service CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Owner's Manual

HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel bearing and front wheel hub of
this vehicle are a hub and bearing unit type assem-
bly (Unit III). This unit combines the front wheel
mounting hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing
into a sealed one-piece unit. The hub and bearing is
mounted to the center of the steering knuckle (Fig.
1). It is retained by four mounting bolts accessible
from the inboard side of the steering knuckle. The
hub flange has five wheel mounting studs.
The wheel mounting studs used to mount the tire
and wheel to the vehicle are the only replaceable
components of the hub and bearing assembly. Other-
wise, the hub and bearing is serviced only as a com-
plete assembly.
OPERATION
The hub and bearing has internal bearings that
allow the hub to rotate with the driveshaft, along
with the tire and wheel. The five wheel mounting
studs mount the tire and wheel, and brake rotor to
the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HUB AND
BEARING
The condition of the front hub and bearing assem-
bly is diagnosed using the inspection and testing pro-
cedure detailed below.
The bearing contained in the Unit III front hub/
bearing assembly will produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise will generally
change when the bearings are loaded. A road test of
the vehicle is normally required to determine the
location of a worn or damaged bearing.
Find a smooth level road surface and bring the
vehicle up to a constant speed. When vehicle is at a
constant speed, swerve the vehicle back and forth
from the left and to the right. This will load and
unload the bearings and change the noise level.
When bearing damage is slight, the noise is some-
times noticeable at lower speeds and at other times
is more noticeable at speeds above 105 km/h (65
mph).
REMOVAL
NOTE: Replacement of the Unit III front hub/bearing
assembly can be normally done without having to
remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle. In the
event that the hub/bearing is frozen in the steering
knuckle and cannot be removed by hand, it will
have to be pressed out of the steering knuckle. The
steering knuckle will require removal from the vehi-
cle to allow the hub/bearing assembly to bepressed out of the steering knuckle. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL)
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove wheel lug nuts, and front tire and
wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the cotter pin, nut lock and spring
washer from the stub axle (Fig. 4).
(4) With aid of a helper applying the brakes to
keep the front hub from turning, remove the hub nut
(Fig. 4).
(5) Remove disc brake caliper and adapter as an
assembly from knuckle as shown (Fig. 5). Hang
assembly out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.
Do not allow caliper hang by brake hose.
(6) Remove brake rotor from hub and bearing (Fig.
5).
(7) Push in on end of driveshaft stub shaft, push-
ing its splines out of the hub splines.
(8) Remove the four hub and bearing mounting
bolts from the rear of steering knuckle (Fig. 6).Use
care not to come in contact with and damage
the ABS tone wheel on the driveshaft stub shaft
upon bolt removal.
(9) Remove the hub and bearing assembly from
the steering knuckle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Hub and bearing assembly mounting
surfaces on the steering knuckle and stub axle (Fig.
7) must be smooth and completely free of foreign
material or nicks prior to installing hub and bearing
assembly.
Fig. 4 Hub Nut
1 - HUB NUT
2 - NUT LOCK
3 - COTTER PIN
4 - SPRING WASHER
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-5
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4 bolts. The driveshaft's constant velocity (C/V) stub
axle is splined through the center of the hub and
bearing and is held in place using a nut, nut lock and
cotter pin.
Service replacement of the front hub and bearing
assembly can be done with the steering knuckle
remaining on the vehicle.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivots with the strut assem-
bly between the lower ball joint and the pivot bearing
in the strut assembly. The steering gear outer tie rod
end connects to the trailing end of each knuckle,
allowing the vehicle to be steered.
The center of the knuckle supports the hub and
bearing and axle shaft.
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove the cotter pin, nut lock and spring
washer from the end of the stub axle and hub nut
(Fig. 8).
(4) Have a helper apply the vehicle's brakes to
keep hub from turning,loosen and removethe hub
nut (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove disc brake caliper and adapter as an
assembly from knuckle as shown (Fig. 9). Hang
assembly out of the way using a bungee cord or wire
(Fig. 10).Do not allow caliper to hang by brake
hose.
(6) Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to
steering knuckle by holding the tie rod end studwhile loosening and removing nut with a wrench
(Fig. 11).
Fig. 8 Hub Nut
1 - HUB NUT
2 - NUT LOCK
3 - COTTER PIN
4 - SPRING WASHER
Fig. 9 Front Brake Mounting
1 - BRAKE ROTOR
2 - HUB AND BEARING
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - BRAKE CALIPER
6 - ADAPTER
7 - CLIP
Fig. 10 Caliper And Driveshaft Suspended
1 - HANGER SUSPENDING CALIPER
2 - HANGER SUSPENDING DRIVESHAFT
3 - DRIVESHAFT
4 - BRAKE CALIPER
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-7
KNUCKLE (Continued)
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INSPECTION - STEERING KNUCKLE
Inspect the knuckle for the following:
²Cracks or breaks
²Dents or damage
²Stress marks indicating a bend
The front suspension knuckle is not a repairable
component of the vehicles front suspension. If bent,
broken or damaged in any way, do not attempt to
straighten or repair the steering knuckle. It must be
replaced.
If inspection leads to the hub and bearing, (Refer
to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
INSTALLATION - STEERING KNUCKLE
(1) If the hub and bearing needs to be installed in
the knuckle, place the hub and bearing squarely into
the center hole of the steering knuckle aligning the
threaded mounting holes of the hub and bearing with
the mounting holes in the steering knuckle. Install
the four mounting bolts and tighten them to a torque
of 65 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Before installing the knuckle on the ball
joint stud, wipe the ball joint stud and knuckle con-
tact area free of any grease or debris, otherwisedamage to the knuckle can occur. Use a clean shop
cloth with MoparTBrake Parts Cleaner applied to it
for proper cleaning. Do not spray the stud directly.
(2) Place the knuckle on the ball joint stud.
(3) Install a NEW steering knuckle to ball joint
stud nut. Tighten the nut by holding ball joint stud
with hex wrench while turning nut with a wrench
(Fig. 15). Using a crowsfoot wrench on a torque
wrench, tighten the nut to a torque of 108 N´m (80 ft.
lbs.).
(4) Slide driveshaft stub axle into hub and bearing
assembly.
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during installation. Install nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckle.
CAUTION: If the vehicle being serviced is equipped
with eccentric strut assembly attaching bolts, the
eccentric bolt must be installed in the bottom (slot-
ted) hole on the strut clevis bracket (Fig. 16).
NOTE: The strut clevis-to-steering knuckle bolts are
installed differently on each side. Left hand side
bolts are to be installed from vehicle rear to front.
Right side bolts are to be installed from vehicle
front to rear.
(5) Install steering knuckle in clevis bracket of
strut damper assembly. Install the strut clevis-to-
steering knuckle attaching bolts. Tighten both bolts
to a torque of 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) plus an additional
1/4 (90É) turn.
Fig. 14 Using C-4150A To Release Ball Joint
1 - ALUMINUM KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - NUT INSTALLED ON BALL JOINT STEMFig. 15 Ball Joint Nut Installation
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - BALL JOINT STUD
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-9
KNUCKLE (Continued)
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(6) Install tie rod end into knuckle steering arm.
Start nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud
of tie rod end stationary using a socket (Fig. 11),
tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut.
Tighten the tie rod end nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55
ft. lbs.).
(7) If equipped with antilock brakes, install wheel
speed sensor and mounting bolt on steering knuckle
(Fig. 13). Tighten the speed sensor bolt to a torque of
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(8) Install brake rotor on hub and bearing (Fig. 9).
(9) Install disc brake caliper and adapter assembly
on steering knuckle. Install adapter amounting bolts
and tighten to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(10) Clean any debris from the threads of the
outer C/V joint stub axle.
(11) Install the washer and hub nut on stub axle.
(12) Have a helper apply the vehicle's brakes to
keep hub from turning, then tighten hub nut to a
torque of 244 N´m (180 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the spring wave washer on the end of
the stub axle.
(14) Install the hub nut lock, and anewcotter pin
(Fig. 8). Wrap cotter pin prongs tightly around the
hub nut lock.
(15) Install wheel and tire assembly. Install and
tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence
until all nuts are torqued to half the required speci-
fication. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the
full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(16) Lower vehicle.
(17) Set front wheel alignment camber and toe as
necessary. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL
ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
LOWER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION
The ball joint is an integral part of the lower con-
trol arm (Fig. 1). The ball joint has a tapered stud
that is pressed into the aluminum knuckle. The ball
joint stud is threaded on the end for a retainer nut.
The ball joint has a non-vented seal boot. The seal
boot has an integrated heat shield.
The ball joint used in the lower control arm of this
vehicle is a sealed-for-life ball joint and requires no
maintenance lubrication. The ball joint has been
lubricated-for-life during the manufacturing process.
A special fitting cap is installed on the fill port. This
cap must not be removed and replaced with a com-
mon zirc fitting. The special cap is there to eliminate
the possibility of lubrication latter during the ball
joints life, thus damaging the non-vented seal boot.
NOTE: The ball joint does not require any type of
additional lubrication for the life of the vehicle. No
attempt should be made to ever add any lubrication
to the lower ball joint.
OPERATION
The ball joint is a pivotal joint on the lower control
arm that allows the knuckle to move up and down,
and turn with ease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the special fitting cap on the bottom of
the ball joint and with no mechanical assistance or
added force, attempt to rotate the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn, the grease fitting will
rotate easily. If movement is noted, replacement of
the control arm is recommended.
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL
BOOT
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT
The lower ball joint seal boot is a two piece unit. It
consists of the seal boot, plus a separate shield that
is located in a groove at the top of the seal boot.
NOTE: The seal boot should only be replaced if
damaged during vehicle service. The entire lower
control arm should be replaced if the joint has been
contaminated.
Fig. 16 Correctly Installed Eccentric Attaching Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - 10 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
KNUCKLE (Continued)
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DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - HYDRO)
(1) Remove the lower control arm from the front
suspension cradle. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL)
(2) Mount the lower control arm in a visewithout
using excessive clamping force.
(3) Install Remover, Special Tool 8460, on hydro-
bushing as shown (Fig. 24). Removal Pin, Special
Tool 8460±3, must extend though hole in center of
bushing rear.
(4) Tighten forcing screw of Bridge (Special Tool
8460±1), removing bushing from lower control arm.
INSPECTION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Inspect lower control arm for signs of damage from
contact with the ground or road debris. If lower con-
trol arm shows any sign of damage, inspect lower
control arm for distortion. Do not attempt to repair
or straighten a broken or bent lower control arm. If
damaged, the lower control arm casting is serviced
only as a complete component.
Inspect both lower control arm isolator bushings
for severe deterioration, and replace as required.
Inspect the rear hydro-bushing for seepage. Both
type rear bushings are serviceable. If the front bush-
ing fails, the lower control arm must be replaced.
Inspect and test the ball joint per the procedure
listed in Lower Ball Joint. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR
BUSHING - STANDARD)
CAUTION: Do not apply grease or any other type of
lubricant other than the silicone lubricant specified
below to the control arm bushing.
(1) Apply Mopar Silicone Spray Lube or an equiv-
alent, to the hole in lower control arm rear bushing.
This will aid in the installation of the bushing on the
lower control arm.
(2) With the lower control arm held securely in a
vise, install bushing on lower control arm. Install
bushing by pushing and rocking the bushing until it
is fully installed on lower control arm. Be sure that
when bushing is installed it is past the upset on the
end of the lower control arm (Fig. 25).
(3) The rear bushing of the lower control arm,
when correctly installed, is to be positioned on the
lower control arm as shown (Fig. 25).
(4) Install lower control arm on vehicle. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION)
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR
BUSHING - HYDRO)
CAUTION: Do not apply grease or any other type of
lubricant to the arm stem where the bushing is to
be mounted. Such action will reduce proper bush-
ing adhesion to arm.
Fig. 24 HYDRO-BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - REMOVAL PIN (8460-3)
2 - BRIDGE (8460-1)
3 - HYDRO-BUSHING
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 25 Correctly Installed Lower Control Arm
Bushing
1 - ROUND SURFACE OF BUSHING
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING
4 - UPSET
5 - FLAT SURFACE OF BUSHING
2 - 14 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
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(3) Check position of the stabilizer bar in the front
suspension cradle. The center of the curved section of
the stabilizer bar must be aligned with the raised
line in the center of the front suspension cradle (Fig.
37).
(4) Install the stabilizer bar link mounting stud
through the hole in each end of the stabilizer bar
(Fig. 33).
CAUTION: When installing the nut on the mounting
stud of the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud
to rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating
by placing an open-end wrench on the flat
machined into the stud (Fig. 33).
(5) Hand-thread the nut on the end of each stabi-
lizer bar link stud. Hold the studs from turning by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the link's mounting stud, then tighten each nut
while holding the wrench in place (Fig. 33). Tighten
each nut to a torque of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the stabilizer bar bushing retainer to
cradle attaching bolts (Fig. 34) to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(7) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 32). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten these
M-10 size bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).(9) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 32). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the power steering cooler (Fig. 31).
Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(11) Lower the vehicle.
STRUT
DESCRIPTION - STRUT ASSEMBLY
A Macpherson type strut assembly is used in place
of a conventional front suspension's upper control
arm and upper ball joint. The bottom of the strut
mounts directly to the steering knuckle using two
bolts and nuts going through the strut clevis bracket
and steering knuckle. The top of the strut mounts
directly to the strut tower of the vehicle using the
threaded studs on the strut assemblies upper mount.
The strut assembly includes the components listed
in the figure (Fig. 38).
Each component is serviced by removing the strut
assembly from the vehicle and disassembling it.
The coil springs are side-oriented. Springs on the
left side of the vehicle have a left-hand wind top-to-
bottom while springs on the right side have a right-
hand wind top-to-bottom. This helps provide better
vehicle stability during jounce and rebound maneu-
vers of the front suspension. Left and right springs
must not be interchanged. Coil springs are rated sep-
arately for each corner or side of the vehicle depend-
ing on optional equipment and type of vehicle
service. If the coil springs require replacement, be
sure that the springs are replaced with springs meet-
ing the correct load rating and spring rate for the
vehicle and its specific options.
OPERATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY
The strut assembly cushions the ride of the vehicle,
controlling vibration, along with jounce and rebound
of the suspension.
The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains
proper ride height.
The spring isolators isolate the coil spring at the
top and bottom from coming into metal-to-metal con-
tact with the upper seat and strut.
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact under full jounce condition.
The strut dampens jounce and rebound motions of
the coil spring and suspension.
During steering maneuvers, the strut assembly
(through a pivot bearing in the upper strut mount)
and steering knuckle (through the lower ball joint)
turn as an assembly.
Fig. 37 Stabilizer Bar Correctly Positioned In Cradle
1 - RAISED BEAD
2-SWAYBAR
3 - WHEN INSTALLING SWAY BAR THE RAISED BEAD ON THE
SUSPENSION CRADLE MUST BE IN THE CENTER OF RADIUS
IN SWAY BAR
4 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-19
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
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(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from loca-
tion on front of vehicle requiring strut removal.
(3) If both strut assemblies are to be removed,
mark the strut assemblies right or left according to
which side of the vehicle they were removed from.
(4) Remove the hydraulic brake hose routing
bracket and the speed sensor cable routing bracket
from the strut damper brackets (Fig. 40).
CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the stud (Fig. 41).
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar link from the bracket
on the strut assembly (Fig. 41). To do so, place an
open-end wrench on the flat machined into the link's
mounting stud, then remove the nut while holding
the wrench in place. Push the stud out of the
bracket.
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(6) Remove the 2 strut assembly clevis bracket to
steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 42).
(7) Remove the 3 nuts attaching the strut assem-
bly upper mount to the strut tower (Fig. 43) and
remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
(8) To disassemble the strut assembly, (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - DISASSEMBLY).
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
The strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
Fig. 40 Brake Hose And Speed Sensor Cable
Routing
1 - STRUT DAMPER
2 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CABLE
3 - ROUTING BRACKET
4 - HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE
5 - ATTACHING BOLT
6 - ROUTING BRACKET
Fig. 41 Stabilizer Bar Link To Strut Attachment
1 - NUT
2 - STRUT
3 - STABILIZER BAR LINK
Fig. 42 Strut Damper Attachment To Steering
Knuckle
1 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - ATTACHING BOLTS
3 - TIE ROD END
4 - ROTOR
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-21
STRUT (Continued)
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WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED.
THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE
AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING
TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNT AND PIVOT
BEARING, BEFORE THE SHAFT NUT IS REMOVED.
(1) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
spring compressor following the manufacturers
instructions. Position the lower hooks on the coil
spring first. The strut clevis bracket should be posi-
tioned straight outward from the compressor.
(2) Turn the upper mount of the strut assembly
toward the inside of the compressor as shown to
allow positioning of the compressor upper hooks (Fig.
44). Position the upper hooks on top of the coil spring
upper seat approximately 1 inch from outside diame-
ter of seat (Fig. 47).Do not allow hooks to be
placed closer to edge.Place a clamp on the lower
end of the coil spring, so the strut is held in place
once the strut shaft nut is removed.
(3) Compress the coil spring until all coil spring
tension is removed from the upper mount.
(4) Install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on
the strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 45). Next, install a
10 mm socket on the hex on the end of the strut
shaft. While holding the strut shaft from turning,
remove the nut from the strut shaft.
(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft.
(6) If the pivot bearing needs to be serviced,
remove it from the top of the coil spring upper seat
by pulling it straight up.
(7) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.NOTE: If the coil spring or upper spring seat needs
to be serviced, proceed with the next step, other-
wise, proceed with step 10.
(8) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back the
compressor upper hooks and remove the upper spring
seat with upper spring isolator.
(9) Remove the coil spring from the spring com-
pressor.
Fig. 43 Strut Assembly To Strut Tower Attaching
Nuts (Typical)
1 - WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE
2 - STRUT TOWER
3 - STRUT MOUNT ATTACHING BOLTS
4 - UPPER STRUT MOUNT
Fig. 44 Mount Rotated And Hooks Positioned
1 - UPPER MOUNT TURNED TOWARD COMPRESSOR
2 - COMPRESSOR UPPER HOOKS
3 - UPPER SPRING SEAT
Fig. 45 Retaining Nut Removal/Installation (Typical)
1 - UPPER MOUNT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864
2 - 22 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
STRUT (Continued)
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(10) Remove the dust shield and jounce bumper as
an assembly from the strut shaft by pulling both
straight up and off the strut shaft. The dust shield
cannot be separated from the jounce bumper until
after it is removed from strut shaft.
(11) Remove the jounce bumper from the dust
shield. The jounce bumper is removed from the dust
shield by collapsing the dust shield until the jounce
bumper can be pulled free from the dust boot.
(12) Remove the spring isolator from the lower
spring seat on the strut (Fig. 38).
(13) Inspect the strut assembly components (Fig.
38) for the following and replace as necessary:
²Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Check the upper seat for stress cracks and wear.
²Check the upper spring isolator for severe dete-
rioration.
²Check for binding of the strut assembly pivot
bearing.
²Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
²Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
NOTE: Coil Springs on this vehicle are side-ori-
ented. Springs on the left side of the vehicle have a
left-hand wind top-to-bottom while springs on the
right side have a right-hand wind top-to-bottom.
Left and right springs must not be interchanged.
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 5.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor lower
hooks following the manufacturers instructions.
Proper orientation of the spring to the strut (once
installed) is necessary. Consider the following when
placing the coil spring in the compressor: From
above, the compressor back is at the 12 o'clock posi-
tion, and you, standing in the front of the machine,
are at the 6 o'clock position. Place the lower coil
spring end at the 6 o'clock position for both left and
right springs. (Fig. 46).
(2) Install the upper seat and upper isolator on top
of the coil spring. Position the notch in the perimeterof the upper seat toward the front of the compressor
(same 6 o'clock position as in step 1).
(3) Position the upper hooks on top of the coil
spring upper seat so the upper hooks span approxi-
mately 1 inch past outside diameter of upper seat
(Fig. 47). This will allow proper clearance for upper
mount installation without pinching the hooks in-be-
tween the two pieces.Do not allow hooks to be
placed closer to edge.
(4) Compress the coil spring far enough to allow
strut installation.
(5) If the pivot bearing has been removed from the
upper seat, install the pivot bearing on the top of the
upper spring seat (Fig. 48). The bearing must be
installed on upper seat with the smaller diameter
Fig. 46 Spring Positioned In Compressor (Right
Spring Shown)
1 - COMPRESSOR LOWER HOOKS
2 - COIL SPRING END
Fig. 47 Hook Placement On Upper Seat
1 - HOOKS POSITIONED 1 INCH FROM EDGE
2 - PIVOT BEARING AND UPPER SEAT
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-23
STRUT (Continued)
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DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Leaf Spring Plate-To-Axle
Bolts95 70 Ð
Leaf Spring Rear Mount-To-
Body Bolts61 45 Ð
Leaf Spring Shackle Plate
Nuts61 45 Ð
Shock Absorber Mounting
Bolts88 65 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bushing
Retainer Bolts61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts 61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Frame
Bracket Mounting Bolts61 45 Ð
Track Bar Bracket-To-Body
Mount Bolts61 45 Ð
Track Bar Pivot Bolts 95 70 Ð
Wheel Mounting (Lug) Nut 135 100 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - LEAF SPRING FRONT BUSHING
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 3).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
bushing replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).
(4) Remove four bolts securing leaf spring front
mounting bracket to the body (Fig. 3).
(5) Using jack,slowlylower rear axle, permitting
the forward end of rear spring to hang down. Lower
it enough to allow access to spring pivot bolt. It may
be necessary to place a wooden block between the
spring and vehicle to hold forward end of the spring
in place.
(6) Remove leaf spring forward pivot bolt, then
remove mounting bracket.
Remover, Hub/Bearing 8458
Remover/Installer, Bushing 8459
Remover/Installer, Bushing 8526
Press, Ball Joint C-4212F
2 - 28 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
REAR SUSPENSION (Continued)
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