group 14 DODGE NEON 1999 Service User Guide

(3) Carefully align all pieces. Using the arbor
press apply pressure against ball joint assembly (Fig.
77), until ball joint is fully seated against bottom sur-
face of lower control arm. Do not apply excessive
pressure against ball joint and lower control arm.
(4) Install aNEWball joint assembly sealing boot
on ball joint assembly. Install sealing boot as far as
possible on ball joint assembly.
CAUTION: Do not use an arbor press to install the
sealing boot on the lower control arm ball joint
assembly. Damage to the sealing boot can occur do
to excessive pressure applied to sealing boot when
being installed.
(5) Position Receiving Cup, Special Tool 6758 over
sealing boot so it is aligned properly with bottom
edge of sealing boot (Fig. 78). Apply pressureBY
HANDto special tool 6758, until sealing boot is
pressed squarely against top surface of lower control
arm.
LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT ISOLATOR
BUSHING
DISASSEMBLY
To perform the removal and replacement of the
lower control arm front isolator bushing, the lower
control arm must be removed from the vehicle.
(1) Remove the lower control arm assembly from
the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the required removal procedure.
(2) Mount Remover/Installer, Special Tool
C-4212-F in a vise (Fig. 79). Install Bushing
Remover, Special Tool 6804 and Bushing Receiver,
Special Tool 6758 on Special Tool C-4212-F (Fig. 79).
(3) Install lower control arm on Special Tools
assembled for removal of the front isolator bushing
as shown in (Fig. 80). Be sure Special Tool 6758 is
square on lower control arm and Special Tool 6804 is
positioned correctly on isolator bushing.
(4) Tighten screw on Remover/Installer Special
Tool C-4212-F to press front bushing out of lower
control arm.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Mount Installer Cup, Special Tool C-4212-F on
Remover/Installer, Special Tool C-4212-F (Fig. 81).
Then mount Bushing Installer, Special Tool 6810 on
screw portion of Remover/Installer Special Tool
C-4212-F (Fig. 81).
(2) Start front bushing into lower control armby
hand, making sure it is square with its mount-
ing hole in the lower control arm.Bushing is to
be installed in lower control arm from the machined
surface side of lower control arm bushing hole (Fig.
82).
(3) Install lower control arm as shown in (Fig. 83)
on Special Tools assembled for installing front isola-
Fig. 77 Installing Ball Joint In Lower Control Arm
Fig. 78 Ball Joint Seal Boot Installation
Fig. 79 Special Tools Assembled For Removing
Front Bushing
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 33
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

tor bushing into lower control arm. Be sure SpecialTool C-4212-F is square on lower control arm and
Special Tool 6810 is positioned correctly on isolator
bushing.
(4) Tighten screw on Remover/Installer Special
Tool C-4212-F pressing front bushing into lower con-
trol arm. Continue pressing front bushing into lower
control arm until special tool 6810 is sitting flush on
the machined surface of the lower control arm (Fig.
84). This will correctly position front bushing in
lower control arm.
(5) Install the lower control arm assembly back on
the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the required installation procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ISOLATOR BUSHING
DISASSEMBLY
Removal and installation of the lower control arm
rear isolator bushing is done using an arbor press.
Fig. 80 Removing Front Bushing From Lower
Control Arm
Fig. 81 Special Tools Assembled For Installing
Front Bushing
Fig. 82 Installation Direction Of Lower Control Arm
Front Bushing
Fig. 83 Front Bushing Installation
Fig. 84 Installation Position Of Front Lower Control
Arm Bushing
2 - 34 SUSPENSIONPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Do not attempt to use a different procedure from that
below for the removal and replacement of rear lower
control arm bushing.
(1) Remove the lower control arm assembly from
the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the required removal procedure.
(2) Position lower control arm in an arbor press
supported at rear bushing using Receiver Cup, Spe-
cial Tool 6756 (Fig. 85). Position Remover/Installer,
Special Tool 6758 on top of rear control arm bushing
(Fig. 85).
(3) Press isolator bushing out of the lower control
arm.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install the rear bushing into the lower control
arm in the direction indicated in (Fig. 86).Rear
bushing must be positioned in lower control
arm with the void in the bushing pointing
toward the compression strut of the lower con-
trol arm as shown in (Fig. 86).
(2) Place lower control arm in an arbor press sup-
ported at rear bushing hole using Receiver Cup, Spe-
cial Tool 6756 (Fig. 87). Correctly position Remover/
Installer, Special Tool 6760 on top of rear control arm
bushing (Fig. 87).
(3) Press rear bushing into lower control arm,
until flange on bushing is flush with machined sur-
face of lower control arm (Fig. 88).
(4) Install the lower control arm assembly back on
the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the required installation procedure.
Fig. 85 Special Tools Assembled For Removing
Rear Bushing
Fig. 86 Correct Installation Of Bushing In Lower
Control Arm
Fig. 87 Rear Bushing Installation
Fig. 88 Correctly Installed Rear Bushing
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 35
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Inspect the tension strut for signs of contact with
the ground or road debris which has bent or caused
other damage to the tension strut. If the tension
strut is bent or damaged the tension strut will
require replacement.Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a tension strut.
STABILIZER BAR AND BUSHINGS
Inspect the stabilizer bar for damage or bending.
Inspect for broken or distorted stabilizer bar bush-
ings, bushing retainers, and worn or damaged stabi-
lizer bar to strut attaching links. If stabiizer bar to
rear frame rail bushing replacement is required,
bushings can be removed from sway bar by opening
slit and peeling bushing off sway bar.
STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINKS
Inspect the bushings and sleeves in the stabilizer
bar attaching links for damage or deterioration.
Inspect the stabilizer bar attaching link to ensure it
is not bent or broken. If any of these conditions are
present when inspecting the attaching links, replace-
ment of the attaching link is required.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Refer to Front And Rear Wheel Toe Setting Proce-
dures in the Wheel Alignment Check And Adjustment
section in this group of the service manual for the
required rear wheel Toe setting procedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STRUT ASSEMBLY
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove hydraulic flex hose bracket, from
bracket on rear strut assembly (Fig. 6). If vehicle is
equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, the wheel speed
sensor cable routing clip is also attached to the strut
assembly bracket.
(4) Support rear knuckle, suspension and brake
components of vehicle before removing clevis bracket
to knuckle attaching bolts.Do not let weight of
rear knuckle and assembled components hang
unsupported when strut is removed.CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts station-
ary in knuckle.
(5) Remove the 2 clevis bracket bolts (Fig. 7)
attaching strut assembly to rear knuckle.
(6) Lower vehicle. Access to rear upper strut
mount to strut tower attaching bolts, is through the
trunk of the vehicle.
Fig. 6 Hydraulic Flex Hose Bracket Attachment To
Strut
Fig. 7 Knuckle To Clevis Bracket Bolts
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 43
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(7) Remove carpet (if required) from top of strut
tower. Then remove rubber dust shield (Fig. 8) from
top of strut tower, this will allow easier access to
upper strut mount attaching nuts.
(8) Loosen but do not remove the 4 upper strut
mount to strut tower attaching nuts (Fig. 9). Then
while supporting the strut assembly fully remove the
4 strut mount attaching nuts.
(9) Remove strut assembly from knuckle, by slid-
ing knuckle out of clevis bracket on strut assembly.
Then remove strut assembly from vehicle.
INSTALL
(1) Position strut assembly back into vehicle with
the 4 studs on strut mount assembly through holes
in strut tower of vehicle. Install the 4 strut mount to
body attaching nuts (Fig. 9) onto mount studs.
Torque the 4 strut mount to body attaching nuts to
34 N´m (300 in. lbs).(2) Install dust shield into hole on top of strut
tower (Fig. 8). Install carpeting back on top of rear
strut tower.
(3) Raise vehicle.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
installation. Install and torque nuts while holding
bolts stationary in knuckle.
(4) Install knuckle assembly into clevis bracket on
strut assembly. Install the 2 clevis bracket to knuckle
assembly attaching bolts and nuts (Fig. 7). Torque
both clevis bracket to knuckle assembly attaching
nuts to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install hydraulic flex hose bracket, on strut
assembly bracket (Fig. 6). Install and securely
tighten bolt attaching hose bracket to strut bracket.
If vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, the
wheel speed sensor cable routing clip is also attached
to the strut assembly bracket.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat tightening sequence to full speci-
fied torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(8) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting
Procedure in the Wheel Alignment Check And
Adjustment section in this group of the service man-
ual for the required Toe setting procedure.
COIL SPRING
Coil 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. 10) to ensure installation in original posi-
tion. If the coils springs require replacement.Be
sure that the springs needing replacement, are
replaced with springs meeting the correct load
and spring rate for the vehicle.
NOTE: During service procedures requiring
removal or installation of a coil spring with Spring
Compressor, Special Tool C-4838. It is required that
the first full top and bottom coil of the coil spring
be captured by the jaws of spring compressor (Fig.
10).
Replacement of the coil spring requires removal of
the strut assembly from the vehicle, and the disas-
sembly of the strut. Refer to strut assembly in the
removal and installation section in this group of the
service manual for the required removal and replace-
ment procedure for the strut assembly. Then refer to
Fig. 8 Dust Shield Removal From Strut Tower
Fig. 9 Strut Mount Attaching Nuts
2 - 44 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

strut assembly in the disassembly and assembly sec-
tion in this group of the service manual for the
required procedure to disassemble and assemble the
strut assembly for the removal of the coil spring.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove both rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove rear stabilizer bar from the 2 stabilizer
bar to strut attaching links (Fig. 11).
(4) Rotate stabilizer bar down slightly to clear
attaching links.
(5) Remove the 2 stabilizer bar to rear frame rail
retainers (Fig. 12).(6) Remove stabilizer bar from vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR AND BUSHING INSPECTION
Inspect for broken or distorted retainers and bush-
ings. If bushing replacement is required, bushing can
be removed by opening slit in bushing and removing
bushing from around stabilizer bar. When bushings
are installed on stabilizer bar, bushings must be
installed with slit positioned on stabilizer bar so slit
will face rear of vehicle when stabilizer bar is
installed (Fig. 13).
INSTALL
(1) Install stabilizer bar and isolator bushings
back into the vehicle as an assembly. Position stabi-
lizer bar so it is centered in the vehicle and does not
contact other suspension components or vehicle body.
(2) Install the 2 stabilizer bar to frame rail retain-
ers into frame rail and loosely install both retainer
attaching bolts (Fig. 12).
(3) Position both stabilizer bar to strut assembly
attaching links on stabilizer bar. Install and securely
tighten the stabilizer bar attaching link to stabilizer
bar attaching nuts (Fig. 11).
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
Fig. 10 Identifying Coil Springs
Fig. 11 Sway Bar To Strut Attaching Link
Fig. 12 Sway Bar To Frame Rail Retainers
Fig. 13 Bushings Correctly Installed On Stabilizer
Bar
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 45
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower the vehicle to the ground.
(6) With suspension supporting the full weight of
the vehicle, securely tighten the stabilizer bar
retainer to frame rail attaching bolts (Fig. 11).
KNUCKLE
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire.
(3) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove the rear caliper from the adapter. Refer to
Rear Disk Brakes in Group 5 Brakes of this Service
manual for required caliper removal procedure. After
removing the caliper, store the caliper by hanging it
from frame of the vehicle (Fig. 14). Do not let weight
of rear caliper hang from flexible brake hose.
(4) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove rotor from hub. If vehicle is equipped with
rear drum brakes, remove brake drum from hub.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes, remove
wheel speed sensor from rear disc brake adapter
(Fig. 15).
(6) Remove rear hub/bearing retaining nut (Fig.
16). Then remove the hub/bearing from the knuckle.(7) If vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes
remove the 4 bolts (Fig. 17) attaching rear brake sup-
port plate to knuckle. Then remove brake support
plate, brake shoes and wheel cylinder as an assembly
from rear knuckle (Fig. 17).It is not necessary to
remove brake flex hose from wheel cylinder
when removing support plate.Brake support
plate when removed, must be supported in same
manner as caliper assembly.
(8) On vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove the 4 bolts attaching disc brake adapter to
rear knuckle (Fig. 18). Then remove the adapter,
rotor shield, park brake shoes and park brake cable
as an assembly from knuckle.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
removal. Loosen and remove nuts while holding
bolts stationary in knuckle.
Fig. 14 Storing Rear Caliper
Fig. 15 Speed Sensor Head Attachment To Disc
Brake Adapter
Fig. 16 Hub/ Bearing Retaining Nut
2 - 46 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Install tension strut bushing, tension strut
retainer and nut on tension strut (Fig. 21).When
installing tension strut retainers, the retainers
must be installed on tension strut, with cupped
side of retainer facing away from bushing and
knuckle (Fig. 21).
(5) Position a large adjustable wrench on flat of
tension strut to keep it from turning, (Fig. 22) and
then torque tension strut nut to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(6) On vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes,
install rear brake support plate assembly onto the
knuckle (Fig. 17). Install the 4 bolts (Fig. 17) attach-
ing rear brake support plate to rear knuckle. Torque
attaching bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(7) On vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes,
install the disc brake adapter on knuckle (Fig. 18)
Install the 4 bolts attaching the disc brake adapter to
knuckle (Fig. 18). Torque attaching bolts to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.).(8) If vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes, install
speed sensor head into rear brake support plate or
disc brake adapter (Fig. 15). Tighten wheel speed
sensor mounting bolt to a torque of 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: The hub/bearing retaining nut must be
tightened to but must not exceed its required
torque specification. The proper torque specifica-
tion of the retaining nut is critical to the life of the
hub bearing.
(9) Install rear hub and bearing assembly on
knuckle. Install hub and bearing assembly retaining
nut (Fig. 16), and torque to 217 N´m (160 ft. lbs).
(10) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
install rear braking disc on hub. If vehicle is
equipped with rear drum brakes, install the brake
drum on hub.
(11) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
install rear braking disc on hub. Carefully install
rear brake caliper over braking disc and install on
adapter. Tighten the caliper assembly to adapter
mounting bolts to 22 N´m (192 in. lbs.). Refer to Rear
Disc Brakes in Group 5 Brakes in this service man-
ual for required caliper installation procedure.
(12) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) With suspension supporting total weight of
vehicle, and lateral links at correct curb height,
torque both lateral link attaching bolts to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(15) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting
Procedure in the Wheel Alignment Check And
Adjustment section in this group of the service man-
ual for the required Toe setting procedure.
LATERAL LINKS
The rear suspension lateral links (Fig. 23) are only
serviced as complete assemblies. The isolator bush-
ings used in the lateral links are not serviced as sep-
arate components. The rear lateral link assemblies
are unique, having different size bushings to accom-
modate the rear Toe adjustment cams. The rearward
lateral links, must be installed with small bushing
sleeve at knuckle and large bushing sleeve at rear
crossmember. This is required to accommodate the
rear Toe adjustment cam.
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
Fig. 21 Tension Strut Bushings Installed On Tension
Strut
Fig. 22 Torquing Tension Strut Nut
2 - 48 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

link mounting bolt at crossmember MUST be
installed, with head of bolt facing rear of vehi-
cle. The long attaching bolt must be used at
rear crossmember and short bolt used at
knuckle.
(1) Install washer on short lateral link attaching
bolt. Then install short lateral link attaching bolt,
into lateral link having the same size bushing
sleeves. Then install lateral link, bolt and washer
onto knuckle as an assembly, with head of bolt facing
to front of vehicle (Fig. 24).
(2) Install lateral link with small and large bush-
ing sleeve, on lateral link attaching bolt in rear
knuckle (Fig. 24).Small bushing sleeve must be
installed on bolt in rear knuckle with large
bushing sleeve at crossmember of vehicle.
(3) Install washer and nut onto lateral link attach-
ing bolt at rear knuckle (Fig. 24).Do not tighten
the lateral link to rear knuckle attaching bolt
at this time.
(4) Install Toe adjustment cam on long lateral link
attaching bolt. Install long lateral link attaching bolt
and adjustment cam, into lateral link toward rear of
vehicle, having the large bushing sleeve. Then pass
lateral link attaching bolt into rear crossmember
(Fig. 26).Head of long lateral link to crossmem-
ber attaching bolt must face to rear of vehicle
when installed.
(5) Position forward rear lateral link against rear
crossmember (Fig. 26). Then pass the lateral link
attaching bolt through front lateral link bushing
sleeve.
(6) Install washer and nut onto lateral link attach-
ing bolt at rear crossmember (Fig. 26).Do not
tighten the lateral link to rear crossmember
attaching bolt at this time.
(7) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in propersequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(9) With suspension supporting total weight of
vehicle, and lateral links at correct curb height,
torque both lateral link attaching bolts to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(10) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting
Procedure in the Wheel Alignment Check And
Adjustment section in this group of the service man-
ual for the required Toe setting procedure.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
The rear strut unit is not serviced and must be
replaced as an assembly if found to be defective. The
strut is available with 2 calibrations, be sure strut is
replaced with an assembly of the same calibration.
The components of the strut assembly listed below
are replaceable if found to be defective.
²Coil spring (Coil springs come in a standard rate
of 120 lb./in. be sure spring is replaced with a spring
of the same rate.)
²Dust shield
²Mount assembly
²Jounce Bumper
²Lower Spring Isolator
²Shaft Nut
(1) Remove strut assembly requiring service from
the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal in Ser-
vicing Rear Struts, in this section of the service man-
ual.
(2) Position strut assembly in a vise (Fig. 27).
Using paint or equivalent, mark the strut unit, lower
spring isolator, spring and upper strut mount for
indexing of the parts at assembly.
(3) Position Spring Compressors, Special Tool
C-4838 on the strut assembly spring (Fig. 28). Com-
press coil spring until all load is removed from upper
strut mount assembly.
(4) Install Strut Rod Socket, Special Tool, L-4558A
or L-4558 on strut shaft nut (Fig. 29). Inserted a 10
mm socket through special tool and onto end of strut
shaft (Fig. 29) to keep strut shaft from turning.
Remove strut shaft nut from strut shaft.
(5) Remove washer (Fig. 30) between strut shaft
nut and upper strut mount and isolator.
(6) Remove upper strut mount assembly from strut
shaft and spring (Fig. 31).
Fig. 26 Lateral Link Attachment To Crossmember
2 - 50 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

the jounce and rebound travel of the front suspen-
sion.
On vehicles equipped with ABS brakes, the outer
C/V joint is equipped with a tone wheel used to
determine vehicle speed for ABS brake operation.
The inner tripod joint of both driveshafts is splined
into the transaxle side gears. The inner tripod joints
are retained in the side gears of the transaxle using
a snap ring located in the stub shaft of the tripod
joint. The outer C/V joint has a stub shaft that is
splined into the wheel hub and retained by a hub nut
using a nut lock and cotter pin.
NOTE: This vehicle does not use a rubber±lip bear-
ing seal as on previous front±wheel±drive cars to
prevent contamination of the front wheel bearing.
On these vehicles, the face of the outer C/V joint
fits deeply into the steering knuckle, using a close
outer C/V joint±to±steering knuckle fit. This design
deters direct water splash on bearing seal while
allowing any water that gets in, to run out the bot-
tom of the steering knuckle bearing bore. It is
important to thoroughly clean the outer C/V joint
and the wheel bearing area in the steering knuckle
before it is assembled after servicing.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DRIVESHAFT DIAGNOSIS
VEHICLE INSPECTION
(1) Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard
tripod joint and outboard C/V joint; this is a sign of
inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp dam-
age.
(2) A light film of grease may appear on the right
inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal
and should not require replacement of the seal boot.
The right inner tripod joint seal boot is made of sili-
cone rubber; which will allow the weeping (sweating)
of the joint lubricant to pass through it while in oper-
ation.
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could
be caused by one of the following conditions.
(1) Damaged outer C/V or inner tripod joint seal
boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss
and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in
inadequate lubrication of the joint.
(2) Noise may also be caused by another compo-
nent of the vehicle coming in contact with the drive-
shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following
conditions:
(1) A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of
the driveshaft assembly.
(2) A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer
joint of the driveshaft assembly.
(3) A damaged or worn driveshaft C/V joint.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING
ACCELERATION
(1) A worn or damaged driveshaft inner tripod
joint.
(2) A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner
tripod joint only).
(3) Improper wheel alignment. See Wheel Align-
ment in this group for alignment checking and set-
ting procedures and specifications.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
(1) Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the
backside of the wheel(s).
(2) Out of balance front tires or wheels. See Group
22, Wheels And Tires for the required balancing pro-
cedure.
(3) Improper tire and/or wheel runout. See Group
22, Wheels And Tires for the required runout check-
ing procedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS
CAUTION: Boot sealing is vital to retain special
lubricants and to prevent foreign contaminants
from entering the C/V joint. Mishandling, such as
allowing the assemblies to dangle unsupported, or
pulling or pushing the ends can cut boots or dam-
age C/V joints. During removal and installation pro-
cedures, always support both ends of the driveshaft
to prevent damage.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The driveshaft, when installed, acts as a
bolt and secures the front hub/bearing assembly. If
vehicle is to be supported or moved on its wheels
with a driveshaft removed, install a PROPER±SIZED
BOLT AND NUT through front hub. Tighten bolt and
nut to 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.). This will ensure that
the hub bearing cannot loosen.
(1) Remove cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer
(Fig. 2) from the end of the outer C/V joint stub axle.
(2) Loosen (but do not remove) stub axle±to±hub/
bearing retaining nut (Fig. 3). Loosen hub nut while
3 - 2 DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)