Trailing Arm: Service and Repair

Fig. 9 Coil spring rear suspension. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive, exc. 1988 Colt:

COLT & COLT VISTA W/2 WHEEL DRIVE

REMOVAL

1. Remove coil springs as outlined.
2. Disconnect brake hose at suspension arm assembly.
3. Remove suspension arm bracket attaching bolts at each side of arm, then remove right and left hand suspension arms as an assembly.

DISASSEMBLY

NOTE: Before disassembly, place alignment marks on suspension arms and components so they can be assembled in the same position.

1. Remove nut at each end of the suspension arm assembly, then remove mounting brackets and bushings.
2. Remove dust cover retaining band, then on models equipped with a stabilizer bar, place an alignment mark at each end of the stabilizer bar in line with punch mark on stabilizer bracket.
3. Separate suspension arm assembly into right and left hand suspension arms, leaving the dust cover attached to the right hand suspension arm.
4. Remove rubber stopper from right hand suspension arm.

Fig. 12 Removing bushing ``A'' from left suspension arm. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive:

5. Using a screwdriver, remove bushing A from left hand suspension arm.

Fig. 13 Removing bushing ``B'' from left suspension arm. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive:

6. Using a suitable drift, drive bushing B from left hand suspension arm.
7. Inspect all components for wear and damage and replace as necessary.

ASSEMBLY

1. Apply grease to inner surface of left hand suspension arm.

Fig. 14 Installing bushing ``B'' into left suspension arm. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive:

Fig. 15 Installing bushing ``A'' into left suspension arm. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive:

2. Apply grease to outer surfaces of bushings, then using tools Nos. MB990779 and MB990780, drive bushing B in until tool contacts end of left suspension arm. Using tool No. MB990780, drive bushing A into left suspension arm.
3. Position dust cover on right suspension arm, then coat suspension arm with grease from shoulder at mounting bracket end approximately 15.7 inches toward center of arm and install rubber stopper.
4. On models equipped, align stabilizer bar and stabilizer bar bracket marks.
5. Carefully push left and right suspension arms together, while wiping excess grease as necessary, then align suspension arm and component alignment marks.

Fig. 16 Installing mounting bracket components. Colt & Colt Vista w/2 wheel drive:

6. Install washers and mounting brackets as shown. Loosely install mounting bracket nuts. Do not tighten nuts until suspension assembly has been installed and vehicle lowered to floor.
7. Pack dust cover with grease, then install cover retaining clamp.

INSTALLATION

1. Position suspension arm assembly to body, then install mounting bracket to body attaching bolts. Torque attaching bolts to 36-51 ft. lbs.
2. Install coil spring assembly.
3. Lower vehicle, then torque mounting bracket to suspension arm attaching nuts to 47-54 ft. lbs.