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Supra Turbo MkIII 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 centre
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
ONE 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.
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 stabiliser link mounting nut and separate the stabiliser 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
centre 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 stabiliser 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 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.
Toyota Electronic Modulated
Suspension System-TEMS Firm Override
Procedure:
TEMS Firm Override
Purpose:
Cockpit controlled FIRM
Costs less than ~$250.00 HKS unit
Cheap way to get better handling!
Test Vehicle:
My Supra MkIII
Skills needed:
Wire stripping/splicing
Equipment needed:
Wire strippers/cutters
Elec. tape
Solderless connectors
Off/On Switch, mountable
Procedure:
Access Diagnostic Block and Wires
It's in the engine bay, next to the fuse block and battery.
Locate Ts=Violet, E1=Brown wires.
Plug wires into top or splice leads into bottom of block. (Tap
into, do not remove stock wiring.)
Feed your wires into the cabin (I cut hole under clutch pedal).
Connect Switch
Use a easy access off/on pushbutton.
Place the Ts and E1 leads onto the two terminals.
Operation
Push button on:
If TEMS -NORMAL- is on, will have steering wheel feedback by the
blinking TEMS indicators.
If TEMS -SPORT- is on, will have FIRM locked in!
Push button off:
TEMS has normal control, with -NORMAL- and -SPORT- control.
Thanks to Jeff Montigny for the TEMS Tech Help.
If you have qustions about the TEMS procedure, send a note the
the address below:
Jeff Montigny:
jmontign@nsc.com
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