JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G Owner's Manual

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING SYSTEM................1WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................3
FRONT.................................7
REAR.................................16
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION AND
STEERING SYSTEM
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Adjust or replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Adjust or replace steering gear.
2. Power steering fluid low. 2. Add fluid and repair leak.
3. Column coupler binding. 3. Replace coupler.
4. Tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Alignment. 5. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE DURING BRAKING1. Uneven tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Worn brake components. 2. Repair brakes as necessary.
3. Air in brake line. 3. Repair as necessary.
KJSUSPENSION 2 - 1

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VEHICLE LEADS OR
DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT
AHEAD DIRECTION ON
UNCROWNED ROAD1. Radial tire lead. 1. Cross front tires.
2. Brakes dragging. 2. Repair brake as necessary.
3. Weak or broken spring. 3. Replace spring.
4. Uneven tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Wheel Alignment. 5. Align vehicle.
6. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.6. Repair as necessary.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Align vehicle.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.
IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent track bar. 1. Inspect, tighten or replace component as
necessary.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONKJ
SUSPENSION (Continued)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT.......................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT..................5STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT.........................5
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER,
CASTER AND TOE ADJUSTMENT..........5
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.
OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1)²TOEis the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is thefinalfront
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-
sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
KJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
RIDE HEIGHT
NOTE: The suspension is non-adjustable.
The vehicle suspension height should be measured
before performing wheel alignment procedure. Also
when front suspension components have been
replaced. This measure must be performed with the
vehicle supporting it's own weight and taken on both
sides of the vehicle.
Front and rear ride heights are not adjustable. The
spring selections at assembly determine ride height
for acceptable appearance of the vehicle. Ride height
dimensions assume full fluids (including fuel) and
zero passengers. Refer to the table below for front
ride height dimensions.
Vehicle ride height audits should be performed uti-
lizing the following procedure:
(1) Drive the vehicle straight and forward on a
non-tacky surface for a minimum of 20 feet to neu-
tralize track width.
(2) Bounce the front of the vehicle five times.
(3) Measure and record the dimensions
FRONT RIDE HEIGHT Front ride height is
defined by the relative vertical distance between the
spindle center line and the rear pivot point of the
front lower control arm to cradle attachment. The
spindle center line is to be measured at the outer
wheel face (point A). The rear pivot point is to be
measured at the center of the cam bolt (point B) at
its rearward most end (nut end). (Fig. 2)REAR RIDE HEIGHT Rear ride height is defined
by the relative vertical distance between the top of
the lower spring seat strike surface and the bottom
of the jounce cup (true metal to metal jounce travel).
This is to be measured vertically inside the coil from
the point intersecting the inboard edge and the for/
aft center of the jounce cup (point C) down to the
strike surface (point D). (Fig. 3)
Measurement Target Minimum Maximum
Front Ride
Height
Distance AB48.8 mm
Z=996.81
- 948.0338.8mm 58.8mm
Front Cross
Ride Height
Left - Right0.0 mm -10.0 mm 10.0 mm
Rear Ride
Height
Distance CD116.1 mm 106.1 mm 126.1 mm
Rear Cross
Ride Height
Left - Right0.0 mm -10.0 mm 10.0 mm
Fig. 2 FRONT RIDE HEIGHT MESUREMENT
1 - POINT - A
2 - POINT - B
Fig. 3 REAR RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
1 - POINT - C
2 - POINT - D
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTKJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the lower suspension arm
cam bolts. (Fig. 4)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
4X4 SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT MUST
BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGNMENT.
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod as necessary (Fig. 5).
(4)
Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER, CASTER
AND TOE ADJUSTMENT
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the lower suspension arm
cam bolts. (Fig. 4)
CASTER
Moving the rear position of the cam bolt in or out,
will change the caster angle significantly and camber
angle only slightly. To maintain the camber angle
while adjusting caster, move the rear of the cam bolt
in or out. Then move the front of the cam bolt
slightly in the opposite direction. (Fig. 4)
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear posi-
tion of the cam bolt outward (from the engine). Move
the front of cam bolt inward (toward the engine) slightly
until the original camber angle is obtained. (Fig. 4)
CAMBER
Move both of the cam bolts together in or out. This
will change the camber angle significantly and caster
angle slightly. (Fig. 4)
After adjustment is made tighten the cam bolt nuts
to proper torque specification.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1)
Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before
straightening the wheels. Secure the steering wheel with
the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod as necessary (Fig. 5).
(4)
Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
Fig. 5 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
Fig. 4 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - FRONT CAM BOLT
2 - OUTER TIE ROD END
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - REAR CAM BOLT
KJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: Specifications are in degrees.
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CASTER
3.5É   .6ÉCAMBER
0É   .375ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
.20É  
.125É
RANGE 2.9É to +
4.1ɱ.375É to
+.375É.07É to +
.33É
MAX RT/LT
DIFFERENCE0.5É 0.7É .13É
REAR
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CAMBER
±.25É 
.375ÉTHRUST
ANGLE
0É to  
0.25ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
.25É to  
.41É
RANGE ±.625É to
.125ɱ.25É to
+.25ɱ.16É to
.66É
2 - 6 WHEEL ALIGNMENTKJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT
DESCRIPTION..........................7
WARNING.............................7
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................8
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................8
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS.....9
INSTALLATION - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS . . 9
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................10
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
SHOCK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE.................11REMOVAL - RIGHT SIDE................11
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT SIDE.............12
INSTALLATION - RIGHT SIDE............12
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
CLEVIS BRACKET
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RIGHT SIDE................14
REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE.................15
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RIGHT SIDE............15
INSTALLATION - LEFT SIDE.............15
FRONT
DESCRIPTION
The front suspension is designed to allow each
wheel to adapt to different road surfaces indepen-
dently. The wheels are mounted to hub bearings on
the steering knuckle spindles. The double-row hub
bearings are sealed and lubricated for life. The steer-
ing knuckles turn (pivot) on ball joints riveted to the
outboard portion of the control arms. The ball joints
are lubricated for life. (Fig. 1)
WARNING
WARNING:: Suspension components with rubber
bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at nor-
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear.
Fig. 1 FRONT SUSPENSION
1-SWAYBAR
2 - SWAY BAR BUSHING/BRACKET
3 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
4 - SPRING / SHOCK ASSEMBLY
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
6 - OUTER TIE ROD END
7 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 - SWAY BAR LINK
9 - CLEVIS BRACKET
KJFRONT 2 - 7

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Shock Absorber Clevis Bracket Upper Nut 136 100 Ð
Front Shock Absorber Clevis Bracket Lower Nut 150 110 Ð
Front Shock Absorber Top (4) Mounting Nuts 108 80 Ð
Front Shock to Spring and Insulator Nut 41 30 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm Front Nut 122 90 Ð
Upper Suspension Arm Rear Nut 122 90 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm Front Nut 170 125 Ð
Lower Suspension Arm Rear Nut 170 125 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Clamp Nut 149 110 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Upper Nut 136 100 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Lower Nut 115 85 Ð
Hub/Bearing
Bolt130 96 Ð
Hub/Bearing
Halfshaft Nut135 100 Ð
Upper Ball Joint Nut 81 60 Ð
Lower Ball Joint Nut 81 60 Ð
Wheel Speed Sensor 13.5 10 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Remover/Installer Suspension Bushing 7932
Nut, Long 7603
Bolt, Special 7604
Remover C-4150A
2 - 8 FRONTKJ
FRONT (Continued)

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the stabilizer bushing clamps.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bushings from the stabi-
lizer bar.
INSTALLATION - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS
(1) Install the stabilizer bushings to the stabilizer
bar.
(2) Install the stabilizer bushing clamps. Tighten
the nuts to 149 N´m (110 ft.lbs.).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the caliper adapter (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to
hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake
hose will result. Provide a suitable support to hang
the caliper securely.
(4) Remove the disc brake rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the wheel speed sensor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED
SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the bracket securing the wheel speed
sensor wire.
(7) Remove the axle shaft nut. (if equipped with
four wheel drive)
(8) Remove the three mounting bolts for the hub/
bearing assembly.
(9) Remove the hub/bearing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hub/bearing assembly to the vehicle.
(2) Install the three mounting bolts for the hub/
bearing. Tighten the bolt to 130 N´m (96 ft.lbs.).
(3) Install the axle shaft nut. Tighten the nut to
135 N´m (100 ft.lbs.). (if equipped with four wheel
drive)
(4) Install the bracket to the wheel speed sensor
wire.
(5) Install the wheel speed sensor to the hub.
Tighten the bolt to 13.5 N´m (10 ft.lbs.) (Refer to 5 -BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED
SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the disc brake rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the disc brake caliper adapter. Tighten
the nut to 135 N´m (100 ft.lbs.) (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the caliper adapter. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to
hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake
hose will result. Provide a suitable support to hang
the caliper securely.
(4) Remove the disc brake rotor. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the wheel speed sensor. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED
SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the axle shaft nut. (if equipped with
four wheel drive)
(7) Remove the hub/bearing. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the outer tie rod end. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the lower ball joint nut.
(10) Seperate the lower ball joint from the suspen-
sion arm using tool C±4150A.
(11) Remove the upper ball joint nut.
(12) Seperate the upper ball joint from the knuckle
using tool C±4150A.
(13) Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the knuckle to the vehicle.
(2) Install the upper ball joint nut. Tighten the nut
to 81 N´m (60 ft.lbs.).
(3) Install the lower ball joint nut. Tighten the nut
to 81 N´m (60 ft.lbs.).
(4) Install the outer tie rod end. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLA-
TION).
KJFRONT 2 - 9

(5) Install the hub/bearing. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the axle shaft nut. Tighten the nut to
135 N´m (96 ft.lbs.).(if equipped with four wheel
drive).
(7) Install the wheel speed sensor. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED
SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the disc brake rotor. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the caliper adapter. (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Perform the set toe procedure (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
(1) Raise the vehicle on a drive-on hoist.
NOTE: If a drive-on hoist is not available, use
wooden blocks with jack stands to support the
lower control arm in the ball joint area. Place the
jack stands appropriately and lower the hoist plac-
ing weight on the lower control arm. The lower con-
trol arms should now be supporting the vehicle
weight.
(2) With the use of jack stands, lift the front end
off the hoist and position wooden blocks underneath
both lower control arms supporting the vehicles
weight.
(3) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(4) Attach a dial indicator to the base of the lower
control arm and align the dial indicator's contact
point with the direction of the stud axis, touch the
machined flat on the knuckle and zero the dial indi-
cator. (Fig. 2)
NOTE: Use care when applying the load to the
knuckle, so the parts are not damaged using care
not to tear the boot.
(5) From the front of the vehicle, insert a pry bar
to get it rested on the lower control arm and use
lever principle to push the knuckle up until the arm
of the dial indicator no longer moves.(6) Record the ball joint movement on each side of
the vehicle. The end play is acceptable with no more
than 1.5mm of end play back to back.LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the lower clevis bracket bolt at the
lower control arm.
(4) Remove the stabilizer link bolt at the lower
control arm.
(5) Remove the lower ball joint nut.
(6) Separate the lower ball joint from the lower
control arm using tool C-4150A.
NOTE: Marking the lower control arm pivot bolts
front and rear will aid in the assembly procedure.
(7) Mark the lower control arm pivot bolts front
and rear.
(8) Remove the front cam/pivot bolt. (Fig. 3)
(9) Remove the rear cam/pivot bolt. (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the lower control arm from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
(2) Install the rear cam/pivot bolt.
(3) Install the front cam/pivot bolt.
(4) Install the lower ball joint nut. Tighten the nut
to 81 N´m (60 ft.lbs.)
Fig. 2 SUSPENSION IN THE CURB POSITION
1-PRYBAR
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - DIAL INDICATOR
4 - WOODEN BLOCK OR SUPPORT
5 - CLAMP
2 - 10 FRONTKJ
KNUCKLE (Continued)