UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS

Removal of the upper suspension arm is only normally required to allow replacement of the suspension spring unit. It is unusual that removal be occasioned by the need to renew the arm pivot bearings, which are of the needle roller type. On models with Hydrolastic suspension, the Hydrolastic system on the appropriate side of the car must be depressurised once the arm has been refitted. Full details of these operations are included in the REAR SUSPENSION section. On models with 'dry' suspension, a special compressor tool will be required to compress the rubber cone spring unit before the arm can be removed. This tool is shown in , and is generally available for hire from most good accessory and tool hire shops. Removal Jack up the front of the car and support on stands, then remove the road wheel. On models with Hydrolastic suspension, depressurise the Hydrolastic system. On models with 'dry' suspension, compress the rubber cone spring unit. The access hole in the engine bulkhead crossmember is covered by a cover plate which must first be moved aside by slackening one of the securing bolts and removing the other one. These bolts also secure the sub-frame tower to the crossmember. Refit the bolt and tighten both after moving the plate to one side. Insert the threaded (14 mm) spindle of the compressor tool through the access hole and locate the body of the tool over the two sub-frame bolts . Screw the spindle nine complete turns into the spring unit. Using the ratchet handle of the tool, tighten the centre nut until it makes contact with the body of the tool. Hold the centre screw to prevent further rotation and then turn the ratchet handle clockwise to compress the spring sufficiently to allow the spring strut to be extracted from between the upper suspension arm and the spring unit . Do not over-compress the spring. Disconnect the hydraulic shock absorber from the upper suspension arm, where applicable. Compress the shock absorber to clear it from the arm. Remove the ball pin retaining nut and disconnect the swivel hub ball joint from the upper suspension arm, using a suitable joint separator tool. Support the swivel hub to prevent straining the brake hose. Lever the spring strut ball end from its seat in the upper suspension arm and extract the strut assembly. It may be necessary to remove the rebound rubber located under the suspension arm to enable the arm to drop sufficiently for the strut to be withdrawn. Remove the nut and spring washer from the rear end of the arm pivot shaft. Remove the two screws securing the thrust collar retaining plate to the sub-frame at the front end of the shaft. Lever the pivot shaft forward, twist the suspension arm outwards and pull it from the pivot shaft. Remove the rear thrust washer and seals from the suspension arm. Remove the arm assembly from the front of the sub-frame. Remove the front thrust collar from the pivot shaft. Installation Installation is basically a reversal of the removal procedure, but special attention should be paid to the following points: a) When fitting the shaft thrust washers, they must be located with their lubrication grooves towards the suspension arm. b) Grease the arm pivot shaft before installing it. c) Apply suitable grease, such as Dextragrease Super G.P., to the strut cup in the suspension arm. d) Once the spring strut has been installed, ensure that the dust cover at the ball end locates correctly around the nylon cup. e) Tighten the upper arm pivot shaft nuts to 53 lb ft (7.3 kg m), and the swivel hub ball pin nut to 38 lb ft (5.3 kg m). f) After releasing the compression on the rubber cone spring, check that the strut is correctly located at the suspension arm and spring unit. g) On Hydrolastic models, repressurise the Hydrolastic system as detailed in the REAR SUSPENSION section.