Mk3 Toyota Supra Suspension Tech

Suspension

The Toyota Supra has a system called 'TEMS'. The Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension system, available as an option on later models, automatically changes the shock absorber valving to firm up the suspension to suit road conditions and driving style. The system incorporates a switch mounted on the center console which allows the driver to select SPORT mode or NORMAL mode. With the mode select in NORMAL, the suspension will maintain a smooth, soft ride during normal driving conditions until the system's computer detects harsh or abnormal cornering, hard braking, rapid acceleration or high speed. (THIS WHY US SUPRA BLOKES LOVE SUPRAS! YOU NAME ANOTHER CAR WITH SUCH A COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT YOU CAN CONTROL AT YOU FINGER TIPS). This computer is programmable, anything linked to the computer can be changed to your requirements. More on that later. Anyhow lets get back to the suspension. When detected the computer adjusts the suspension for a much firmer response from the shock absorbers. With the mode select in SPORT, the shock damping will always be firm no matter what driving conditions are present.

Note - UK spec cars did not have TEMS as standard :-(

Front Shockers and Springs Removal / Fitting

1 : Loosen the front wheel nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
2 : Remove the wheels.
3 : Place a floor jack under the lower control arm.
4 : Remove the upper control arm.
5 : Remove the stabilizer link mounting nut and separate the stabilizer bar from the link.
6 : On Models equipped with Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS), select SPORT mode on the switch, remove the actuator cover retaining screws and lift the actuator from its mounting bracket.
7 : Loosen the three upper mount-to-shock tower retaining nuts, but do not remove them completely. If the upper mount is to be removed from the shock absorber/coil spring assembly, also loosen (but do not remove) the center nut at this time.
8 : Remove the shock-to-lower control arm nut and bolt.
9 : Separate the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the lower control arm.
10 : Remove the shock tower-to-upper mount nuts and remove the shock absorber/coil spring from the vehicle.

Installation / Fitting

1 : If the upper mount was removed, place it over the top of the new shock absorber/coil spring assembly and install nut.
2 : Guide the assembly into position in the wheel well, pushing the upper mount studs through the holes in the shock tower. Install the three nuts and tighten. (You may need an assistant to hold the shocker in place)
3 : Attach the shock absorber/coil spring assembly to the lower control arm, tightening the nut securely.
4 : Install the upper control arm.
5 : Connect the stabilizer link to the spindle.
6 : Tighten the upper mount, also tighten the three upper mounting nuts.
7 : On models equipped with Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS), attach the actuator to the mounting bracket, aligning the flats on the actuator rod with the slot in the shock absorber.

Springs Removal / Fitting

If you have not got a spring compressor stop now.

If the shock absorbers/struts or coil springs exhibit the tell tale sings of wear (leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging or cracked coil springs) explore all options before beginning any work. The strut/shock absorber assemblies are not serviceable and must be replaced if a problem develops.

DISASSEMBLING A STRUT IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS UNDERTAKING AND UTMOST ATTENTION MUST BE DIRECTED TO THE JOB IN HAND, OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY MAY RESULT. USE ONLY A HIGH QUALITY SPRING COMPRESSOR AND CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS THAT CAME WITH THE TOOL.

After removing the coil spring from the assembly, set it aside in a safe, isolated area.

1 : Loosen the damper rod nut with a socket wrench. To prevent the suspension support and damper rod from turning, wedge a screwdriver or prybar between one of the upper mounting studs and the socket.
2 : Remove the nut and suspension support. Inspect the bearing in the suspension support for smooth operation. If it doesn't turn smoothly, replace the suspension support. Check the rubber portion of the suspension support for cracking and general deterioration. If there is any separation of the rubber, replace it.
3 : Lift the spring seat and upper insulator from the damper shaft. Check the rubber spring seat for cracking and hardness, replacing it if necessary.
4 : Carefully lift the compressed spring from the assembly, and set it in a safe place.
5 : Slide the rubber bumper and dust boot off the damper rod, check the lower insulator for wear, cracking and hardness. Replace if needed.
6 : Assemble the strut beginning with the dust boot and rubber bumper - extend the damper rod as far as it will go and slide the boot and bumper down the strut body.
7 : If the lower insulator is being replaced, set it into position with the dropped portion seated in the lowest part of the seat.
8 : Carefully place the coil spring onto the lower insulator, with the end of the spring resting in the lowest part of the insulator.
9 : Install the upper insulator and spring seat, making sure that the flats in the hole in the seat match up with the flats on the damper rod. Seat faces toward the lower bracket, where the steering knuckle fits.
10 : Install the dust seal and suspension support to the damper rod.
11 : Install the nut and tighten, install the strut or shock absorber and coil spring.