service CHEVROLET DYNASTY 1993 Owner's Guide

SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS
CONTENTS
page page
AUTOMATIC AIR LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM . 59
AUTOMATIC AIR SUSPENSION ............ 73
DRIVESHAFTS ......................... 25
FRONT SUSPENSION ..................... 2
FRONT SUSPENSION SERVICE PROCEDURES . 5 GENERAL INFORMATION
.................. 1
REAR (STUB) AXLE ALIGNMENT ALL MODELS ............................ 89
REAR SUSPENSION ..................... 50
SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 91
GENERAL INFORMATION
Throughout this group, references may be made to
a particular vehicle by letter or number designation.
A chart showing the breakdown of these designations
is included in the Introduction section at the front of
this Service Manual. An independent MacPherson Type front suspension
is used on these vehicles. Vertical shock absorbing
struts attach to the upper fender reinforcement and the steering knuckle to provide upper steering
knuckle position. Lower control arms are attached
inboard to a crossmember and outboard to the steer-
ing knuckle through a ball joint to provide lower
steering knuckle position. During steering maneu-
vers, the strut (through a pivot bearing in the upper
retainer) and the steering knuckle turn as an assem-
bly (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Front Suspension (Typical)
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 1

FRONT SUSPENSION SERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Ball Joints .............................. 13
Hub and Bearing Assembly ................. 20
Knuckle (Front Suspension) ................. 16
Lower Control Arm ....................... 10
Lower Control Arm Pivot Bushings ........... 11 Shock Absorbers (Strut Damper)
............. 10
Strut Damper Assembly ..................... 7
Suspension Coil Springs .................... 9
Sway Bar .............................. 14
Wheel Alignment .......................... 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Front wheel alignment is the proper adjustment of
all interrelated front suspension angles. These angles
are what affects the running and steering of the
front wheels of the vehicle. The method of checking front alignment will vary
depending on the type of equipment being used. The
instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the
equipment should always be followed. With the ex-
ception that the alignment specifications recom-
mended by Chrysler Corporation be used. There are six basic factors which are the founda-
tion to front wheel alignment. These are height,
caster, camber, toe-in, steering axis inclination and
toe-out on turns. Of the six basic factors only camber
and toe in are mechanically adjustable (Fig. 1)
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering components by heating or bending
of the component.
Wheel alignment adjustments and checks should be
made in the following sequence. (1) Camber
(2) Toe
Camber is the number of degrees the top of the
wheel is tilted inward or outward from true vertical.
Inward tilt is negative camber. Outward tilt is posi-
tive camber. Excessive camber is a tire wear factor: negative
camber causes wear on the inside of the tire, while
positive camber causes wear to the outside. Toe
is measured in degrees or inches and is the
distance the front edges of the tires are closer (or far-
ther apart) than the rear edges. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications for Toesettings.
PRE-ALIGNMENT
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment factors. The following inspection
and necessary corrections must be made on those
parts which influence the steering of the vehicle. (1) Check and inflate tires to recommended pres-
sure. All tires should be the same size and in good
condition and have approximately the same wear.
Note type of tread wear which will aid in diagnosing,
see Wheels and Tires, Group 22. (2) Check front wheel and tire assembly for radial
runout. (3) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness. (4) Check for broken or sagged front and rear
springs. Front suspension must only be checked after the
vehicle has had the following checked or adjusted.
Tires set to recommended pressures, full tank of fuel,
no passenger or luggage compartment load and is on
a level floor or alignment rack. Just prior to each alignment reading. The vehicle
should be bounced (rear first, then front) by grasping
bumper at center and jouncing each end an equal
number of times. Always release bumpers at bottom
of down cycle.
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 5

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SERVICE PROCEDURE
CAMBER AA, AJ BODIES (1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Loosen cam and knuckle bolts (each side) (Fig.
2). (3) Rotate cam bolt (Fig. 2) to move top of wheel in
or out to specified camber. (4) Tighten the cam bolts and nuts to 100 N Im (75
ft. lbs.) plus1/4 turn beyond specified torque.
CAMBER AC, AG, AP, AY BODIES (1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Position vehicle on alignment equipment and
read camber as instructed by equipment manufactur-
er's procedure. (3) Using extensions and appropriate tools. Re-
move the strut assembly to steering knuckle attach-
ing bolts from vehicle (Fig. 2). Replace the original
attaching bolts with the bolts provided in the align-
ment, Cam And Bolt Service Package. (4) Rotate the alignment adjusting cam bolt, (Fig.
2) to obtain the specified camber setting for the ve-
hicle. See the Specifications Section at the end of this
group for the camber setting for the vehicle being
serviced. (5) Using the appropriate extensions and tools.
Carefully reach around the tire and tighten the
knuckle bolts enough to hold the camber setting.
Finish by tightening the bolts to 100 N Im (75 ft.lbs.)
plus 1/4 turn beyond specified torque.
TOE
(1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Center steering wheel and hold with steering
wheel clamp. (3) Loosen tie rod locknuts. Rotate rods to align toe
to specifications (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Do not twist tie rod to steering gear rub-
ber boots during adjustment. (4) Tighten tie rod locknuts to 75 N Im (55 ft.lbs.)
torque. (5) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rod.
(6) Remove steering wheel clamp.
STRUT DAMPER ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen wheel nuts.
(2) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance, Group 0. (3) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Where service procedure includes assembly of
original strut (shock absorber) to original
knuckle. Mark cam adjusting bolt (Fig. 4), on
AA, and AJ bodies only. Mark outline of strut
on knuckle as shown in (Fig. 1). on AC, AG, AP
and AY bodies. (4) Remove cam bolt, knuckle bolt(s), washer
plate(s) and brake hose to damper bracket retaining
screw (Fig. 4). (5) Remove strut damper to fender shield mount-
ing nut washer assemblies.
Fig. 2 Alignment Adjustment Locations
Fig. 3 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 7

(a) Severe deterioration of rubber isolator; re-
tainers for cracks and distortion and bond failure of
retainers and rubber isolators. (b) Bearings for binding.
(c) Shock Absorber for flat spots over full stroke
also see, Shock Absorbers, (strut damper).
ASSEMBLE (STRUT DAMPER)
(1) Mount the strut assembly in a vertical position.
(2) Place the compressed spring onto the strut as-
sembly, so the end of the coil is seated in the seat re-
cess in lower spring mount (Fig. 9). (3) Install the dust shield, isolator (if so equipped)
jounce bumper, spacer (as required), and spring seat
onto the top of the strut shaft (Fig. 8). (4) Position top spring seat alignment tab correctly
with respect to bottom bracket (Fig. 9). (5) Install the rebound retainer and shaft nut (Fig.
8). (6) Tighten the strut shaft nut using, Strut Rod
Socket And Holder, Special Tool L-4558. Torque strut
shaft nut to 75 N Im (55 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn (Fig. 10).
WARNING: THIS STEP MUST BE DONE BEFORE
SPRING COMPRESSOR, SPECIAL TOOL C-4838 IS
RELEASED FROM THE COIL SPRING.
(7) Verify coil spring is aligned correctly with respect
to bottom bracket (Fig. 9). (8) Release Spring Compressor Tool C-4838.
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
Springs are rated separately for each side of vehicle
depending on optional equipment and type of service.
During service procedures where both springs are
removed, mark springs (Chalk, Tape, etc.) (Fig. 11) to
ensure installation in original position. If the coils
springs require replacement. Be sure that the
springs needing replacement, are replaced with
springs meeting the correct load rating for the
vehicle and its specific options. During service procedures requiring the re-
moval or installation of a coil spring with Spring
Fig. 7 Loosening Strut Assembly Shaft Nut
Fig. 8 Mount Assembly
Fig. 9 Spring Seat Alignment Notch Position to Bracket
Fig. 10 Tighten Strut Rod Nut with Tool
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 9

Compressor, Special Tool C-4838. It is required
that five coils be captured within the jaws of the
tool (Fig. 11).
SPRING RETAINER UPPER
Ensure that upper spring retainer is positioned
properly, see; step (4), Assemble (Strut Damper).
SPRING SEAT LOWER
During assembly of the coil spring to strut damper.
Ensure that lower coil spring end is seated in strut
damper spring seat recess refer to (Fig. 9) in assem-
ble (Strut Damper) section.
SHOCK ABSORBERS (Strut Damper)
INSPECTION
Inspect for evidence of fluid leaking from around
the strut assembly shaft seal at the upper end of the
reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of fluid
running down the side and dripping off lower end of
unit. A slight amount of seepage around the strut
rod is not unusual and does not affect performance.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
The lower control arm if damaged, is serviced only
as a complete component. Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a broken or bent lower control arm. The serviceable components of the lower control
arm are, the ball joint assembly, and both pivot
bushings. The service procedure to replace these com-
ponents is detailed in the specific component sections
of this group.
REMOVAL (ASSEMBLY)
(1) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication,
Group 0 of this service manual. (2) Remove the ball joint stud to steering knuckle
clamp nut and bolt (Fig. 1). (3) Remove the sway bar to lower control arm re-
tainer on both sides of the vehicle (Fig. 2). Then ro-
tate the sway bar down away from the lower control
arms. (4) Separate the steering knuckle from the ball
joint stud (Fig. 1). (5) Remove the front and rear control arm pivot
bushing to crossmember attaching nuts and bolts
(Fig. 2). Then remove the lower control arm from the
crossmember.
CAUTION: Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle
after releasing from ball joint can separate inner
C/V joint. See Driveshafts.
Fig. 11 Identifying Coil Springs
Fig. 1 Control Arm To Steering Knuckle Attachment
Fig. 2 Lower Control Arm Typical
2 - 10 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

BALL JOINT INSTALLATION
(1) By hand, position ball joint assembly into the
ball joint bore of the lower control arm. Be sure the
ball joint assembly is not cocked in the bore of the
control arm, this will cause binding of the ball joint
assembly. (2) Position assembly in press with Installer Tool
C-4699-2 supporting control arm (Fig. 14). (3) Install the Remover/Installer, Special Tool
C-4699-1 over the ball joint stud and down on the
lower body of the ball joint assembly (Fig. 14). (4) Carefully align all pieces. Using an arbor press
apply pressure against the ball joint assembly, until
ball joint is fully seated against bottom surface of
control arm. Do not apply excessive pressure against
the control arm.
BALL JOINT SEAL INSTALLATION
(1) Support ball joint housing with Installer, Spe-
cial Tool C-4699-1 (Fig. 15). Position new seal over
ball joint stud and against ball joint housing.
(2) With 1-1/2 inch socket, press seal onto ball
joint housing until it is squarely seated against top
surface of control arm as shown in (Fig. 15).
SWAY BAR
The sway bar interconnects the front lower control
arms of the vehicle and attaches to the crossmember
(Fig. 1). Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
to stabilize body roll. Attachment to the crossmember, and front lower
control arms is through rubber-isolated bushings. All
parts are serviceable, and the sway bar to crossmem-
ber bushings are split for easy removal and installa-
tion. The split in the sway bar to crossmember
bushing should be positioned toward the front of the
vehicle.
LOWER CONTROL ARM SWAY BAR RETAINER ATTACHMENT HOLE THREAD REPAIR
If threaded holes in lower control arm, for attach-
ment of sway bar retainers (Fig. 1) become damaged.
The threaded holes are repairable and do not require
replacement of lower control arm. If threads are damaged or stripped on the lower
control arm. An initial repair attempt should be
Fig. 13 Removing Ball Joint
Fig. 14 Installing Ball Joint
Fig. 15 Installing Ball Joint Seal
2 - 14 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

the lower clamps and bolts. The center offset in the
sway bar should be oriented toward the front of the
vehicle (Fig. 16)(3) Position bushing retainers on lower control arms
and install bolts (Fig. 16). (4) With lower control arms raised to design height,
tighten all retainer attaching bolts to 70 N Im (50 ft.
lbs.) torque. (5) Lower vehicle.
KNUCKLE (FRONT SUSPENSION)
The front suspension knuckle (Fig. 1) provides for
steering control of the vehicle. Supports the brake
caliper and absorbs the loads exerted during vehicle
braking. It also supports the front (driving) hub and
bearing and stub axle assembly. The front suspension knuckle also provides the abil-
ity to align the front wheels of the vehicle. This is done
by allowing for front wheel camber adjustment and the
ability for front tire Toe adjustments The front suspension knuckle is not a serviceable
component. Do not attempt to straighten or repair the
front suspension knuckle in any way. Service repair or replacement of the front (drive) hub
and bearing, can be done with the front suspension
knuckle remaining on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cotter pin, hub nut lock and spring
washer from the front axle (Fig. 2). (2) Loosen hub nut while the vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 3). The hub and drive-
shaft are splined together through the knuckle
(bearing) and retained by the hub nut. (3) Raise and support the vehicle. See Hoisting in
Lubrication and Maintenance, Group 0. (4) Remove the wheel lug nuts, front tire and
wheel assembly and hub nut and washer. (5) Remove the brake caliper adapter to steering
knuckle attaching bolts and washers (Fig. 1). Re-
move the brake caliper and adapter from the steering
knuckle and braking disc. Support brake caliper/
adapter assembly using a wire hook and not by hy-
draulic hose (Fig. 4). (6) Remove the braking disc from the front hub/
bearing assembly (Fig. 5). (7) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod
end. Remove the tie rod end from the steering
knuckle arm using Puller, Special Tool C-3894-A
(Fig. 6). (8) Remove the clamp nut and bolt (Fig. 7) secur-
ing the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. (9) Separate ball joint stud from knuckle assembly
by prying down on lower control arm. Pull knuckle
assembly out and away from driveshaft (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 Remove Cotter Pin, Hub Nut Lock, & Spring Washer
Fig. 3 Loosen Hub Nut
Fig. 1 Front Knuckle Assembly (Typical)
2 - 16 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Align the front wheels of the vehicle. Use the
procedure listed under Wheel Alignment, in the
Front Suspension Service Procedures section of this
service manual.
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The Unit III Front Hub and Bearing (Fig. 1) is used
on all Front Wheel Drive Applications. All hub and bearing assemblies mount to the steer-
ing knuckle the same way, but very by the wheel size
on the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with 14 inch wheels
have a 4 inch wheel mounting stud pattern. Vehicles
equipped with 15 inch wheels hav e a 4 1/2 inch wheel
mounting stud pattern. If a hub and bearing assembly
needs to be replaced, be sure that the replacement
assembly has the same size wheel mounting stud
pattern as the original part.
This unit is serviced only as a complete assembly
(Fig. 1). It is mounted to the steering knuckle by four
mounting bolts that are removed from the rear of the
steering knuckle (Fig. 2).
REMOVAL
Replacement of the front (drive) hub and bearing
assembly can be done without having to remove the
steering knuckle from the vehicle. (1) Remove cotter pin, hub nut lock, and spring
washer (Fig. 3). (2) Loosen hub nut while the vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 4). The hub and drive-
shaft are splined together through the knuckle
(bearing assembly) and retained by the hub nut. (3) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting Recommendations in
Group 0 of this service manual. (4) Remove the hub nut and the washer from the
stub axle (Fig. 3). (5) Remove the wheel lug nuts, and tire and wheel
assembly from the vehicle.
Fig. 16 Install Washer and Hub Nut
Fig. 17 Tighten Hub Nut
Fig. 18 Install Spring Washer, Nut Lock, & Cotter Pin
Fig. 1 Unit III Front Hub And Bearing Assembly
2 - 20 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

(2) Position new hub and bearing assembly seal in
recess of the steering knuckle (Fig. 11). Assemble In-
staller, Special Tool C-4698. Tool is provided with a
handle and dual purpose drive head for installing seal into knuckle and (head reversed) for installing
wear sleeve onto C/V joint housing.
(3) Using Special Tool C-4698 (Fig. 11) install the
hub and bearing seal, until fully seated into the
steering knuckle recess.
CAUTION: During any required service procedures
that require steering knuckle and driveshaft to be
separated. Both seal and wear sleeve must be
throughly cleaned and lubricated.
(4) Lubricate the FULL circumference of the bearing
seal (and wear sleeve) as shown in (Fig. 12). With Mo-
par tMulti-Purpose Lubricant, or equivalent.
Fig. 8 Remove or Install Braking Disc
Fig. 9 Separate Ball Joint Stud from Steering
Knuckle
Fig. 6 Remove Clamp Bolt and Caliper Guide Pins
Fig. 7 Supporting Brake Caliper
2 - 22 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

DRIVESHAFTS INDEX
page page
C/V Joint Boots Handling and Cleaning ........ 44
Damper Weights ......................... 48
Driveshaft Identification .................... 27
Driveshaft Positioning Specifications .......... 48
Driveshaft Reconditioning Procedure .......... 31
Driveshafts, Remove Install ................. 27 General Information
....................... 25
Inner C/V Joint .......................... 32
Intermediate Shaft Assembly Recondition ...... 41
Outer C/V Joint .......................... 37
Service Procedures ....................... 27
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chrysler front wheel drive vehicles use two different
driveshaft systems. Some vehicles use an equal length
system while other vehicles use an unequal length sys-
tem (Fig. 1). The equal length system has short solid interconnect-
ing shafts of equal length on the left and right sides.
The unequal length system has a short solid intercon-
necting shaft on the left side with a longer tubular or
solid interconnecting shaft on the right.
The driveshaft assemblies can be serviced in the same
manner for both systems. With the exception of a rubber
washer seal attached to the right inner (Constant Veloc- ity) C/V joint, on an equal length installation. The equal
length system also has an intermediate shaft attached to
a cardan joint (U-joint). With a stub shaft splined into
the right side of the transaxle with a bearing and
bracket assembly fastened to the right rear of the engine
block.
The driveshaft assemblies are three piece units. Each
driveshaft has a Tripod Joint, an Interconnecting Shaft
and a Rzeppa joint. The Tripod Joint is splined into the
transaxle side gear, or into the intermediate shaft on
the right side of an equal length system. The Rzeppa
joint has a stub shaft that is splined into the wheel hub.
Fig. 1 Front-Wheel-Drive Driveshaft Systems
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 25