Replacing the front absorbers on your Proton Wira can significantly improve your car's ride quality and handling. If you're noticing excessive bouncing, poor cornering, or uneven tire wear, it might be time for a new set of absorbers. While it’s always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can tackle this DIY project with confidence. Remember, safety first! Always use proper safety equipment and follow these instructions carefully.

Preparing for the Replacement

Before diving into the replacement process, proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and safe job. Gathering the right tools and understanding the steps involved will save you time and frustration. Let’s get everything ready!

First, gather all the necessary tools. You’ll need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a socket set (including the correct sizes for your Wira's nuts and bolts – typically 17mm, 19mm, and possibly others), a wrench set, penetrating oil, spring compressors, and possibly a rubber mallet. A torque wrench is essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications, ensuring everything is secure. Also, have a can of WD-40 or similar penetrating oil handy to loosen any stubborn nuts and bolts. Don't forget safety glasses and gloves! These will protect your eyes and hands during the process.

Next, source the correct replacement absorbers. Make sure you purchase absorbers that are specifically designed for the Proton Wira. Check your car's model year and any specific trim levels to ensure compatibility. Consider buying from a reputable auto parts store or online retailer to guarantee quality and fit. Reading online reviews can also help you choose a reliable brand. While you're at it, it’s a good idea to inspect other components like the strut mounts, bump stops, and dust boots. If these are worn or damaged, replace them along with the absorbers for optimal performance. Replacing these components together can save you time and effort in the long run, as they often wear out at similar rates.

Finally, prepare your workspace. Park your Proton Wira on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. This will prevent the car from rolling while you're working. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels before jacking up the car. This is much easier to do while the wheels are still on the ground. Once the lug nuts are loose, use the jack to lift the front of the car and securely place it on jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack! Jack stands provide a stable and safe platform for working underneath the vehicle. With the car safely supported, you're ready to begin the absorber replacement process.

Step-by-Step Absorber Removal

Now that you're prepped and ready, let's get those old absorbers out. This part requires patience and a methodical approach to ensure you don't damage any other components. Remember to take your time and double-check each step.

Begin by removing the wheel. Fully unscrew the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel. Set it aside in a safe place where it won't be damaged or cause an obstruction. With the wheel removed, you'll have clear access to the front suspension components, including the absorber assembly.

Next, disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor (if applicable). Locate the brake line that runs to the caliper and carefully disconnect it from the strut assembly. Use a wrench to loosen the fitting and gently pull the line away. Be prepared for a small amount of brake fluid to leak out, so have a rag handy to catch any spills. Secure the brake line out of the way to prevent it from being stretched or damaged. If your Wira is equipped with ABS, disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the strut as well. This usually involves unplugging a connector or unclipping a wire. Handle these components with care to avoid damaging them.

Then, detach the sway bar link. The sway bar link connects the sway bar to the strut assembly. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nut and bolt that secure the sway bar link to the strut. If the joint spins, you may need to use a pair of pliers or a vise grips to hold it in place while you loosen the nut. Once the sway bar link is disconnected, move it out of the way.

After that, unbolt the lower strut mount. Locate the two bolts that secure the bottom of the strut to the hub assembly. These bolts are usually quite tight, so you may need to use a breaker bar for extra leverage. Apply penetrating oil to the bolts and let it soak in for a few minutes before attempting to remove them. Once the bolts are loose, carefully remove them. Be prepared for the hub assembly to move slightly once the bolts are removed.

Now, remove the upper strut mount nuts. Locate the nuts that secure the top of the strut assembly to the car's body. These are usually located under the hood. Before removing these nuts, it’s crucial to use spring compressors to compress the coil spring. This is a critical safety step! Failure to compress the spring can result in serious injury when the strut assembly is disassembled. Follow the instructions that come with your spring compressors to safely compress the spring. Once the spring is compressed, carefully remove the upper strut mount nuts. With the nuts removed, you should be able to carefully remove the entire strut assembly from the car.

Installing the New Absorber

With the old absorber out, it's time to install the new one. This process is essentially the reverse of the removal, but with a few important considerations.

Firstly, disassemble the old strut assembly. With the strut assembly removed and the spring safely compressed, carefully disassemble the old strut. Remove the upper strut mount, bump stop, and dust boot. Inspect these components for wear or damage and replace them if necessary. Pay attention to the order in which these parts are assembled, as you'll need to reassemble them in the same way on the new strut.

Next, assemble the new strut assembly. Install the bump stop and dust boot onto the new absorber. Place the coil spring onto the new absorber, ensuring it is properly seated. Position the upper strut mount on top of the spring and secure it with the nut. Tighten the nut to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench. Make sure the spring is still safely compressed during this process.

Then, install the new strut assembly. Carefully maneuver the new strut assembly into position in the car. Align the upper strut mount with the mounting holes in the car's body and install the nuts. Tighten the nuts to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench. Align the lower strut mount with the hub assembly and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.

After that, reconnect the sway bar link. Connect the sway bar link to the strut assembly and tighten the nut and bolt to the manufacturer's specifications. Make sure the sway bar link is properly seated and secured.

Now, reconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor (if applicable). Carefully reconnect the brake line to the strut assembly and tighten the fitting. Make sure the connection is secure and there are no leaks. Reconnect the ABS sensor wire to the strut as well. Ensure the connector is properly plugged in or the wire is securely clipped in place.

Finally, reinstall the wheel. Mount the wheel back onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the car back to the ground and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications. It’s important to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure on the wheel.

Final Checks and Adjustments

Once the new absorbers are installed, a few final checks and adjustments will ensure everything is working correctly and safely.

First, check the brake lines. Inspect the brake lines for any leaks or damage. Bleed the brakes if necessary to remove any air that may have entered the system during the absorber replacement. Ensure the brake pedal feels firm and responsive.

Next, check the ABS sensor (if applicable). Verify that the ABS sensor is properly connected and functioning correctly. Start the car and check for any ABS warning lights on the dashboard. If the ABS light is on, there may be an issue with the sensor or its connection.

Then, test drive the car. Take the car for a test drive to evaluate the new absorbers. Pay attention to the ride quality, handling, and any unusual noises. If you notice any issues, such as excessive bouncing or poor cornering, re-inspect the installation and make any necessary adjustments.

Finally, get a wheel alignment. After replacing the front absorbers, it’s highly recommended to get a wheel alignment. Replacing suspension components can affect the car's alignment, which can lead to uneven tire wear and poor handling. A professional wheel alignment will ensure that your car tracks straight and the tires wear evenly.

Replacing the front absorbers on your Proton Wira is a rewarding DIY project that can save you money and improve your car's performance. By following these steps carefully and taking your time, you can successfully complete this task and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional mechanic if you're unsure about any part of the process. Happy wrenching, guys!