Table of contents: Removal 🠇 Installation 🠇
Removal
1. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery (see "Disconnecting the battery").
2. Place wheel chocks under the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and place secure supports underneath it (see "Lifting and installing the car on supports"). Remove both rear wheels.
3. Remove the relevant exhaust system components and heat shield as described in the relevant section of Chapter 4.
4. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the equalizer plate on the parking brake lever (see chapter 9).
5. Working from underneath the vehicle, follow the entire length of each parking brake cable and release it from the clamps that secure the cables to the underbody of the vehicle. Mark the cable routing to ensure proper installation.
6. On vehicles equipped with the ABS system, disconnect the electrical connector for the ABS wheel speed sensors, which are located near the front edge of the rear axle assembly. Release the cables from the clamps on the bottom.
7. To minimize brake fluid leakage, first loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap and then tighten it again, placing a piece of plastic underneath to ensure a tight seal.
8. Wipe clean the area around the brake line connector block or rear brake pressure regulator and remove the union nuts from the two inlet brake lines (figure 15.8). Carefully disconnect the brake lines from the junction block or pressure regulator and plug the ends of the lines and open ports. Release the brake line going to the left rear brake from the clamps on the underbody.
Figure 15.8. Loosen the union nuts on the two brake inlet pipes on the junction block
9. Make a final check to ensure all necessary components are disconnected and positioned out of the way of removal, then position the trolley jack under the center of the rear axle assembly. Raise the jack enough to support the weight of the bridge.
10. Using a long Torx bit, remove the bolts securing both rear axle supports; access to each of them is possible through an opening in the bridge side member, located directly in front of the upper shock absorber support.
11. Remove the two bolts securing each front support assembly to the underbody.
12. Lower the jack and move the axle assembly out of its standard position. Remove the bridge from under the car.
13. Inspect the rear axle mounts for signs of damage or deterioration of the rubber section and replace them if necessary. Please note that all four supports must be replaced as a set; do not replace supports one by one.
Installation
14. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following points:
- a) Be careful not to damage the brake lines when installing the axle under the body.
- b) Raise the rear axle to its normal position and tighten the support mounting bolts to the specified torque.
- c) Properly route brake lines, parking brake cables and electrical wiring (whichever is applicable) and secure with all necessary clamps.
- d) Tighten the brake line union nuts.
- d) Connect and adjust the parking brake cables as described in chapter 9.
- e) Remove air from the brake hydraulic system as described in chapter 9.