It is more convenient to remove the rear suspension beam on a lift. If it is not possible to install the car on a lift, lift the rear of the car by installing a jack under the beam. Then install supports under the jack mounting sockets on the car body.
Helpful Hint: When removing the rear suspension beam, you must have assistants who will hold and lower the rear suspension beam.
Warning: Loosen and tighten wheel nuts only with the vehicle on the ground.
1. Remove the rear wheels.
Note: The following describes the operations for removing parts from the right side of the suspension; parts from the left side of the suspension are removed in a similar manner.
2. Remove the two bolts securing the brake shoe guide to the bracket.
3. Remove the caliper assembly without disconnecting the brake hose.
4. ...and secure it with wire, preventing the hose from twisting or being pulled.
5. Remove the rear wheel brake disc (see "Replacing the brake disc of the rear wheel brake mechanism").
6. Remove the rear wheel hub (see "Replacing the rear wheel hub").
7. Remove the parking brake cable from the bracket mount on the rear suspension beam.
8. Place supports under the arms and lower the vehicle, slightly loading the springs.
9. Unscrew the lower shock absorber mounting bolt, remove the bolt and disconnect the shock absorber from the lever.
Warning: Do not move the shock absorber further than necessary to avoid damaging the piston rod.
10. Raise the vehicle, unload the springs and remove them.
Note: If you have a spring compressor...
...install a support under the rear suspension beam...
...load the spring by installing a spring compressor and compressing it.
11. Loosen the nut of the bolt securing the rear suspension beam to the body bracket, holding the bolt from turning.
12. Remove the bolts and remove the rear suspension beam (Fig. 7.6).
13. Install the rear suspension beam and all removed parts in the reverse order of removal. Finally tighten the beam mounting bolt nuts with the vehicle on the ground.
14. After installing the beam, bleed the brake system (see "Bleeding the brake system hydraulic line").
Fig. 7.6. Rear suspension beam: 1, 6 - hub mounting locations; 2, 5 - suspension arms; 3, 4 - locations for installing lower spring gaskets; 7, 8 - silent blocks of the rear suspension beam