Replacing the front absorbers on your Proton Wira can significantly improve its ride quality and handling. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you can confidently tackle this DIY project. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a weekend warrior, we'll provide clear, concise instructions and helpful tips to make the job easier. So, let's dive in and get your Wira riding smoothly again!

Understanding Front Absorbers

Before we get started, let's quickly discuss what front absorbers, also known as shock absorbers, actually do. Front absorbers are crucial components of your car's suspension system. Their primary function is to control the movement of the springs, preventing excessive bouncing and ensuring the tires maintain contact with the road. When your absorbers are worn out, you might notice symptoms like:

• Bouncy ride:
• Poor handling:
• Increased braking distance:
• Uneven tire wear:
• Leaking fluid from the absorber:

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's a good indication that your front absorbers need replacing. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further damage to your suspension system and compromise your safety on the road. Regular inspections of your absorbers are recommended to catch potential problems early.

Choosing the right replacement absorbers is also crucial. Consider factors like your driving style, road conditions, and budget. There are various brands and types of absorbers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Researching and comparing different options will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best performance and longevity from your new absorbers.

Proper installation is just as important as choosing the right absorbers. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the correct tools. If you're not comfortable performing the replacement yourself, it's always best to seek the help of a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise and experience to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• New front absorbers: Make sure you get the correct ones for your Proton Wira model.
• Jack and jack stands: For safely lifting and supporting your car.
• Wheel wrench: To remove the wheels.
• Socket set: Including sockets for the strut nuts, caliper bolts, and other fasteners.
• Wrench set: For additional support and loosening bolts.
• Spring compressor: This is essential for safely compressing the coil spring.
• Penetrating oil: To loosen any stubborn nuts and bolts.
• Torque wrench: To tighten the nuts and bolts to the correct specifications.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
• Brake cleaner: To clean the brake components.
• Rags: For wiping away dirt and grease.
• New strut mounts (optional but recommended): These often wear out along with the absorbers.

A Word on Safety:

Safety is paramount when working on your car's suspension. Always use jack stands to support the car after lifting it with a jack. Never work under a car that is only supported by a jack. Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. And most importantly, use a spring compressor to safely compress the coil spring. A compressed spring stores a tremendous amount of energy, and if it's released suddenly, it can cause serious injury or even death.

If you're not comfortable using a spring compressor, it's best to take your struts to a professional mechanic who has the proper equipment and experience to safely disassemble and reassemble them.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Okay, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install new front absorbers on your Proton Wira. Remember to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

Step 1: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before lifting the car, use your wheel wrench to loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels. Don't remove them completely, just break them free. This will make it easier to remove the wheels once the car is in the air.

Step 2: Jack Up the Car and Secure It

Use your jack to lift the front of the car. Make sure to position the jack on a solid part of the frame, as indicated in your owner's manual. Once the car is lifted to the desired height, place jack stands under the frame to support the car. Never work under a car that is only supported by a jack.

Step 3: Remove the Wheels

Now that the car is safely supported by jack stands, you can remove the lug nuts completely and take off the front wheels. Set the wheels aside in a safe place where they won't be damaged.

Step 4: Disconnect the Brake Caliper

Locate the brake caliper on the first side you're working on. There are usually two bolts holding the caliper to the strut assembly. Use your socket and wrench to remove these bolts. Once the bolts are removed, carefully detach the caliper from the strut. Be careful not to damage the brake line. You can hang the caliper from the suspension spring using a piece of wire or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake line.

Step 5: Disconnect the ABS Sensor (If Applicable)

If your Wira is equipped with ABS, you'll need to disconnect the ABS sensor from the strut assembly. The sensor is usually held in place by a small bolt or clip. Remove the bolt or clip and carefully disconnect the sensor. Be careful not to damage the sensor or its wiring.

Step 6: Disconnect the Stabilizer Bar Link

The stabilizer bar link connects the strut assembly to the stabilizer bar. Use your socket and wrench to disconnect the link from the strut. Some links may have a ball joint that needs to be separated using a pickle fork or ball joint separator.

Step 7: Remove the Strut Assembly

Now comes the tricky part. The strut assembly is held in place by two or three bolts at the bottom, where it connects to the steering knuckle, and the strut mount at the top, inside the engine bay. First, locate and remove the bolts at the bottom of the strut. These bolts can be very tight, so you may need to use penetrating oil and a breaker bar to loosen them. Once the bottom bolts are removed, go to the engine bay and remove the nuts holding the strut mount in place. Be prepared for the strut assembly to drop down once the last nut is removed. Have a helper hold the strut assembly to prevent it from falling and damaging anything.

Step 8: Compress the Coil Spring

This is the most dangerous part of the job, so pay close attention. Use a spring compressor to carefully compress the coil spring. Make sure the spring compressor is properly seated and tightened before proceeding. Compress the spring until it is loose enough to remove the strut mount.

Step 9: Remove the Strut Mount

Once the spring is compressed, you can remove the nut holding the strut mount to the strut. Use a socket and wrench to loosen the nut. Be careful, as the strut mount is still under pressure from the compressed spring. Once the nut is removed, carefully remove the strut mount, upper spring seat, and any other components from the strut.

Step 10: Install the New Absorber

Now you can install the new absorber into the strut assembly. Make sure the absorber is properly seated in the strut tube. Install the strut mount, upper spring seat, and any other components in the reverse order of removal. Tighten the nut holding the strut mount to the strut to the correct torque specification.

Step 11: Decompress the Coil Spring

Slowly and carefully decompress the coil spring using the spring compressor. Make sure the spring is properly seated on the strut and the spring seats before removing the spring compressor completely.

Step 12: Reinstall the Strut Assembly

Reinstall the strut assembly into the car in the reverse order of removal. Start by installing the strut mount nuts in the engine bay. Then, install the bolts at the bottom of the strut, where it connects to the steering knuckle. Tighten all the nuts and bolts to the correct torque specifications.

Step 13: Reconnect the Stabilizer Bar Link

Reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the strut assembly. Tighten the nut or bolt to the correct torque specification.

Step 14: Reconnect the ABS Sensor (If Applicable)

Reconnect the ABS sensor to the strut assembly. Secure it with the bolt or clip that you removed earlier.

Step 15: Reinstall the Brake Caliper

Reinstall the brake caliper onto the strut assembly. Tighten the caliper bolts to the correct torque specification. Make sure the brake line is not twisted or kinked.

Step 16: Reinstall the Wheels

Reinstall the wheels onto the car. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the correct torque specification.

Step 17: Lower the Car

Carefully lower the car to the ground using the jack. Remove the jack stands.

Step 18: Tighten the Lug Nuts Again

Once the car is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts again to the correct torque specification. This is important to ensure the wheels are properly secured.

Step 19: Repeat on the Other Side

Repeat the entire process on the other side of the car to replace the other front absorber.

Final Checks and Adjustments

After replacing both front absorbers, it's important to perform a few final checks and adjustments to ensure everything is working properly.

• Check the brake lines: Make sure the brake lines are not twisted, kinked, or rubbing against anything.
• Check the ABS sensor wires: Make sure the ABS sensor wires are properly connected and not damaged.
• Check the stabilizer bar links: Make sure the stabilizer bar links are properly connected and tightened.
• Get a wheel alignment: Replacing the front absorbers can affect your car's wheel alignment. It's important to get a wheel alignment done by a professional to ensure your tires wear evenly and your car handles properly.

Conclusion

Replacing the front absorbers on your Proton Wira is a manageable DIY project with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can save money on labor costs and improve your car's ride quality and handling. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time. If you're unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to seek help from a qualified mechanic. Now get out there and enjoy the improved ride of your Wira!