wheel alignment CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Owner's Guide

REMOVAL
The front cradle crossmember must be installed in
the design location to achieve proper front end sus-
pension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is
removed without applying reference marks on the
frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according
to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become
damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut
can be obtained through MoparT.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 10).(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.
(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut
attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 11).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 14).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 13).
Fig. 10 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
Fig. 11 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
13 - 10 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication causing binding
in front lower control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm ball joint.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mispositioned or
unlubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding mount bearing in front
strut assembly.7. Replace mount bearing in front strut
assembly.
8. Binding shaft bearing in steering
column.8. Replace the steering column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Power steering gear loose on
cradle/crossmember.2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft worn, broken or
loose.3. Replace steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft.
4. Free play in steering column. 4. Check all components of the steering
column and repair or replace as required.
5. Worn lower control arm ball joints. 5. Replace lower control arm ball joints as
required.
6. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint
stud pinch bolt.6. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary,
and tighten to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearing loose or
worn.7. Replace hub and bearing as necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod end. 8. Replace outer tie rod end that has
excessive free play.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)
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(12) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 3). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.). When installing mounting bolts, include pres-
sure hose routing clamp.
(13) Reconnect previously disconnected hose at
power steering cooler and install clamp.
(14) Install the front tire and wheel assemblies on
vehicle. Install the wheel lug nuts and torque to 135
N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(16) Lower the vehicle to a level where the interior
of vehicle is accessible.
(17) With the wheels pointed approximately
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, align the intermediate shaft
with the steering column coupler. Assemble the steer-
ing column shaft coupler onto the steering gear inter-
mediate coupler (Fig. 2). Install steering column
coupler to intermediate shaft retaining pinch bolt.
Tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
(18) Remove the steering wheel holding tool.
(19) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(20) Inspect system for leaks.
(21) Adjust front toe (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - RHD GEAR
(1) Install the steering gear up in the front sus-
pension cradle crossmember, leaving room to install
intermediate coupler.
(2) Start the roll pin into the intermediate coupler
before installing coupler on steering gear shaft. Start
roll pin into coupler, using a hammer and tapping it
into the coupler. Then install the intermediate cou-
pler on the shaft of the steering gear.
(3) Install Remover/Installer Special Tool 6831A
through the center of the roll pin, securing it with
the knurled nut (Fig. 12). Hold threaded rod station-
ary while turning nut. This will pull the roll pin into
the intermediate coupler.
(4) Install power steering gear on the front suspen-
sion cradle. Install the 2 steering gear mounting
bolts and nuts. Tighten the M-14 size steering gear
to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque of 183
N´m (135 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size steering
gear to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque
of 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).CAUTION: Proper torque on the steering gear to
suspension cradle mounting bolts is very impor-
tant.
(5) Install the heat shield on the steering gear
(Fig. 10).
(6) Attach the power steering fluid pressure and
return hoses to the proper fittings on the steering
gear (Fig. 10). Do not fully tighten the fittings at this
time.
(7) Install the routing clamp with the bolt securing
the power steering fluid hoses to the rear of the cra-
dle crossmember (Fig. 11).
(8) Using a crowfoot wrench on a torque wrench,
tighten the power steering fluid hose tube nuts at the
gear to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(9) Install tie rod end into steering knuckle. Start
tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto
stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end
stationary using a socket (Fig. 4), tighten tie rod end
to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a
crowfoot and socket (Fig. 13), tighten the tie rod end
attaching nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(10) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, install the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Proper torque on the cradle reinforce-
ment to suspension cradle mounting bolts is very
important.
(11) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 6). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(12) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten bolts to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 6). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(14) If power steering cooler equipped, install the
previously disconnected power steering cooler hose on
the cooler. Install the clamp.
(15) If power steering cooler equipped, install the
power steering fluid cooler on the cradle crossmem-
ber reinforcement (Fig. 3). Install the mounting bolts
and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(16) Install the front tire and wheel assemblies on
vehicle. Install the wheel mounting lug nuts and
tighten to a torque to 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
RSGEAR19-33
GEAR (Continued)
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(17) Lower the vehicle to a level were the interior
of vehicle is accessible (keeping tires off the ground).
(18) With the wheels pointed approximately
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, align the intermediate shaft
with the steering column coupler. Assemble the steer-
ing column shaft coupler onto the steering gear inter-
mediate coupler (Fig. 2). Install steering column
coupler to intermediate shaft retaining pinch bolt.
Tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
(19) Remove the steering wheel holding tool.
(20) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION procedure to properly fill and
bleed the power steering system. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(21) Inspect for leaks.
(22) Adjust front wheel toe (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
OUTER TIE ROD
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut
(Fig. 14).
(2) Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to
steering knuckle (Fig. 15). The nut is to be removed
from tie rod end by holding tie rod end stud with a
11/32 socket while loosening and removing nut with a
wrench.
(3) Remove the tie rod end stud from steering
knuckle arm, using Remover, Special Tool C-3894±A
(Fig. 16).
(4) Remove outer tie rod end by un-threading it
from the inner tie rod.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing the outer tie rod, make sure
the jam nut is on inner tie rod (Fig. 14).
Puller C-3894A
Remover/Installer Steering Shaft Roll Pin 6831A
Fig. 14 Inner To Outer Tie Rod Jam Nut
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
19 - 34 GEARRS
GEAR (Continued)
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(1) Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.
(2) Do not tighten jam nut.(3) Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle.
Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut
onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod
end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering
knuckle attaching nut (Fig. 15). Then using a crow-
foot and 11/32 socket (Fig. 17), torque tie rod end
attaching nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten tie rod jam nut (Fig. 14) to 75 N´m (55
ft. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear boot to become twisted.
(5) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 15 Tie Rod End Attaching Nut (Typical)
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - WRENCH
4 - SOCKET
5 - TIE ROD END STUD
Fig. 16 TIE ROD REMOVAL WITH TOOL C-3894-A
1 - OUTER TIE ROD
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3894-A
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 17 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - TIE ROD END
3 - CROWFOOT
4 - SOCKET
5 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSGEAR19-35
OUTER TIE ROD (Continued)
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Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 26).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should not be
driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph).
Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of the
tire. For information on tire identification and speed
ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 27). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raisedwhite letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 28). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps hold the tire in position on the
wheel until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 29).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
Fig. 26 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAFig. 27 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-17
TIRES (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: If new hinge pins are to be used, verify that
the knurling on the hinge pin is aligned with the
knurling on in the door hinge prior to driving in the
pin. Also, verify that the hinge pin is fully seated to
the door hinge and a new retaining clip is installed.
(1) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(2) Position door to vehicle. Verify net pierce nub-
bin is engaged if reusing original hinges.
(3) Steady door on lifting device and install bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame. Tighten
bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar. Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame. Tighten bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Align door to achieve equal spacing to surrounding
body panels. Panels should be flush across all gaps.
(6) Connect door harness into body wiring harness.
(7) Connect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors.
(8) Connect clips attaching door harness wire con-
nector to inner fender brace.
(9) Install front wheelhouse splash shield.
(10) Verify door operation and alignment. Adjust
as necessary.
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove watershield. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove inner belt molding.(Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FDR INNER BELT
WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove outer belt molding.(Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FDR OUTER BELT
MOLDING - REMOVAL)
(4) Position glass to gain access to front and rear
regulator lift plates through front and rear access
holes in door panel.
(5) Remove clips attaching door glass to regulator
lift plates (Fig. 6).
(6) Remove glass from regulator lift plates.
(7) Disengage glass from glass run weatherstrip.
(8) Insert front of glass between glass run channel
and outer door panel.
(9) Lift glass upward and out of exterior side of
the opening at top of door (Fig. 7).
(10) Remove glass from vehicle.
Fig. 4 FRONT DOOR - HINGE PIN REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - CLIP
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - HINGE PIN
5 - CLIP
6 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
Fig. 5 FRONT DOOR - HINGE BOLT REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - CHECK STRAP
4 - LOWER HINGE
23 - 16 DOOR - FRONTRS
DOOR (Continued)
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