wheel alignment JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G Workshop 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)

(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)

(5) Align the marks front and rear at the cam/
pivot bolts and tighten the bolts. Tighten the bolts to
170 N´m (125 ft.lbs.)
(6) Install the stabilizer link bolt at the lower con-
trol arm. Tighten the bolt to 136 N´m (100 ft.lbs.)
(7) Install the lower clevis bracket bolt at the
lower control arm. Tighten the bolt to 150 N´m (110
ft.lbs.)
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(9) Perform a full wheel alignment (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
SHOCK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Remove the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(3) Unclip the power center and move it to the side
out of the way.
(4) Remove the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the battery temperature sensor
from the battery tray.
(6) Remove the four upper shock mounting nuts.
(7) Raise and support the vehicle.(8) Remove the left tire and wheel assembly.
(9) Remove the lower bolt at the lower control
securing the clevis bracket.
(10) Remove the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the lower ball joint nut.
(12) Seperate the lower ball joint from the lower
control arm using tool C-4150A.
(13) Rotate the lower control arm downward to
allow access.
(14) Remove the clevis bracket at the shock.
(15) Remove the shock assembly from the vehicle.
(Fig. 4)
(16) Remove the spring from the shock (if needed).
REMOVAL - RIGHT SIDE
(1) Remove the air box (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two cruise control servo mounting
nuts.
(3) Remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
(5) Remove the right side tire assembly.
(6) Remove the lower bolt at the lower control
securing the clevis bracket.
(7) Remove the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the lower ball joint nut.
(9) Seperate the lower ball joint from the lower
control arm using tool C-4150A.
(10) Rotate the lower control arm downward to
allow access.
Fig. 3 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
Fig. 4 SHOCK ASSEMBLY
1 - SPRING
2 - JOUNCE BUMPER
3 - SHOCK
4 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
KJFRONT 2 - 11
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the left side tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the upper ball joint nut.
(4) Separate the upper ball joint from the steering
knuckle using tool C-4150A.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(7) Unclip the power center and move it to the side
out of the way.
(8) Remove the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(9) Disconnect the battery temperature sensor
from the battery tray.
(10) Remove the upper control arm rear bolt by
using a ratchet and extension under the steering
shaft and positioned by the power steering reservoir.
(Fig. 10)
(11) Remove the upper control arm front bolt.
(12) Remove the upper control arm from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RIGHT SIDE
(1) Install the upper control arm to the vehicle.
(2) Install the upper control arm front bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 122 N´m (90 ft.lbs.).
(3) Install the upper control arm rear bolt. Tighten
the bolt to 122 N´m (90 ft.lbs.).
(4) Install the cruise control servo mounting nuts.(5) Install the air box (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the upper ball joint nut. Tighten the nut
to 81 N´m (60 ft.lbs.).
(7) Install the right side tire and wheel assembly.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Set the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - LEFT SIDE
(1) Install the upper control arm to the vehicle.
(2) Install the upper control arm front bolt (Fig.
11). Tighten the bolt to 122 N´m (90 ft.lbs.).
(3) Install the upper control arm rear bolt (Fig.
11). Tighten the bolt to 122 N´m (90 ft.lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the battery temperature sensor to
the battery tray.
(5) Install the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reclip and mount the power center.
(8) Install the upper ball joint nut (Fig. 11).
Tighten the nut to 81 N´m (60 ft.lbs.).
(9) Install the left side tire and wheel assembly.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Lower the vehicle.
(11) Set the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 10 REAR BOLT
1 - STEERING SHAFT
2 - REAR BOLT
3 - RATCHET WITH AN EXTENSION
Fig. 11 UPPER CONTROL ARM
KJFRONT 2 - 15
UPPER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SUSPENSION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Weak or broken spring. 1. Replace spring.
2. Alignment. 2. Align vehicle to specifications.
3.Tires. 3. Replace tires.
4. Brakes. 4. Repair as necassary.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
2. Loose shock mounting. 2. Tighten to specifications.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.
4. Loose upper ball joint. 4. Replace ball joint.
5. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.5. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.1. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2. Bent axle. 2.Replace axle.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber Upper Nut 108 80 Ð
Shock Absorber Lower Nut 115 85 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Ball Joint Nut 95 70 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Frame Bolts 100 74 Ð
Rear Upper Ball Joint Bracket Bolts 136 100 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Body/Axle Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Frame Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bolts 99 73 Ð
KJREAR 2 - 17
REAR (Continued)