Front Suspension: Removal & Installation Kia Spectra I

Removal

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Loosen lock nut and 2 brake rotor screws. Remove brake caliper assembly and rotor. Using Puller (OK130-283-021), loosen and disconnect tie rod end.
2. Disconnect stabilizer bar from control link on lower control arm. Disconnect lower control arm ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove steering knuckle and hub. (Scheme 1)

Scheme 1

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW axle shaft lock nut. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Apply brakes and tighten axle shaft lock nut to specification. Stake lock nut.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove stabilizer control link nut from lower control arm bracket. (Scheme 2)
2. Remove pivot bolt. Remove lower control arm ball joint bolt and nut from steering knuckle. Remove 3 mounting bolts. Remove retaining nut, washer and control arm bushing-rear. (Scheme 2)
3. Remove 2 ball joint mounting nuts and bolts from lower control arm. Secure ball joint in vise. Using a chisel, remove dust boot from ball joint. Remove front control arm bushing. Remove lower control arm.

To install, reverse removal procedure. If replacing ball joint, apply general-purpose grease to NEW dust boot. Using Installer (OK590-321-012) and a press, install dust boot. Tighten lower control arm-to-frame bolts to specification with vehicle resting on ground and suspension unloaded (no cargo or passengers in vehicle). See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Scheme 2

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove lower strut assembly-to knuckle bolts. Remove nuts attaching upper strut assembly to body panel. Remove strut assembly.

To install, reverse removal procedure. For checks and adjustments, see SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

Removal & Installation

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove plastic undercover. Remove stabilizer bar from control link. (Scheme 3) Remove control link from control-link bracket on lower control arm.
2. Remove steering gear mounting bracket nuts, and temporarily move steering gear forward. Support engine and remove 6 crossmember bolts. Slowly lower crossmember and remove stabilizer bar.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure frame bushing is aligned with White line on stabilizer bar. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-4728-S12030749392000072000000).

Scheme 3

For wheel bearing removal and installation procedures, see HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY .