull the driveshaft end outward. The inner driveshaft joint may come apart.
18. Install the knuckle/hub in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. Before connecting the lower ball joint to the lower arm, decrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the lower arm connecting hole, 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. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of 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. Install a new cotter pin on the castle nut after torquing. 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 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. Take care not to scratch the front calipers on M/T models when installing the front wheels. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

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1. Separate the hub (A) from the knuckle (B) using the special tool and a hydraulic press. Hold the knuckle with the attachment (C) of the hydraulic press or equivalent tool. Be careful not to deform the splash guard. Hold onto the hub to keep it from falling when pressed clear.
2. Press the wheel bearing inner race (A) off of the hub (B) using the special tool, a commercially available bearing separator (C), and a press.
3. Remove the snap ring (A) and the splash guard (B) from the knuckle (C).
4. Check the front knuckle ring (A) for damage or deformation, and replace it if necessary.
5. Press the wheel bearing (A) out of the knuckle (B) using the special tools and a press.
6. Wash the knuckle and hub thoroughly in high flash point solvent before reassembly.
7. Press a new wheel bearing (A) into the knuckle (B) using the old bearing (C), a steel plate (D), the special tools, and a press. NOTE: Install the wheel bearing with the wheel sensor magnetic encoder (E) (brown color), toward the inside of the knuckle. Remove any oil, grease, dust, metal debris, and other foreign material from the encoder surface. Keep all magnetic tools away from the encoder surface. Be careful not to damage the encoder surface when you insert the wheel bearing.
8. Install the new front knuckle ring (A) on the inside of the knuckle by aligning the cutout portion (B) on the ring with the wheel sensor hole (C) in the knuckle. Be careful not to damage or deform the ring when installing it.
9. Install the snap ring (A) securely in the knuckle (B).
10. Install the splash guard (C), and tighten the screws (D) to the specified torque value.
11. Press the wheel bearing (A) onto the hub (B) using the special tools and a press.

Ball Joint Boot Replacement

Special Tools Required

Ball joint boot clip guide 07GAG-SD40700

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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 special tool with the adjusting bolt (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, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

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1. Remove the front damper (see «REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__removal) ).
2. Remove the wheel sensor bracket (A) from the upper arm (B).
3. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, then loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the front to the rear of vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
4. Disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the special tool (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__ball-joint-removal) ).
5. Remove the upper arm mounting bolts (A), then remove the upper arm (B).
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. Tighten the upper arm mounting bolts to specified torque value.
8. Remove the rod.
9. Install the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. 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. Tighten all mounting hardware to 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. Install a new cotter pin on the castle nut after torquing. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surface on the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint thread protector 07AAF-SEPA200
2. Ball joint remover 07AAF-SEPA100

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(ref-219517-S06925466662006021400000) ).
2. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the calipers on M/T models.
3. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C). NOTE: During installation, insert the damper fork into the damper lower end so the aligning tab (D) is aligned with the slot (E) in the damper fork. Replace the damper fork mounting nut (F) with a new one.
4. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), then disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
5. 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 the special tool 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 front to the rear of vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle using the special tools (see «07AAF-SEPA100»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension) ).
7. Remove the flange bolts, nuts and washers, then remove the lower arm (A).
8. Check the collar sleeve (A) on the lower arm (B). Replace the lower arm if the collar/sleeve is loose or damaged.
9. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle. Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values. Before connecting the lower ball joint to the lower arm, decrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the lower arm connecting hole, 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. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of 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. Install a new cotter 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 if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension__wheel-alignment) ).

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(ref-219517-S06925466662006021400000) ).
2. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the calipers on M/T models.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and flange nut (B) while holding the respective joint pin (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 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.
5. Install a new 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, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight. NOTE: Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle.
7. Tighten the new self-locking nut (A) and flange nut (B) to the specified torque values while holding the respective joint pin (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 value.

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1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(ref-219517-S06925466662006021400000) ).
2. Remove the front wheels, taking care not to scratch the calipers on M/T models.
3. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar on the right and left sides (see «STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
4. Remove the front suspension subframe (A) from the body (see «SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame) ).
5. Remove the flange bolts (B) and bushing holders (C), then remove the bushings (D) and the stabilizer bar (E).
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. Do not set the bushing (A) on the bent or curved part of the stabilizer bar (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 REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).

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Removal

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. Remove the right side engine compartment cover (A), right rear engine compartment cover (B) and left rear engine compartment cover (C).
2. Remove the strut brace (D) with the vehicle on the ground (see «FRAME BRACE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame) ).
3. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «SAFETY STANDS»(ref-219517-S06925466662006021400000) ).
4. Remove the front wheel.
5. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C).
6. Remove the flange nuts (A) from the top of the damper, 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 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. 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.
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.

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1. Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside, then loosely install the flange nuts.
2. Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm. Install the front damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot (C) in the damper fork.
3. Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (D) into the damper fork.
4. Install the flange bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, then lightly tighten the new damper fork mounting nut (F). NOTE: Use a new damper fork mounting nut on reassembly.
5. Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.
6. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque values.
7. Tighten the damper pinch bolts to the specified torque value.
8. Tighten the flange nut on the damper fork to the specified torque value.
9. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
10. Install the strut brace (A) with the vehicle on the ground (see «FRAME BRACE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame) ).
11. Install the engine compartment covers (B).

See also:
• BALL JOINT REMOVAL
• 07AAF-SEPA100
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT
• LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• REMOVAL
• STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT