9
Leaf Springs (Two-Passenger Vehicles)
REAR SUSPENSION
LEAF SPRINGS (TWO-PASSENGER VEHICLES)
See General Warnings on page 1-1.
LEAF SPRING REMOVAL (TWO-PASSENGER VEHICLES)
1.
Disconnect the battery cables and discharge the controller as instructed.
See WARNINGS “To avoid
unintentionally starting...” and “After disconnecting the batteries, wait 90 seconds...” in General
Warnings on page 1-1.
2.
Loosen, but do not remove, lug nuts on tire and wheel assembly on the side from which the spring is to be
removed. Place chocks at the front wheels and lift the rear of the vehicle with a chain hoist or floor jack. Position
jack stands under the frame crossmember forward of the spring mounting tabs. Lower the vehicle to let the jack
stands support the vehicle
(Figure 9-1, Page 9-3)
.
See following WARNING.
WARNING
• Lift only one end of the vehicle at a time. Use a suitable lifting device (chain hoist or hydraulic floor
jack) with 1000 lb. (454 kg) minimum lifting capacity. Do not use lifting device to hold vehicle in raised
position. Use approved jack stands of proper weight capacity to support the vehicle and chock
the wheels that remain on the floor. When not performing a test or service procedure that requires
movement of the wheels, lock the brakes.
3.
Place a floor jack under the transaxle differential casing to support, but not lift, the drivetrain. Raise it just enough
to relieve tension on the shock absorbers without compressing them.
4.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly on the side from which the spring is to be removed.
5.
Remove the bow tie locking pin (1) and the clevis pin (2) at the brake lever and brake cable connection, and
remove cable end (3) from the brake lever
(Figure 9-2, Page 9-3)
. Detach the brake cable from the shock mount
bracket (4).
See Brake Cable Removal, Section 6, Page 6-13.
6.
Remove the nut (5), cup washer (9), and rubber bushings (10) from the lower mounting stem of the shock
absorber
(Figure 9-3, Page 9-4)
.
7.
Remove the nuts (13) and the U-bolt (11) securing the spring to the transaxle. Remove the shock mount bracket
(15) and the U-bolt.
8.
Remove the bolt (17) and nut (2) attaching the rear of the spring to the shackle (1).
9.
Remove the nut (2) and bolt (17) attaching the front of the spring to the vehicle frame and remove the spring.
10. Inspect the bushings (4) and sleeves (3) in the spring eyes and replace them if they are worn or damaged.
Page 9-2
2009 Electric Precedent Maintenance and Service Manual
