Reliant Kitten Estate, Workshop Manual

Page: 21 / 138

Page 21
Section C
Contents
Description
Routine maintenance
Operation 1 Leaf spring - removal and replacement
Operation 2 Damper unit - removal and replacement
Description
Rear suspension is provided by damper assisted progressive rate leaf
springs. The rear of the springs are suspended and pivoted on shackles
attached to the chassis frame. Four "U" bolts secure the springs to the
rear axle. The damper units, which have internal bump stops, are
secures to the chassis cross-tube and to brackets on the rear axle.
Routine maintenance
The rubber bushes in the damper units, leaf springs and shackles
should be kept free from oil or grease and replaced when signs of
wear or degrading become apparent.
Periodically check the dampers to ensure full movement is still
attainable. a seized unit will allow only minimal suspension
movement and result in a hard ride.
Operation 1 Leaf spring
To remove ( Figure 1 )
1. Jack up the vehicle under the differential and lower on to
axle stands, securely installed under the chassis frame. Allow the jack
to support the axle.
2. remove the road wheel.
3. Remove the nuts and lock nuts from the "U" bolts clamping
the axle to the leaf spring. remove "U" bolts and clamping plate.
4.
Remove the nut and washer securing the spring to the rear
shackle and withdraw the bolt through the shackle and bush.
5. remove the nut and washer from the forward end of the
leaf spring and withdraw the bolt through the frame.
Re-assemble in reverse order.
Operation 2 Damper unit
To remove
1. Remove nut and washer securing damper unit to chassis
cross tube. Withdraw the bolt and washer.
2. Remove the damper lower fixing nut, washer and bolt from
the axle tube mounting bracket.
Replace in reverse order.
Rear suspension
Bump Rubber - Van
A bump rubber, separate to the damper unit, was fitted to early Kitten
vans to limit the rear suspension bump travel.
The bump rubber is secured to a bracket on the rear chassis upsweep
above the axle. It should be checked occasionally for splits or sign of
perishing.
To remove (Figure 2)
1. Remove a single nut and lock washer securing the bump
rubber to the chassis mounting bracket.
Replace in reverse order
Figure 2 Bump rubber (Van)
1. Bump rubber
2. Lock washer
3. Nut