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Suspension
The following suspension system components should be
inspected periodically to ensure proper operation.
A. Shock absorber rods bent, pitted, or damaged.
B. Rubber damper cracked, broken, or missing.
C. Shock absorber body damaged, punctured, or
leaking.
D. Shock absorber eyelets broken, bent, or cracked.
E. Shock absorber eyelet bushings worn, deterio-
rated, cracked, or missing.
F. Shock absorber spring broken or sagging.
G. Sway bar mountings tight and bushings secure.
Shock Absorbers
REMOVING
1. Secure the vehicle on a support stand to elevate the
wheels and to release load on the suspension.
2. Remove the two cap screws and nuts securing each
front shock absorber to the frame and upper A-arm.
Account for bushings and sleeves from each.
AF605D
3. Remove the two cap screws and nut securing each rear
shock absorber to the frame and lower A-arm.
Account for bushings and sleeves from each.
AF626D
4. Using a suitable spring compression stand, compress
the shock absorber spring, remove the retainer, and
remove the spring.
AF730D
CLEANING AND INSPECTING
1. Clean all shock absorber components in parts-clean-
ing solvent.
2. Inspect each shock rod for nicks, pits, rust, bends,
and oily residue.
3. Inspect all springs, spring retainers, shock rods,
sleeves, bushings, shock bodies, and eyelets for
cracks, leaks, and bends.
INSTALLING
1. Place the shock absorber spring over the shock absorber,
compress the spring, and install the retainer.
2. Place bushings and sleeves (where appropriate) into shock
eyelet; then install shocks with two cap screws and nuts.
3. On the XT/XTX, tighten the front shock absorber cap
screws to 35 ft-lb and the rear shock absorber cap screws
to 35 ft-lb (upper) or 20 ft-lb (lower). On the XTZ, tighten
the front and rear shock absorber cap screws to 35 ft-lb.
4. Remove the vehicle from the support stand.
! WARNING
Make sure the vehicle is solidly supported on the sup-
port stand to avoid injury.
CAUTION
Additional support stands are necessary to support the
rear axle when the shock absorbers are removed or
damage may occur.
! WARNING
Shock absorber springs are under high compression
loads. Do not attempt to remove springs without an ade-
quate spring compressor. Sever injury could result.