SECTION 204-02: Rear Suspension
2014 Flex Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013

Spring


Item Part Number Description
1 W520213 Stabilizer bar link upper nut (2 required)
2 5599 Spring upper seat
3 5560 Spring
4 W715127 Lower arm-to-subframe bolt
5 5599 Spring lower seat
6 W715127 Lower arm-to-knuckle bolt
7 W713940 Lower arm-to-knuckle nut

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

  1. Measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
  1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

  1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link studs from turning while removing the nuts.

    Remove and discard the 2 stabilizer bar link upper nuts.
  1. Using a suitable jackstand, support the lower arm.
  1. Loosen the lower arm-to-subframe bolt.
  1. Remove and discard the lower arm-to wheel knuckle bolt.
  1. Lower the jackstand and remove the spring.

  1. NOTE: Make sure the lower spring seat is properly positioned in the lower arm.

    Inspect the upper and lower spring seats for damage and, if necessary, install new spring seats.

Installation

NOTE: Before tightening the lower arm bolts, use a jackstand to raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the Removal procedure (curb height).

  1. Install the spring and position the jackstand under the lower arm.
  1. Raise the jackstand and loosely install a new lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.

  1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link studs from turning while installing the nuts.

    Position the stabilizer bar and links and install 2 new stabilizer bar link upper nuts.
  1. Using the jackstand, raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the Removal procedure (curb height).
  1. Tighten the lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt to 265 Nm (196 lb-ft).
  1. Tighten the lower arm-to-subframe bolt to 215 Nm (159 lb-ft).
  1. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .