Shock Absorber With Coil Spring: Installation

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus IS 300, 2003 Lexus IS 300, and 2002 Lexus IS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. On sedan, install No. 3 front spring reinforcement to shock absorber.
  2. Install shock absorber and No. 1 front spring reinforcement to body with nuts. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  3. Connect shock absorber to shock absorber bracket with bolt and nut. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  4. After stabilizing suspension, torque nut in center of suspension support to specification. If shock absorber has not been disassembled, it is not necessary to torque the nut. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  5. Install cap to suspension support.
  6. Install stabilizer bar link to stabilizer bar. If the ball joint turns with nut, use a hexagon wrench to hold the stud. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  7. NOTE: Be careful not to break link fixing pin until procedure is completed. However, sensor arm rotation angle shall not exceed a range of plus or minus 70 degrees from standard vehicle height.
  8. Set lower arm to vehicle height. Install sensor link to lower arm bracket with nut. See Figure. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  9. Connect upper suspension arm with nut. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install a NEW clip. If the holes for clip are not aligned, tighten nut further, up to 60 degrees.
  10. Connect ABS speed sensor and wire harness clamp. Speed sensor is bolt "A". Wire harness clamp is bolt "B". See Figure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  11. Install bolt nut and igniter. Connect harness connector.
  12. Install front wheel and tighten lug nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
  13. Check front wheel alignment. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
  14. Check ABS speed sensor signal. For vehicles with VSC, see TEST A: ABS SENSOR SIGNAL CHECK under SYSTEM TESTS in ANTI-LOCK/VEHICLE SKID CONTROL - IS 300 article in BRAKES. For vehicles without VSC, see SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL CHECK under COMPONENT TESTS in ANTI-LOCK - IS 300 article in BRAKES.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.