HKS HIPERMAX S Installation Manual

HANDLING INSTRUCTION

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing HKS HIPERMAX SUSPENSION SERIES. This manual assumes that you have and know how to use the tools and equipment necessary to safely perform service operations on your vehicle. This manual assumes that you are familiar with typical automotive systems and basic service and repair procedures. Do not attempt to carry out the operations shown in this manual unless these assumptions are correct. Always have access to a factory repair manual. To avoid injury, follow the safety precautions contained in the factory repair manual.

• This manual indicates items you need to pay attention to in order to install this product safely and lists precautions to avoid any possible damage and/or accidents.
• This product was designed based on installation onto a specific factory vehicle for HKS product to be installed. The product performance is not guaranteed if this product is installed to an inapplicable vehicle.
• HKS will not be responsible for any damage caused by incorrect installation and/or use, or use after modification and/or dismantling of this product.
• The specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
• The instructions are subject to change without notice. Make sure you refer to the most recent instructions.
• Always have access to this instruction manual during use. To avoid injury, follow the safety precautions contained in the factory repair manual.

Safety Precautions

The following precautions for use of this product are to prevent possible accidents and/or injuries and for proper use.

• WARNING: Indicates risk of serious injury and/or possible death.
• CAUTION: Indicates risk of serious injury and/or possible property damage (i.e. vehicle damage as from use of this product.).

Before Use

The following must be strictly observed to use the product correctly:

• WARNING: Never use scissor-jacks to lift the vehicle up when replacing this product and/or adjusting the vehicle height. Use a lift for automobile or garage jack and rigid jack together. The on-vehicle jack holds the vehicle in an unstable condition; therefore, a vehicle may be dropped from the jack having risk of serious injury or death in the worst case.
• WARNING: This product is filled with nitrogen gas; therefore, do not disassemble or burn it. Also, avoid excessive impact on this product such as dropping on the ground. This product may explode due to disassembly or excessive impact.
• CAUTION: Emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, advanced driver-assistance systems, and autonomous driving functions may not work properly due to the installation of the product.
• CAUTION: HKS will not be responsible for a malfunction and/or failure of those driving support systems after installing this product.
• Oil may exude from the cylinder joint; this is normal. A small amount of oil remains outside of the O-ring after assembly.
• Grease may exude from the bottom of the inverted type suspension; this is normal. A small amount of grease remains after assembly. Wipe off the grease if necessary.
• Remove dirt using a cloth with commercial brake cleaner or a similar agent.

Installation Precautions

• Installation must be done by a professional.
• Do not modify and/or remodel the product.
• Do not release or fill the nitrogen gas from the gas enclosing port.
• To replace this product, replace the suspensions of both right and left sides at the same time.
• Use a spring compressor when installing and removing a spring.
• Make sure a spring compressor holds a spring securely and properly when removing a spring.
• Do not use an impact wrench when installing and removing the upper mount. If an impact wrench must be used, please avoid situations where the suspension is at full extension and under load from the spring or the weight of the suspension components. Please either ensure there is play in the spring and compress the suspension or use a jack or similar to compress the suspension before use. Improper use of an impact wrench may cause noise or falling of internal components.
• Use this instruction manual and the manufacturer's service manual as a reference for removal of a factory suspension. Please keep the removed factory Suspension assembly and stock parts. Do not discard them.
• Install this product referring to this instruction manual. (For some vehicle models, stickers are affixed to suspension to distinguish the left side and the right side.)
• Each bolt or nut must be tightened to the designated tightening torque shown in this manual or manufacturer's service manual. If neglected, it may cause damage to the bolt, nut, and/or internal components.

Confirmation after Installation

• Make sure:
• If the bolts and nuts are tightened to the torque designated in this manual or factory service manual.
• If the hoses such as brake hose, ABS sensor harness, etc. do not come in contact with any other part of the vehicle. (Use an universal type bracket (1799-SA010) if necessary.)
• If any other part of a vehicle such as tires, wheels, etc. does not come in contact with this product.
• Make sure to use tires and/or wheels that do not come in contact with this product. If neglected, it may cause oil leakage and/or malfunction of this product.
• Make sure to use springs that match with the spring seat diameters.
• If any abnormal noises, smell, or vibration from the vehicle is experienced while driving, consult a professional that performed installation.

Vehicle Height Adjustment

• Before adjusting the vehicle height, make sure the vehicle's parts temperature has cooled to approximately 40°C.
• The vehicle height adjustment is available in 2 ways; by adjusting the ride height adjuster's screw, and adjusting the bracket position (case length) for shock body length adjustable type.
• Refer to the product manual for the vehicle height adjustment, adjustable range, etc.
• The spanner wrench provided with the product must be used to adjust the vehicle height. If neglected, the spring seats and/ or lock nuts may be damaged.
• When relocating the spring seat's position, make sure the spring set load and vehicle's weight are not applied to avoid damage to the screw thread.
• After the vehicle height adjustment, make sure the suspension does not come in contact with any part of the vehicle (e.g. a drive shaft, suspension arm, etc.) within the suspension operating range. If the suspension comes in contact with any part of the vehicle, adjust the position of the parts to avoid unnecessary contact.
• After the vehicle height adjustment, make sure there is no spring travel at the position the spring is fully rebounded.
• After the vehicle height adjustment, apply the vehicle weight to the vehicle, and make sure if the upper part of the spring is securely and properly fit into the guide in the lower side of the upper mount.
• CAUTION: Failure to let the engine cool down properly prior to installation can lead to severe burns.
• CAUTION: The vehicle height adjustment must be performed within the range designated in the product manual. If neglected, the vehicle and/or suspension may be damaged.
• CAUTION: The spring may fall off, if there is gap in a spring during use.

Damping Force Adjustment

• The damping force dial has 30 steps. Tighten in the clockwise direction to the end, and return until it clicks; where is the 0 step position. Over-tightening may damage the internal parts and disable the adjustment function.
• Do not return more than 30 steps; it may damage the internal parts.
• Adjust the dial position to the same on the left and right sides. If not, it may adversely affect handling.

Maintenance

• Proper maintenance of this product is necessary in order to maintain the safety, reliability, and function of this product. Maintenance is the responsibility of the driver/owner.
• After installation, perform running-in of this product. Keep the speed down to around 50km/31mile during running-in.
• Check the bolts/nuts, vehicle height, dirt, etc. regularly during use. Perform re-tightening, adjustment, cleaning if necessary.
• The pillow balls, shafts, etc. wear out due to the secular changes, and the performance of the suspension may deteriorate and sound may be generated. Periodic overhaul is recommended to maintain the best performance of the suspension.

Troubleshooting

• If the vehicle or this product was damaged, take the repairs performed by a professional.
• If you experience any abnormal noise, smell, or vibration from the vehicle while driving, stop using this product immediately. Consult a professional.

After-sales Service

• For inquiries about this product, purchase of optional parts, purchase of missing parts, and/or overhaul, please contact the dealer where you purchased.
• In case of repair or overhaul is required after installation, HKS may retain only the product. Please keep the removed factory Suspension assembly and Stock parts. They may use as a replacement.

Product Disposal

• When disposing this product, make sure to ask the dealer where you purchased or a disposal agent.
• Since oil may be scattered, make sure to wear safety glasses during disposal work.

PRODUCT INSTALLATION

Parts List

Suspension Components

Diagrams illustrating the front and rear suspension components with labels and torque specifications.

• FRONT: Includes Flange Nut (Torque Specs: 54N·m), Plate, Upper Mount Assy, Thrust Bearing, Spring Retainer, Rubber Seat, Plate (Yellow - ensure correct orientation with taper facing downward), Dust Boot, Spring, Insulator, Ride Height Adjuster, Locking Spring (Torque Specs: 50N·m*), Locking Bracket (Torque Specs: 50N·m*), Bracket. (*Torque value when tightened with the provided Spanner Wrench (12.7sq Slotted)).
• REAR: Includes Cap (Factory), Nut (Factory - Torque Specs: 25N·m), Upper Mount Assy (Factory), Bump Rubber (Kit Parts), Bracket, Locking Bracket (Torque Specs: 50N·m*), Spacer (Kit Parts), Upper Seat (Kit Parts), Rear Spring (Kit Parts), Rear Ride Height Adjuster Assy (Kit Parts), Ride Height Adjuster, Locking Spring (Torque Specs: 60N·m*), Washer (Kit Parts), Bolt (Kit Parts - Torque Specs: 12.2N·m).

1. Removing the Factory Front Suspensions

• WARNING: Do not use scissor-jacks. Use lifts or garage jacks.
• CAUTION: Perform installation after the vehicle has cooled down sufficiently. Adjust height within specified range. Ensure springs have no play.
• Step 1: Jack up the vehicle and remove wheels.
• Step 2: Support the lower arm with a jack and a wooden block.
• Step 3: Remove the stabilizer link nut, bolts and nuts from the lower front suspension assembly, and the brake line bracket installation bolt.
• Step 4: Remove the nuts from the upper front suspension assembly.
• Step 5: After removing the jack from the lower arm, remove the factory front suspension assembly from the vehicle.
• CAUTION: Do not pull on the brake line and ABS sensor when removing the front suspension assembly, as this may damage the brakes.

2. Installing the Front Suspensions

• CAUTION: Refer to the service manual for torque specs.
• Step 1: Install the provided front suspension assembly to the vehicle using the upper front suspension assembly installation nuts (Torque Specs: 53.9-73.5N·m).
• Step 2: Support the lower arm with a jack and a wooden block.
• Step 3: Install the brake line bracket installation bolt (Torque Specs: 12.7-16.7N·m), bolts and nuts for the lower front suspension assembly (Torque Specs: 156.9-176.5N·m), and the stabilizer link nut (Torque Specs: 98.1-117.7N·m).
• Step 4: After removing the jack from the lower arm, mount the wheels and lower the vehicle.
• CAUTION: After re-mounting tires, ensure no contact with wheels/tires. Re-alignment is required.

3. Removing the Factory Rear Suspensions

• WARNING: Do not use scissor-jacks. Use lifts or garage jacks.
• Step 1: Jack up the vehicle and remove wheels.
• Step 2: Support the lower arm with a jack and a wooden block.
• Step 3: Remove the bolts from the upper rear shock absorber assembly.
• Step 4: Remove the bolt and nut from the lower arm, and the bolt and nut from the lower rear shock absorber assembly.
• Step 5: After removing the jack from the lower arm, remove the factory rear shock absorber from the vehicle.
• Step 6: Remove the rear spring and spring upper seat, lower seat from the vehicle. (Note: The removed factory spring upper seat and lower seat are not reused.)
• CAUTION: Do not pull on the brake line and ABS sensor when removing the rear suspension assembly, as this may damage the brakes.

4. Installing the Rear Suspensions

• CAUTION: Refer to the service manual for torque specs.
• Step 1: Match the positioning hole of the spring lower rubber sheet of the lower arm. Install the provided rear ride height adjuster assembly to the vehicle using the provided bolt and washer (Torque Specs: 12.2N·m).
• Step 2: Install the provided rear spring and the provided upper seat to the vehicle.
• Step 3: Referring to "Suspension Components", install factory parts and provided bump rubber to the front suspension assembly. Use the provided 9.5sq slotted spanner wrench.
• Step 4: Install provided spacers to both ends of the bush on the downside of the rear shock absorber assembly. Install the rear shock absorber assembly to the vehicle, and temporarily tighten the bolt and nut for the lower rear shock absorber assembly. Ensure the adjustment dial faces toward the back of the vehicle.
• Step 5: Hold the lower arm with a jack, and install the bolt and nut for the lower arm (Torque Specs: 156.9-176.5N·m).
• Step 6: Install the bolts for the upper rear shock absorber assembly (Torque Specs: 49.0-63.7N·m).
• Step 7: Tighten the bolt and nut for the lower rear shock absorber assembly completely (Torque Specs: 156.9-176.5N·m).
• Step 8: Remove the jack from the lower arm. Mount the wheels back on, then lower the vehicle.
• CAUTION: After re-mounting the tires, ensure no contact with wheels/tires. Re-alignment is required.

Adjusting the Damping

Damping adjustment and range

• Standard strut type: Use the dial attached on the top of the shock absorber or insert the provided adjustment dial into the hole on the shaft.
• MacPherson strut type: Use the dial attached to the bottom of the suspension.
• Side adjusting strut type: Use the dial attached to the side of the suspension's upper or lower part.

• The adjustment dial has 30 steps. Turn clockwise to the end, then counter-clockwise to the first click (0 position). Over-tightening can damage internal parts.
• Do not turn more than 30 steps counter-clockwise.
• Adjust dial positions to be the same on left and right sides for proper handling.

Adjusting the Ride Height

HKS has preset the ride height prior to shipment. The product features two ride height adjustment mechanisms: the ride height adjuster and the bracket position (case length).

NE4LRG Vehicle Height Data

NE4LRG Vehicle Height Data (mm)

• Check for spring play when suspension is fully extended.
• Ensure suspension does not contact chassis components (driveshaft, suspension arm, etc.).
• CAUTION: Shock body length adjustment is limited. Adjust within specified ranges to prevent suspension damage. Check for contact between suspension and other vehicle parts.

Thread Length Adjustment/Vehicle Height Change

Formula: Height to be lowered ÷ Leverage Ratio = Amount of Thread Length Adjustment. Example: To lower height by 10mm for NE4LRG front (Leverage Ratio 1.00), adjust thread length by 10mm.

Development Vehicle Data

Data from the test vehicle during development of this product:

Manufacturer Information

HKS Co., Ltd.
7181 Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0192, JAPAN
Website: https://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/