Front Suspension Acura TSX I

Scheme 1

Special Tools Required

1. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
2. Hub disassembly tool, 42 mm 07GAF-SD40100
3. Attachment, 72 x 75 mm 07746-0010600
4. Driver 07749-0010000
5. Attachment, 78 x 90 mm 07GAD-SD40101
6. Support base 07965-SD90100
7. Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100

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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/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the wheel nuts and front wheel.
3. Remove the brake hose mounting bracket (A).
4. Remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts (B), then 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 excessively.
5. Remove the wheel sensor (A) 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 (see «FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#conventional-brake-components__front-brake-disc-replacement) ).
8. Check the front hub for damage and cracks.
9. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, and loosen the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new cotter pin after tightening the nut, and bend its end as shown.
10. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
11. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: To avoid damaging the ball joint, install the ball joint thread protector 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. During installation, 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.
12. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the lower arm using the ball joint thread protector, and the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
13. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the upper arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, 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 upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
15. Remove the driveshaft outboard joint (A) from the knuckle (B) by tapping the driveshaft end (C) with a soft face hammer while drawing the hub outward, then remove the knuckle. NOTE: Do not pull the driveshaft end outward. The driveshaft inboard joint may come apart. During installation, apply grease to the mating surfaces of the wheel bearing and driveshaft outboard joint (see step 1 of «DRIVESHAFT INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle__driveshaft-installation) ).
16. Install the knuckle/hub in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all of 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 connecting the knuckle. Before connecting the lower arm ball joint to the lower arm, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, and the ball joint connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surfaces 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. 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 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. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

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1. Separate the hub (A) from the knuckle (B) using the hub dis/assembly 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 (D). 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 hub dis/assembly 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 attachment, the driver, 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 attachment, the support base, 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 any 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 a wheel bearing (A) onto the hub (B) using the attachment, the driver, the support base, and a hydraulic press.

Upper Arm Replacement

Special Tools Required

Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

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1. Remove the front damper/spring (see «DAMPER/SPRING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
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 remove castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, 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.
4. Disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
5. Remove the upper arm mounting bolts (A), and 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. NOTE: Use the new mounting bolts.
7. Tighten the upper arm mounting bolts to the specified torque value.
8. Remove the rod.
9. Install the upper arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all of 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 connecting 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 surfaces on the brake disc and the inside of the wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

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

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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/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the damper pinch bolt (A) and the damper fork mounting bolt (B), then remove the damper fork (C) from the damper (D) and lower arm (E). NOTE: During installation, insert the damper fork into the damper lower end so the aligning tab (F) is aligned with the slot (G) in the damper fork. Use a new damper fork mounting bolt and new mounting nut (H) on reassembly.
4. 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). NOTE: Use a new flange nut on reassembly.
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: To avoid damaging the ball joint, install the ball joint thread protector 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. 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.
6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the lower arm using the ball joint thread protector, and the ball joint remover (see «BALL JOINT REMOVAL»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__ball-joint-removal) ).
7. Remove the mounting bolts, and remove the lower arm (A). NOTE: Use new mounting bolts on reassembly.
8. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: First install all of 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. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle. Before connecting the lower arm ball joint to the lower arm, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, and the ball joint connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surfaces 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 and the inside of the wheel. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/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/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the self-locking nut (A) and flange nut (B) while holding the respective joint pin (C) with a hex wrench (D), and 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 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 a new flange nut, and lightly tighten them.
6. Place a 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 lower arm ball joint pin of the knuckle.
7. Tighten the self-locking nut (A) and the flange nut (B) to the specified torque values while holding the respective joint pin (C) with a hex wrench (D).
8. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel, 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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Scheme 31

1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar on the right and left (see «STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
4. Remove the front suspension subframe (A) from the body (see «SUBFRAME REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame) ).
5. Remove the flange bolts (B) and the 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. Align the ends of the paint marks (A) on the stabilizer bar with each end of the bushings (B). Note the direction of the bushings. Refer to stabilizer link replacement to connect the stabilizer bar to the links (see «STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ). 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/tsx/i-2003-2008/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/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/paintcoatings/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C).
4. Remove the two 8 mm flange nuts (A) and three 10 mm flange nuts (B) from the top of the damper, and remove the damper assembly (C).

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1. Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside, then loosely install the 8 mm flange nuts and new 10 mm 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 new damper fork mounting bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, and lightly tighten the new damper fork mounting nut (F).
5. Place a 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 value.
7. Tighten the damper pinch bolt to the specified torque value.
8. Tighten the damper fork mounting bolt to the specified torque value.
9. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-suspension-and-rear-suspension-alignment__wheel-alignment) ).

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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.

Scheme 37

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 self-locking nut.
2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the Exploded View.

Scheme 38

1. Reassemble all the parts, except for the damper spring mounting cushion and the damper spring.
2. 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.
3. Cheek for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Reassembly

Note. Refer to the EXPLODED VIEW as needed.

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1. Assemble the damper disassembled parts except for the washer and self-locking nut.
2. Install the damper assembly on the commercially available strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring lightly.
3. Align the bottom of the damper 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. 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).
7. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the 10 mm self-locking nut to the specified torque value.
8. Remove the damper assembly from the strut spring compressor.

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