check oil DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LUBRICANTS............................. 1
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................. 3JUMP STARTING, TOWING, AND HOISTING..... 7
LUBRICANTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
PARTS AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS....................1
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS............1
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS.................2FLUID CHECK/FILL POINTS AND
LUBRICATION LOCATIONS.................2
LUBRICATION POINT LOCATIONS............2
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES........................2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
When service is required, DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends that only Mopartbrand parts,
lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar provides
the best engineered products for servicing
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles.
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS
DESCRIPTION
Only lubricants bearing designations defined by
the following organization should be used to service a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle.
²Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
²American Petroleum Institute (API) (Fig. 1)
²National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
(Fig. 2)
SAE VISCOSITY RATING
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the vis-
cosity of engine oil. These are specified with a dual
SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot
temperature viscosity range. Example SAE 5W-30 =
multiple grade engine oil.DaimlerChrysler Corporation only recommends
multiple grade engine oils.
API QUALITY CLASSIFICATION
This symbol (Fig. 1) on the front of an oil container
means that the oil has been certified by the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute (API) to meet all the lubri-
cation requirements specified by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation.
Refer to Group 9, Engine for gasoline engine oil
specification.
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear
lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the
lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90.
Fig. 1 API Symbol
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 1

LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol (Fig. 2) on the label. At the bottom NLGI
symbol is the usage and quality identification letters.
Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the letter
ªGº. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter ªLº.
The letter following the usage letter indicates the
quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indi-
cate the highest quality.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid check and fill locations (Fig. 3).
FLUID CHECK/FILL POINTS AND LUBRICATION
LOCATIONS
The fluid check/fill points and lubrication locations
are located in each applicable Sections.
LUBRICATION POINT LOCATIONS
Lubrication point locations are located in each
applicable Sections.
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank (approximate)....47.5 Liter (12.5 gal.)
Engine Oil ± With Filter....... 4.3Liter (4.5 qts.)
Engine Oil ± Without Filter.... 3.8Liter (4.0 qts.)
Cooling System ± Includes Heater & Coolant
Recovery Bottle*........... 6.2Liter (6.5 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle ± Estimated Service
Fill........................ 3.8L(4.0 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle ± 31 TH ± Overhaul Fill
Capacity with Torque Converter Empty . . . 8.4 L
(8.9. qts.)
Manual Transaxle ± NV T350........ 1.9to2.2L
(4.0 to 4.6 pts.)
*Capacities include 1 qt. for coolant reserve tank.
Fig. 2 NLGI Symbol
1 ± WHEEL BEARINGS
2 ± CHASSIS LUBRICATION
3 ± CHASSIS AND WHEEL BEARINGS
Fig. 3 International Symbols
0 - 2 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................3
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION................3SCHEDULE ± A...........................3
SCHEDULE ± B...........................4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule ±A. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is Schedule ±B. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Extensive idling
²More than 50% of the driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten termi-
nals as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponent boots and seals.²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles - 12 000 km) or
every other interval on Schedule ± B (6,000 miles -
10 000 km).
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and
clamps.
If mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000 km)
yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil change.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
FLUID FILL POINTS AND LUBRICATION
LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication loca-
tions are located in each applicable group.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3

30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the engine spark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant at 36
months, regardless of mileage.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done
at 36 months.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the ignition cables.
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if nec-
essary. This maintenance is not required if the belt
was previously replaced.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Replace the engine timing belt.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Inspection and service should also be per-
formed anytime a malfunction is observed or sus-
pected. Retain all receipts.
SCHEDULE ± B
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
57,000 Miles (91 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace if neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace theignition cables
²Replace thespark plugs
²Check and replace, if necessary, theengine tim-
ing belton 3.0 liter engines.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
63,000 Miles (101 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
66,000 Miles (106 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

69,000 Miles (110 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
72,000 Miles (115 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
81,000 Miles (130 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
84,000 Miles (134 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
87,000 Miles (139 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings
²Check thePCV valveand replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
93,000 Miles (149 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
96,000 Miles (154 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
99,000 Miles (158 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
102,000 Miles (163 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Replace theengine timing belt.
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
* This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Operating the vehicle more than 50% in
heavy traffic during hot weather, above 90É F (32É
C), using vehicle for police, taxi, limousine type
operation or trailer towing require the more fre-
quent transaxle service noted in Schedule ± B. Per-
form these services if vehicle usually operate under
these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare thecoil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
NOTE: Prior to reading the curb height measure-
ment, the front an rear of the vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce by grasping the center of
the rear, then front bumper (or fascia) and jouncing
the vehicle an equal number of times. Release the
bumper at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, maximum left-to-right differ-
ential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to specifications
listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICA-
TIONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE FRONT REAR
ALL NEON672 mm68 mm 679 mm68mm
26.46 in.60.32 in. 26.73 in.60.32 in.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT VEHICLE INSPECTION
CAUTION: If during the inspection the front sus-
pension crossmember shows any sign of impact
damage, the steering column lower coupling must
be inspected. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in
the STEERING group in this service manual.
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment, the following inspection and
necessary corrections must be made to the vehicle to
ensure proper alignment.
(1) Be sure the fuel tank is full of fuel. If the fuel
tank is not full, the reduction in weight will affect
the curb height of the vehicle and the alignment
specifications.
(2) The passenger and luggage compartments of
the vehicle should be free of any load that is not fac-
tory equipment.
(3) Check the tires on the vehicle. The tires are to
be inflated to the recommended air pressure. All tires
must be the same size and in good condition with
approximately the same tread wear.
(4) Check the front tire and wheel assemblies for
excessive radial runout.(5) Inspect all suspension component fasteners for
looseness and torque.
(6) Inspect the lower front ball joints and all steer-
ing linkage for looseness and any sign of wear or
damage.
(7) Inspect the rubber bushings on all the suspen-
sion components for signs of wear or deterioration. If
any bushings show signs of wear or deterioration,
they should be replaced prior to aligning the vehicle.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
(1) Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
(2) Install all required alignment equipment on
the vehicle, per the alignment equipment manufac-
turer's instructions. On this vehicle, a four-wheel
alignment is recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicle's alignment
readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then front) by
grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing
each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The
bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(3) Read the vehicle's current front and rear align-
ment settings. Compare the vehicle's current align-
ment settings to the vehicle specifications for camber,
caster and toe-in. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 5

STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension steering knuckle is not a
repairable component of the front suspension. It
must be replaced if found to be damaged in any way.
If it is determined that the steering knuckle is bent
when servicing the vehicle, no attempt is to be made
to straighten the steering knuckle.
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB
The wheel bearing is designed for the life of the
vehicle and requires no type of periodic maintenance.
The following procedure may be used for diagnosing
the condition of the wheel bearing and hub.
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 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 bearing is consid-
ered normal and should not require replacement of
the wheel bearing.
To diagnose a bent hub, refer to BRAKE ROTOR in
the DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING section in the
BRAKES service manual group for the procedure on
measuring hub runout.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Inspect the lower control arm for signs of damage
from contact with the ground or road debris. If the
lower control arm shows any sign of damage, look for
distortion. Do not attempt to repair or straighten a
broken or bent lower control arm. If damaged, the
lower control arm stamping is serviced only as a
complete component.
The serviceable components of the lower control
arm are: the ball joint, the ball joint grease seal and
the lower control arm rear isolator bushing.
Inspect both lower control arm isolator bushings
for severe deterioration and replace as required.
Inspect the ball joint per the inspection procedure in
this section of the service manual and replace as
required. Refer to BALL JOINT in this section of this
service manual group.
BALL JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the headless grease fitting as shown
(Fig. 4). With no mechanical assistance or added
force, attempt to move the grease fitting. If the ball
joint is worn, the grease fitting will move. If move-
ment is noted, replace the ball joint.
Fig. 3 Strut Assembly
1 ± NUT
2 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 ± STRUT
4 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 ± COIL SPRING
6 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
7 ± DUST SHIELD
8 ± SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)
9 ± UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 4 Checking Ball Joint Wear
1 ± BALL JOINT
2 ± HEADLESS GREASE FITTING
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft
(Fig. 27).
(6) Remove the upper spring seat and bearing,
along with the upper spring isolator as an assembly
from the top of the coil spring by pulling them
straight up (Fig. 27). The upper spring isolator can
be separated from the spring seat and bearing once
removed from vehicle.
(7) Remove the dust shield, then the jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight
up (Fig. 27).
(8) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.
(9) Remove the lower spring isolator from the
lower spring seat on the strut.
NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, pro-
ceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 11.(10) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive completely. Push
back the compressor hooks and remove the coil
spring.
(11) Inspect the strut assembly components for the
following and replace as necessary:
²Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
²Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Check the upper spring seat and bearing for
cracks and distortion.
²Check for binding of the upper spring seat and
bearing pivot bearing.
²Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
²Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for
material deterioration and distortion.
²Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to
the coating.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 3.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor follow-
ing the manufacturers instructions. Before compress-
ing the spring, rotate the spring so the end of the top
coil is directly in the back as shown (Fig. 28).
(2) Slowly compress the coil spring until enough
room is available for strut assembly reassembly.
(3) Install the lower spring isolator on the lower
spring seat of the strut.
(4) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut as necessary
until the clevis bracket is positioned straight outward
away from the compressor (Fig. 24). Install the clamp
on the lower end of the coil spring and strut, so the
strut is held in place.
(5) Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper is to be installed with the smaller
end pointing downward toward the lower seat (Fig.
27).
(6) Install the dust shield on the strut shaft (Fig.
27). The bottom of the dust shield will snap past the
retainer on top of the strut housing.
(7) If disassembled, reinstall the upper spring iso-
lator on the upper spring seat and bearing.
(8) Install the upper spring seat and bearing on
top of the coil spring. Position the notch formed into
the edge of the upper seat straight out away from the
compressor (Fig. 25).
Fig. 27 Strut Assembly Components
1 ± NUT
2 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 ± STRUT
4 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 ± COIL SPRING
6 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
7 ± DUST SHIELD
8 ± SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)
9 ± UPPER MOUNT
2 - 24 SUSPENSIONPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
²Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for
material deterioration and distortion.
²Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to
the coating.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 3.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor follow-
ing the manufacturers instructions. Before compress-
ing the spring, rotate the spring to the position
determined in the note prior to step 9 in disassembly.
(2) Slowly compress the coil spring until enough
room is available for strut assembly reassembly.
(3) Install the lower spring isolator on the lower
spring seat of the strut matching the step built intothe isolator with the step in the lower spring seat on
the strut (Fig. 19).
(4) Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper is to be installed with the pointed
end pointing downward toward the lower seat.
(5) Install the dust shield on the strut shaft (Fig.
19). The bottom of the dust shield will snap past the
retainer on top of the strut housing.
(6) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut until the end
of the coil spring fits against the step in the lower
spring seat (Fig. 17). If done correctly, the clevis on
the bottom of the strut should face toward the com-
pressor.
(7) Install the clamp on the lower end of the coil
spring and strut, so the strut is held in place with
the coil spring.
NOTE: Before installing the upper mount, check to
make sure the correct side mount is being installed.
Left and right upper mounts are different. A left
mount will be marked with the letter ªLº while a
right mount will be marked with the letter ªRº (Fig.
20).
(8) Install the upper mount over the strut shaft
and onto the top of the upper spring. Near the center
on the top of the mount is the word ªOUTº and an
arrow (Fig. 20). Point the arrow on the mount in the
same direction that the clevis bracket on the lower
end of the strut is pointed in. This direction should
be straight toward the compressor.
(9) Loosely install the retaining nut on the strut
shaft. Install Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a
torque wrench), Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft
retaining nut (Fig. 18). Next, install a socket on the
Fig. 19 Strut Assembly Components
1 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 ± STRUT
3 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
4 ± COIL SPRING
5 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
6 ± DUST SHIELD
7 ± UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 20 Upper Mount Markings
1 ± SIDE INDICATING LETTER
2 ± DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR
3 ± UPPER MOUNT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 49
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)