Content .. 498 499 500 501 ..

Acura RL. Manual - part 500

INSTALLATION

1. Position the damper assembly (A) in the body with the aligning tab (B) facing inside.

Fig. 32: Identifying Damper Assembly And Tab
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Loosely install the 8 mm flange nuts (A) and the 10 mm flange nuts (B) on the top of the damper.

stops.



Be careful not to damage or scratch the aluminum parts. It may
weaken the suspension.

Fig. 31: Identifying Damper Assembly
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 1:20:39 PM

Page 18

Fig. 33: Identifying Flange Nuts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm while pushing the lower arm down.

Install the front damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot (C) in the
damper fork.

Fig. 34: Identifying Damper Fork With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

4. Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (D) into the damper fork.

5. Install the new flange bolt (E) to the damper fork and lower arm, then lightly tighten the new damper fork

mounting nut (F).

6. Install the stabilizer link on the lower arm with the washer and the new self-locking nut, and lightly

tighten them.

7. Place the floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 1:20:39 PM

Page 19

8. Tighten the flange nuts on the top of the damper to the specified torque values.

9. Tighten the damper pinch bolt, the flange nut on the damper fork, and self-locking nut to the specified

torque value.

10. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.

11. Install the upper fender trims (see UPPER FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT ).

DAMPER/SPRING DISASSEMBLY, INSPECTION, AND REASSEMBLY

EXPLODED VIEW

Fig. 35: Exploded View Of Damper/Spring With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 1:20:39 PM

Page 20

DISASSEMBLY/INSPECTION

1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft with a

hex wrench (B). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.

Fig. 36: Identifying Self-Locking Nut And Hex Wrench
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in the

Exploded View.

3. Reassemble all the parts, except for the spring mounting cushion and spring.

4. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both

compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is
released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced.

Fig. 37: Compressing Damper Assembly By Hand
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

NOTE:

When compressing the damper spring, use a commercially available strut
spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200, or equivalent). According
to the manufacturer's instructions.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 1:20:39 PM

Page 21

Content .. 498 499 500 501 ..