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Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Suspension Front All sections

Front Suspension Acura ZDX I

Suspension Front 58 illustrations ~3289 words

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Exploded View
Scheme 1: Exploded View

Special Tools Required

  1. Ball Joint Thread Protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
  2. Ball Joint Remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
  3. Ball Joint Thread Protector, 14 mm 071AF-SZNA100
  4. Ball Joint Remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

Note. Refer to the Exploded View as needed during the following procedure.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Hub Bearing Unit Replacement
Scheme 2: Hub Bearing Unit Replacement

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Scheme 5
  1. Raise and support the vehicle (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
  2. Remove the wheel nuts (A) and the front wheel.
  3. Remove the brake hose mounting bolt (A) from the damper.
  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. Pry up the stake (A) on the spindle nut (B), then remove the nut.
  6. Remove the front brake disc (see «RUNOUT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#conventional-brake-system) ).
  7. Remove the flange bolts (A), and remove the hub bearing unit (B) by tapping the driveshaft end (C) with a soft face hammer while drawing the hub bearing unit outward, then remove the splash guard (D). 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 hub bearing unit and driveshaft outboard joint (see step 1 under «FRONT DRIVESHAFT INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/axle-shafts/#drivelineaxle__front-driveshaft-installation) ).
  8. Check the hub bearing unit for damage and cracks.
  9. Install the hub bearing unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Use the new spindle nut during 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 between the hub bearing unit and the inside of the brake disc. Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
  10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ).

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Scheme 6: Knuckle Replacement
Scheme 6: Knuckle Replacement

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Scheme 9
  1. Remove the hub bearing unit.
  2. Remove the wheel speed sensor (A) from the knuckle (B). Do not disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
  3. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, then remove the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new cotter pin after tightening the new nut, and bend its end as shown in the illustration.
  4. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint thread protector and the ball joint remover (see «REAR»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection) ).
  5. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the lock pin as shown after tightening the new castle nut.
  6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint thread protector and the ball joint remover (see «REAR»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection) ). NOTE: 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.
  7. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and flange nuts (B) from the damper, then remove the knuckle (C). NOTE: During installation, install new damper pinch bolts and new flange nuts.
  8. Install the knuckle in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the knuckle, degrease the threaded section and the tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the ball joint connecting hole, the threaded section and the 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.
  9. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ).

Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required

  1. Ball Joint Thread Protector, 14 mm 071AF-SZNA100
  2. Ball Joint Remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Removal/Installation
Scheme 10: Removal/Installation

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Scheme 13
  1. Raise and support the vehicle (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
  2. Remove the front wheel.
  3. With active damper system: Remove the suspension stroke sensor (A) from the lower arm (B), and detach the harness clip (C). NOTE: Use the new nut during reassembly.
  4. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the lock pin as shown after tightening the new castle nut.
  5. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint thread protector and the ball joint remover (see «REAR»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection) ). NOTE: 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.
  6. Remove the mounting bolt (A) of the rear side on the stabilizer bar bushing holder. NOTE: During installation, install the mounting bolt after tightening the lower arm mounting 14 mm bolts to the specified torque.
  7. Remove the lower arm mounting 14 mm and 16 mm bolts, then remove the lower arm (B). NOTE: Use the new mounting bolts during reassembly.
  8. Remove the lower arm stops (A). NOTE: During installation, align the slot (B) on the lower arm stop with the lug portion (C) on the front side of lower arm bushing.
  9. 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 the nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque. Do not place the jack against the ball joint of the lower arm. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle. Before connecting the ball joint to the knuckle, degrease the threaded section and the tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the ball joint connecting hole, the threaded section and the 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 between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
  10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ).

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: Bushing Replacement
Scheme 14: Bushing Replacement

Scheme 15

Scheme 15
Scheme 15
  1. Remove the self-locking nut (A), then remove the rear side lower arm bushing with bracket (B).
  2. Align the angle of the lower arm center line (A) and the under edge line (B) of the bushing bracket as shown in the illustration.
  3. Install a new self-locking nut (C), then tighten the nut to the specified torque.

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: Stabilizer Link Removal/installation
Scheme 16: Stabilizer Link Removal/installation
  1. Raise and support the vehicle (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
  2. Remove the front wheel.
  3. Remove the flange nuts (A) while holding the respective joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), then remove the stabilizer link (D).
  4. Install the stabilizer link on the stabilizer bar (E) and the damper (F) with the joint pins set at the center of their range of movement. NOTE: The stabilizer link has a white paint mark (G).
  5. Install the new flange nuts, and tighten them to the specified torque while holding the respective joint pin with a hex wrench.
  6. Clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.

Stabilizer Bar Replacement

Special Tools Required

  1. Hood Prop Bar 07AAZ-SZNA100
  2. Ball Joint Thread Protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
  3. Ball Joint Remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
  4. Engine Hanger Adapter Set VSB02C000031 *
  5. Subframe Adapter VSB02C000016*

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857

Note. When you replace the stabilizer bar, lower the front subframe from the body, and replace the stabilizer bar through the gap created by lowering the front subframe.

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Scheme 35
  1. Remove the passenger's side front fender trim (see «FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-fender-trim-replacement) ).
  2. Pry the hood support strut clip, and release the hood support strut (see step 1 under «HOOD SUPPORT STRUT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#hood) ),), then move the hood to a vertical position and install the hood prop bar as shown in the illustration.
  3. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).
  4. Remove the engine cover (see step 7 under «ENGINE REMOVAL»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/mechanical/#engine-assembly__engine-removal) ).
  5. Remove the bulkhead cover (see «FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-bulkhead-cover-replacement) ).
  6. Raise and support the vehicle (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
  7. Remove the front wheels.
  8. Pull back the carpet (A), then remove the steering joint cover (B).
  9. Loosen the steering joint upper bolt (A) and the steering joint lower bolt (B).
  10. Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a commercially available steering wheel holder tool (A).
  11. Remove the steering joint lower bolt (A). Disconnect the steering joint (B) by sliding the steering joint into the column shaft (C). Tighten the steering joint upper bolt (D) to hold the steering joint in place. NOTE: If the center guide (E) is in place and has not moved, leave it in place. If the center guide has moved or been removed, discard it.
  12. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, then remove the nut (B). NOTE: During installation, install the new cotter pin after tightening the new nut, and bend its end as shown in the illustration.
  13. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint thread protector and the ball joint remover (see «REAR»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection) ).
  14. Disconnect both sides of the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ).
  15. Remove the power steering pump outlet hose mounting bolt (A).
  16. Remove the connector bracket (A) from the front cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine hanger balance bar front arm.
  17. Remove the engine mount control solenoid valve bracket (A) from the rear cylinder head; use the bracket bolt hole to attach the engine hanger balance bar rear arm.
  18. Remove the service caps (A) for the front damper flange nuts from the cowl cover (B). Position the engine hanger adapter set (VSB02C000031) with the "FRONT" mark facing forward over the damper flange nuts.
  19. Support the engine with the engine support hanger, and the engine hanger balance bar (see step 35 under «TRANSMISSION REMOVAL»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission__transmission-removal) ).
  20. Disconnect the front engine mount control solenoid valve tube (A), and remove the front engine mount stop (B), then remove the front engine mount bolt (C). NOTE: Use new nuts (D) and a front engine mount bolt during reassembly.
  21. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
  22. Remove the engine undercover (see «ENGINE UNDERCOVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__engine-undercover-replacement) ).
  23. Remove the front splash shield (see «FRONT SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__front-splash-shield-replacement) ).
  24. Remove the front subframe stiffener plate (A). NOTE: Use new flange bolts during reassembly.
  25. Remove exhaust pipe A (see «EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/mechanical/#intake-manifold-and-exhaust-system__exhaust-pipe-and-muffler-replacement) ).
  26. Remove the power steering line bracket (A), then remove the rear engine mount base mounting bolts (B). NOTE: Use new mounting bolts for the bolt of the front side during reassembly.
  27. Remove the ground cable bolt (A), and remove the lower transmission mount mounting bolts (B).
  28. Attach the subframe adapter (VSB02C000016) to a transmission jack, then raise up the jack to the subframe (A). Loop the belt (B) over the front of the subframe, then secure the belt by inserting the stop (C) and then tightening the wing nut (D).
  29. Raise the jack and line up the slots in the subframe adapter arms with the bolt holes on the jack base, then securely attach them with four bolts.
  30. Remove the stiffener mounting bolts (A) on both sides of the front stiffener (B).
  31. Loosen the subframe mounting bolts (C) to obtain a 10 mm (0.39 in) distance between the bolt seat and the mounting surface. Do not loosen the mounting bolts more than necessary.
  32. Remove the stiffener mounting bolts (A) on both sides of the rear stiffener (B).
  33. Loosen the subframe mounting bolts (C) to obtain a 30 mm (1.18 in) distance between the bolt seat and the mounting surface. Do not loosen the mounting bolts more than necessary.
  34. Lower the transmission jack slowly with the subframe adapter until the front subframe has dropped about 30 mm (1.18 in). NOTE: Do not lower the front subframe beyond the loosened subframe mounting bolts clearance.
  35. Remove the flange bolts (A) and the bushing holders (B), then remove the bushings (C). NOTE: During installation, align the paint marks (D) on the stabilizer bar (E) with the side of the bushings.
  36. Move the stabilizer bar toward the passenger's side, and remove the stabilizer bar.
  37. Install the stabilizer bar. NOTE: Note the direction of installation for the bushings.
  38. Raise the front subframe up to the body, loosely install the new subframe mounting bolts (A) and the front stiffener mounting bolts (B), and the new rear stiffener mounting bolts (C).
  39. Align the front subframe with the subframe alignment pin (see «FRONT SUBFRAME ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#frame) ).
  40. Install all of the removed parts in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Refer to stabilizer link removal/installation to connect the stabilizer bar to the links (see «STABILIZER LINK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) ). If the center guide is in place, use it to determine the steering joint installation angle. If the center guide is gone, check the steering joint installation angle (see step 3 under «INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ). Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
  41. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).
  42. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ).

Damper/Spring Removal and Installation

Note. Except where called out, the illustrations show without active damper system.

Scheme 36

Scheme 36: Removal
Scheme 36: Removal

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Scheme 40
  1. Raise and support the vehicle (see «LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#general-information__lift-and-support-points) ).
  2. Remove the front wheel.
  3. With active damper system: Disconnect the damper coil 2P connector (A), and remove the flange bolt (B), and detach the harness clip (C). NOTE: Be careful not to damage or contaminate the connector.
  4. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness (A) and the brake hose (B) from the damper (C). Do not disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
  5. Remove the flange nut (A), while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the damper.
  6. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and flange nuts (B) from the damper. NOTE: Do not allow the knuckle to rotate too far outward. This may allow the driveshaft inboard joint to come apart.
  7. Remove the service caps (A)
  8. Remove the flange nuts (B) from the top of the damper.
  9. Remove the damper/spring (C). NOTE: The left and right damper springs are different. Mark the springs L and R before you continue. Be careful not to damage the body.

Scheme 41

Scheme 41: Installation
Scheme 41: Installation

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Scheme 46
  1. Install the damper/spring (A) on to the frame. Note the direction of the damper mounting base (B) as shown in the illustration. NOTE: Be careful not to damage the body.
  2. Loosely install the new flange nuts (C) to the top of the damper. NOTE: Install the service caps (D) after tightening the flange nuts to the specified torque.
  3. Loosely install new damper pinch bolts (A) and new flange nuts (B) to the damper (C).
  4. Connect the stabilizer link (A) to the damper (B), and loosely install a new flange nut (C).
  5. Tighten the flange nut to the specified torque, while holding the joint pin (D) with the hex wrench (E)
  6. Tighten the flange nuts on top of the damper to the specified torque.
  7. Tighten the damper pinch bolts while holding the flange nuts to the specified torque.
  8. Install the service caps.
  9. Install the wheel speed sensor harness (A) and the brake hose (B) to the damper (C).
  10. With active damper system: Connect the damper 2P coil connector (A), and install the flange bolt (B), and attach the harness clip (C). NOTE: Be careful not to damage or contaminate the connecter.
  11. Clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
  12. With active damper system: Start the engine, then make sure there are no active damper system DTCs with the HDS (see «HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT DTCS»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#active-damper-system__how-to-troubleshoot-dtcs) ).
  13. With active damper system: Do the DAMPER FORCE OPERATION TEST in the FUNCTIONAL TESTS MENU with the HDS, then make sure all four damper units function normally.
  14. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ).

Scheme 47

Scheme 47: Exploded View-Without active damper system
Scheme 47: Exploded View-Without active damper system

Scheme 48

Scheme 48: Exploded View-With active damper system
Scheme 48: Exploded View-With active damper system

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. Except where called out, the illustrations are shown without active damper system. Refer to the Exploded View as needed during the following procedure.

Scheme 49

Scheme 49: Disassembly
Scheme 49: Disassembly
  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 damper 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.

Scheme 50

Scheme 50: Inspection
Scheme 50: Inspection
  1. Reassemble the damper mounting base, the damper mounting washer, and the self-locking nut.
  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. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.

Scheme 51

Scheme 51: Reassembly
Scheme 51: Reassembly

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  1. Install the damper spring (A) on the upper spring mounting cushion (B), then align the upper end (C) of the damper spring with the cushion stop (D) or the cushion end (E). Without active damper system With active damper system C
  2. With active damper system: Install the dust cover sleeve to the damper unit.
  3. Install the tab (A) on the lower spring seat (B) in the locating hole (C) on the damper unit (D). Without active damper system With active damper system
  4. Align the lower end (E) of the damper spring with the stepped part (F) of the lower spring seat.
  5. Install all the parts except the damper mounting washer and the self-locking nut onto the damper unit (A) by referring to the «EXPLODED VIEW»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .
  6. Compress the damper spring using a strut spring compressor. Do not compress the spring excessively.
  7. Align the angle of the stud (A) on the damper mounting base (B) and the damper bracket (C) as shown in the illustration. Without active damper system With active damper system
  8. Install the damper mounting washer (A) and a new self-locking nut (B).
  9. Hold the damper shaft (C) using a hex wrench (D), and tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque.