brakes DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

COMPETITION PACKAGE SUSPENSION
On vehicles that are equipped with the optional
competition package, special front struts are used.
The front struts used on a vehicle equipped with
the competition package are adjustable. The adjust-
able front struts use a unique strut shaft which has
an adjustment rod through the center of it (Fig. 3).
The adjustment rod is used to adjust the compression
dampening of the strut. By increasing the compres-
sion dampening of the strut, the jounce reaction of
the strut is slowed down. This slowing down of the
jounce reaction of the strut, stiffens the suspension
thus improving the handling of the vehicle.
The compression dampening of the strut is
adjusted using the adjustment knob (Fig. 4) which is
supplied with the vehicle at the time of purchase.
McPHERSON STRUT
The Mcpherson strut and front suspension of the
vehicle is supported by coil springs positioned around
the struts. The springs are contained between anupper seat, located just below the upper mount for
the strut and the lower seat for the coil spring on the
strut lower housing.
The top of each Mcpherson strut is bolted to the
upper fender reinforcement (shock tower) through a
rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut attaches to the top of the
steering knuckle using 2 thru-bolts and prevailing
torque nuts. Caster and camber is a fixed setting (net
build) on all vehicles and is not required to be
adjusted.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The steering knuckle used on this vehicle (Fig. 5)
is a cast iron casting. The steering knuckle has
machined legs for attachment to the McPherson strut
and lower ball joint (Fig. 5). The steering knuckle
also has machined abutments on the casting to sup-
port and align the caliper for the front disk brakes
(Fig. 5). The steering knuckle also has the bearing
supporting the front hub and outer C/V joint of the
drive shaft pressed into it. The hub bearing is a
press fit into the steering knuckle but is additionally
held in place by a retaining plate bolted to the front
of the steering knuckle (Fig. 5). The hub is positioned
through the bearing and knuckle, with the outer C/V
joint stub shaft splined through the hub. The outer
C/V joint is retained to the hub using a nut. The hub
nut is held on the stub shaft using a nut retainer
and cotter pin.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
The lower control arm (Fig. 6) is a ductile iron
casting using 2 rubber bushings to isolate it from the
front suspension crossmember and frame of the vehi-
cle. The isolator bushings consist of 2 metal encased
rubber isolated pivot bushings. The front of the lower
control arm is bolted to the front crossmember using
a bolt through the center of the rubber pivot bushing
Fig. 3 Adjustable Front Strut
Fig. 4 Adjustable Strut Adjustment Knob
Fig. 5 Steering Knuckle
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 13
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

nent removal and installation sections in this group
of the service manual.
BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels. Grasp the grease fitting as shown in (Fig. 11)
and with no mechanical assistance or added force
attempt to move the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move
easily. If movement is noted, replacement of the ball
joint is recommended.
STABILIZER BAR
Inspect for broken or distorted sway bar bushings,
bushing retainers, and worn or damaged sway bar to
strut attaching links. If sway bar to front suspension
cradle bushing replacement is required, bushing can
be removed from sway bar by opening slit and peel-
ing bushing off sway bar.
HUB/BEARING
The hub bearing is designed for the life of the vehi-
cle and requires no type of periodic maintenance. The
following procedure may be used for diagnosing the
condition of the hub bearing.
With the wheel, disc brake caliper, and brake rotor
removed, rotate the wheel hub. Any roughness or
resistance to rotation may indicate dirt intrusion or a
failed hub bearing. If the hub bearing exhibits any of
these conditions during diagnosis, the hub bearing
will require replacement, the bearing is not service-
able.
Damaged bearing seals and the resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease weapage from the hub bearing is
considered normal and should not require replace-
ment of the hub bearing.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
MCPHERSON STRUT
REMOVE
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE STRUT ROD NUT
WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN VEHI-
CLE, OR BEFORE STRUT ASSEMBLY SPRING IS
COMPRESSED.
(1) Loosen wheel nuts.
(2) Raise vehicle on jack stands 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.
(3) Remove wheel and tire assembly from location
on front of vehicle requiring strut removal.
(4) If both strut assemblies are removed, mark the
strut assemblies right or left according to which side
of the vehicle they were removed from.
(5) Remove hydraulic brake hose routing bracket
and attaching screw from strut damper bracket. If
vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, hydraulic
hose routing bracket is combined with speed sensor
cable routing bracket (Fig. 12).
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 bolts (Fig. 13) attaching the strut
to the steering knuckle.
(7) Remove the 3 nuts attaching the upper mount
of the strut (Fig. 14) to the strut tower of the vehicle
.
INSTALL
(1) Install strut assembly into strut tower, aligning
the 3 studs on the upper strut mount into the holes
in shock tower. Install the 3 upper strut mount
retaining nut and washer assemblies (Fig. 14).
Torque the 3 nuts to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
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 knuckles.
(2) Align strut assembly with steering knuckle.
Position arm of steering knuckle into strut assembly,
aligning the strut assembly to steering knuckle
mounting holes. Install the 2 strut assembly to steer-
ing knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 13). Attaching bolts
should be installed with the nuts facing the front of
the vehicle. Torque both attaching bolts to 53 N´m
Fig. 11 Checking Ball Joint Wear
2 - 16 SUSPENSIONPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(40 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 1/4 turn after specified
torque is met.
(3) Install hydraulic brake hose routing bracket
and attaching screw onto strut damper bracket. Ifvehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, hydraulic
hose routing bracket is combined with speed sensor
cable routing bracket (Fig. 12). Torque bracket
attaching bolts (Fig. 12) to 13 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
STEERING KNUCKLE
REMOVE
(1) Remove cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer
(Fig. 15).
CAUTION: Wheel bearing damage will result if
after loosening hub nut, vehicle is rolled on the
ground or the weight of the vehicle is allowed to be
supported by the tires.
Fig. 12 Brake Hose And Speed Sensor Cable
Routing Brackets
Fig. 13 Strut To Steering Knuckle Attaching Bolts
Fig. 14 Strut To Shock Tower Mounting
Fig. 15 Cotter Pin, Nut Lock, And Spring Washer
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) Loosen hub nut while vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 16).The hub and
driveshaft are splined together through the
knuckle (bearing) and retained by the hub nut.
(3) Raise vehicle on jack stands 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.
(4) Remove the front tire and wheel.
(5) Remove front disc brake caliper to steering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 17).
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper from the steer-
ing knuckle. Caliper is removed by first lifting bot-
tom of caliper away from steering knuckle, and then
removing top of caliper out from under steering
knuckle (Fig. 18).
(7)
Support brake disc brake caliper assembly using a
wire hook and not by hydraulic hose (Fig. 19).
(8) Remove the rotor from the front hub/bearing
(Fig. 20).
Fig. 16 Loosening Front Hub Retaining Nut
Fig. 17 Disc Brake Caliper Attaching Bolts
Fig. 18 Brake Caliper Removal
Fig. 19 Supporting Brake Caliper
Fig. 20 Remove /Install Rotor
2 - 18 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Install the disc brake caliper to steering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 17). Tighten the caliper
attaching bolts to a torque of 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(9) Clean all foreign matter from the threads of
the outer C/V joint stub axle (Fig. 29). Install hub
nut onto threads of stub axle and tighten nut.
(10) With vehicle brakes applied to keep braking
disc from turning, tighten hub nut to a torque of 183
N´m (135 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 30).
(11) Install front wheel and tire assembly. Install
front wheel lug nuts and torque to 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.).
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Install the spring washer, hub nut lock, and
new cotter pin (Fig. 31). Wrap cotter pin prongs
tightly around the hub nut lock (Fig. 32).
(14) Set front Toe on vehicle to required specifica-
tion. Use procedure listed under Wheel Alignment, in
the Front Suspension Service Procedures section of
this service manual.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVE
(1)Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a frame
contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubrication and
Maintenance section of this manual for the required lifting
procedure to be used. Remove wheel and tire assembly
from side of vehicle requiring service to lower control arm.
(2) Remove the steering knuckle to ball joint ball
stud, clamping nut and bolt (Fig. 33).
Fig. 29 Front Hub To Stub Shaft Nut
Fig. 30 Torquing Front Hub Nut
Fig. 31 Spring Washer, Nut Lock, And New Cotter
Pin
Fig. 32 Cotter Pin Correctly Installed
Fig. 33 Control Arm To Steering Knuckle
Attachment
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (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)

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)

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)