Front Suspension - Evolution: Overhaul Mitsubishi Lancer IX

Lower Arm Assembly

Use of forged aluminum reduces load on the coil springs and produces nimble suspension action. In addition, outer castings and stoppers on the front bushings (A-point) and pillow ball bushings in the rear (G-point) improves the feeling of stiffness and stroke. Increased size of the ball on the ball joints at the knuckle connection (B-point) also improves reliability.

Disassembly & Reassembly

1. If the front wheel hub is seized, remove the knuckle together with the front wheel hub and fix them in a vise.
2. Using Axle Shaft Puller (MB990242) or Puller Bar (MB990244), Puller Body (MB991354) and Slide Hammer (MB990211), pull out the front wheel hub from the knuckle. (Scheme 53)and (Scheme 54).

Scheme 53

Scheme 54

Disassembly

Note. Numbers in parenthesis refer to numbers in illustration.

1. Remove strut cover (1). (Scheme 55)
2. Using Spring Compressor (MB991237) and Arm Set (MB991238), compress the coil spring. (Scheme 56) Using Wrench (MB991681) and Socket (MB991682), secure the strut and then remove the strut nut. (Scheme 57)
3. Remove strut insulator. (Scheme 55)
4. Remove bearing.
5. Remove upper spring seat.
6. Remove strut damper.
7. Remove strut cover (6).
8. Remove coil spring.
9. Remove lower spring pad.
10. The gas must be discharged from the strut assembly before discarding it. Place the assembly horizontally with its piston rod extended. Then drill a hole of approximately 0.1" (3.0 mm) in diameter at location shown in illustration and discharge the gas. (Scheme 58)

Scheme 55

Scheme 56

Scheme 57

Scheme 58

Reassembly

Note. Numbers in parenthesis refer to numbers in illustration.

1. Install lower spring pad. (Scheme 55)
2. Install coil spring.
3. Install strut cover (6).
4. Install strut damper.
5. Install upper spring seat.
6. Install bearing.
7. Install strut insulator.
8. Ensure that the bearing is seated correctly. Install Spring Compressor (MB991237) to the strut assembly. While the coil spring is being compressed, temporarily tighten the strut nut.
9. Align the hole in the strut assembly lower spring seat with the hole in the upper spring seat. (Scheme 59)
10. Using Wrench (MB991681) and Socket (MB991682), tighten the strut nut to specification. (Scheme 57) See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-170069-S16787094772004122900000).
11. After tightening the strut nut, use multi-purpose grease and grease the bearing part of the strut insulator as shown in illustration. (Scheme 60)
12. Install strut cover. (Scheme 55)

Scheme 59

Scheme 60