tra DODGE NEON 2000 Service User Guide

(2) Tighten tie rod adjusting jam nuts to a torque
of 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(3) Make sure the inner tie rod-to-steering gear
rubber boots are not twisted. If twisted, loosen the
boot clamp at the inner tie rod and move the boot as
necessary.
(4) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(5) Remove the alignment equipment.
(6) Road test the vehicle to verify the steering
wheel is straight and the vehicle does not pull or
wander.
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE: All specifications are given in degrees.
NOTE: All wheel alignments are to be set with the
vehicle at curb height. Refer to CURB HEIGHT MEA-
SUREMENT in SERVICE PROCEDURES.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER 0.00É -0.40É to +0.40É
Cross Camber (Maximum
Side-To-Side Difference)0.00É 0.50
CASTER +2.60É +1.60É to +3.60É
Cross Caster (Maximum Side-To-
Side Difference)0.00É 1.00É
TOTAL TOE* +0.10É þ0.10É to +0.30É
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER -0.25É -0.65É to +0.15É
TOTAL TOE* +0.30É +0.10É to +0.50É
THRUST ANGLE 0.00É -0.10É to +0.10É
Note:
* TOTAL TOE is the sum of both the left and right wheel toe settings. TOTAL TOE must be equally split between
each front wheel to ensure the steering wheel is centered after setting toe. Positive toe (+) is toe-in and negative
toe (þ) is Toe-out.
Fig. 5 Jam Nuts
1 ± OUTER TIE ROD
2 ± INNER TIE ROD HEX
3 ± JAM NUT
2 - 8 SUSPENSIONPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM...............9
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)................11
STEERING KNUCKLE.....................11
LOWER CONTROL ARM...................11
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT).................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)................12
STEERING KNUCKLE.....................13
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB................13
LOWER CONTROL ARM...................13
BALL JOINT.............................13
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT).................14
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICATION...........................14
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........14STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)................14
STEERING KNUCKLE.....................15
LOWER CONTROL ARM...................18
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT).................20
WHEEL MOUNTING STUD (FRONT)..........21
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)................22
STEERING KNUCKLE (WHEEL BEARING AND
HUB).................................25
LOWER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT)........29
LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR ISOLATOR
BUSHING).............................31
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................33
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION.....................33
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The front suspension allows each front wheel on a
vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and condi-
tions without greatly affecting the opposite wheel
and the ability to control the vehicle. Each side of the
front suspension is allowed to pivot so the vehicle can
be steered in the direction preferred.
This vehicle has a gas pressurized MacPherson
strut type front suspension design (Fig. 1).A strut assembly is used in place of the front sus-
pension upper control arm and upper ball joint.
When a vehicle strikes a bump, the force is trans-
ferred through the hub, bearing, and knuckle, into
the strut assembly to absorb the force and dampen it.
The top of the strut is mounted directly to the strut
tower of the vehicle. During steering maneuvers, the
strut assembly (through a pivot bearing in the upper
strut mount) and steering knuckle (through the lower
ball joint mounted on the lower control arm) turn as
an assembly.
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 9

BALL JOINT
The lower control arm connects to the steering
knuckle through a ball joint mounted at the outboard
end of the arm (Fig. 1). The ball joint is pressed into
the lower control arm and has a non-tapered stud
with a notch for steering knuckle pinch bolt clear-
ance. The ball joint stud is clamped and locked to the
steering knuckle lower leg using a pinch bolt.
The ball joint is lubricated for life during the man-
ufacturing process. Once lubricated for life, the
grease fitting head is snapped off by the manufac-
turer. This is done to eliminate the possibility of
lubrication later in the ball joints life thus damaging
the non-vented ball joint seal boot.
The ball joint used on this vehicle is replaceable
and, if found defective, can be serviced as a separate
component of the lower control arm.
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
The stabilizer bar helps control vehicle body roll.
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one wheel
are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel of the
vehicle to stabilize body roll.
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front lower
control arms of the vehicle and is attached to the
front suspension crossmember (Fig. 1).
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front sus-
pension crossmember is through 2 rubber-isolator
cushion and retainers (Fig. 1). The stabilizer bar
attachment to the lower control arm is done by uti-
lizing an isolated stabilizer bar link at each arm. All
components of the stabilizer bar are serviceable.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
Inspect the strut assembly for the following condi-
tions (Fig. 3):
²Inspect for a damaged or broken coil spring.
²Inspect for a torn or damaged strut assembly
dust shield.²Lift the dust shield and inspect the strut assem-
bly for evidence of fluid running from the upper end
of the strut fluid reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a
stream of fluid running down the side and dripping
off lower end of unit.) A slight amount of seepage
between the strut shaft and strut shaft seal is not
unusual and does not affect performance of the strut
assembly.
²Lift the dust shield and inspect the jounce
bumper for signs of damage or deterioration.
²Inspect the clearance between the shock tower
and the coil spring. Make sure no fasteners are pro-
truding through the shock tower possibly contacting
the coil spring and strut. Because of the minimum
clearance in this area (Fig. 2), installation of metal
fasteners could damage the coil spring coating and
lead to a corrosion failure of the spring.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed into the shock tower to take the place of
an original plastic clip. Also, do not drill holes into
the front shock tower for the installation of any
metal fasteners into the shock tower area indicated
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Shock Tower Area (Typical)
1 ± SHOCK TOWER
2 ± COIL SPRING
3 ± NO SHEET METAL SCREWS, BOLTS, OR ANY OTHER
METAL FASTENERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED INTO SHOCK
TOWER IN THIS AREA. ALSO, NO HOLES ARE TO BE
DRILLED INTO SHOCK TOWER IN THIS SAME AREA.
2 - 12 SUSPENSIONPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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)

CAUTION: No attempt should be made to service
the headless grease fitting on the ball joint. It has
been purposely snapped off by the manufacturer to
avoid over-greasing.
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
Inspect for broken, cracked or distorted stabilizer
bar cushions and retainers. Inspect for worn or dam-
aged stabilizer bar links (Fig. 1).
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICATION
There are no serviceable lubrication points on the
front suspension. The front lower ball joints have
grease fittings which have had the head snapped off
by the manufacturer after they have been filled. This
has been done to eliminate the possibility of damag-
ing the non-vented seals. Grease will not leak from
the broken grease fittings. The ball joints are sealed
for life and require no maintenance.
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting with a new fitting, then
filling the ball joint with grease. Damage to the
grease seal can result.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COM-
PRESSED WITH A COMPRESSION TOOL. THE
SPRING IS HELD UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
CAUTION: Only frame contact hoisting equipment
can be used on this vehicle. All vehicles have a
fully independent rear suspension. The vehicles
cannot be hoisted using equipment designed to lift
a vehicle by the rear axle. If this type of hoisting
equipment is used, damage to rear suspension
components will occur.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle can
a sheet metal screw, bolt, or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. It may come into contact with
the strut or coil spring.CAUTION: Wheel bearing damage will result if after
loosening the hub nut, the vehicle is rolled on the
ground or the weight of the vehicle is allowed to be
supported by the tires for a length of time.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove tire and wheel assembly from location
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 screw securing the ground strap to
the rear of the strut (Fig. 5).
(5) If the vehicle is equipped with Antilock brakes
(ABS), remove the screw securing the ABS wheel
speed sensor to the rear of the strut (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while removing the nuts, then tap
the bolts out using a pin punch.
Fig. 5 Ground Strap And ABS Sensor Bracket
1 ± ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ROUTING BRACKET (IF
EQUIPPED)
2 ± GROUND STRAP
3 ± GROUND STRAP SCREW
4 ± ABS SENSOR BRACKET SCREW (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - 14 SUSPENSIONPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(6) Remove the two bolts attaching the strut to the
steering knuckle (Fig. 1).
(7) Lower the vehicle just enough to open the
hood, but without letting the tires touch the floor.
(8) Remove the three nuts attaching the upper
mount of the strut assembly to the vehicle's strut
tower (Fig. 6).
(9) Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
(10) For disassembly and assembly procedures,
refer to STRUT ASSEMBLY in the DISASSEMBLY
AND ASSEMBLY section in this section of this ser-
vice manual group.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the strut assembly into the strut tower,
aligning the three studs on the strut upper mount
with the holes in strut tower. Install the three
mounting nuts on the studs (Fig. 6). Tighten the
three nuts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(2) Close the hood of the vehicle.
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during installation. Install the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary in the steering knuckle.
(3) Position the lower end of the strut assembly in
line with the upper end of the steering knuckle and
align the mounting holes (Fig. 1). Install the two
attaching bolts. The bolts should be installed with so
that the nuts face towards the front of the vehicle
once installed. Install the nuts. Holding the bolts in
place tighten the nuts to a torque of 53 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) plus an additional 90É turn after the specified
torque is met.(4) If the vehicle is equipped with Antilock brakes
(ABS), attach the ABS wheel speed sensor to the rear
of the strut (rearward ear) using its mounting screw
(Fig. 5). Tighten the mounting screw to a torque of
13 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(5) Attach the ground strap to the rear of the strut
(forward ear) using its mounting screw (Fig. 5).
Tighten the mounting screw to a torque of 13 N´m
(120 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Install and
tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence
until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Next,
repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
STEERING KNUCKLE
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Apply the brakes and hold in place.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(3) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(4) While the brakes are applied, loosen and
remove the hub nut on the end of the driveshaft (Fig.
7).
(5) Release the brakes.
Fig. 6 Upper Mounting Nuts
1 ± STRUT TOWER
2 ± MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 7 Hub Nut
1 ± DRIVESHAFT
2 ± HUB
3 ± HUB NUT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(12) Remove the tie rod heat shield.
(13) Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping the
ball joint stud to the steering knuckle (Fig. 11).
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckles while removing the nuts, then tap
the bolts out using a pin punch.
(14) Remove the two bolts attaching the strut to
the steering knuckle (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(15) Separate the ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 12).
NOTE: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang by the
inner C/V joint; it must be supported to keep the
joint from separating during this operation.
(16) Pull the steering knuckle off the driveshaft
outer C/V joint splines and remove the steering
knuckle.
NOTE: The cartridge type front wheel bearing used
on this vehicle is not transferable to the replace-
ment steering knuckle. If the replacement steering
knuckle does not come with a wheel bearing, a new
bearing must be installed in the steering knuckle.
Installation of the new wheel bearing and hub mustbe done before installing the steering knuckle on
the vehicle.
(17) If the steering knuckle is to be replaced, refer
to STEERING KNUCKLE in the DISASSEMBLY
AND ASSEMBLY section in this section of this ser-
vice manual group for the wheel bearing and hub
removal and installation procedure. Do not reuse the
wheel bearing
INSTALLATION
(1) If the steering knuckle has been replaced, refer
to STEERING KNUCKLE in DISASSEMBLY AND
ASSEMBLY found in this section of this service man-
ual group for the wheel bearing and hub installation
procedure. Do not reuse the old wheel bearing.
(2) Slide the hub of the steering knuckle onto the
splines on the driveshaft C/V joint.
(3) Install the steering knuckle onto the ball joint
stud aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(4) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and nut
(Fig. 11). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during installation. Install the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary in the steering knuckle.
(5) Position the lower end of the strut assembly in
line with the upper end of the steering knuckle and
align the mounting holes (Fig. 1). Install the two
attaching bolts. The bolts should be installed with so
that the nuts face towards the front of the vehicle
Fig. 11 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 12 Separate Ball Joint from Knuckle
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2±PRYBAR
3 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 ± BALL JOINT STUD
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

once installed. Install the nuts. Holding the bolts in
place tighten the nuts to a torque of 53 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) plus an additional 90É turn after the specified
torque is met.
(6) Place the tie rod heat shield on the steering
knuckle arm so that the shield is positioned straight
away from the steering gear and tie rod end once
installed. Algn the hole in the shield with the hole in
the steering knucle arm.
(7) Install the outer tie rod ball stud into the hole
in the steering knuckle arm. Start the tie rod attach-
ing nut onto the stud. Hold the tie rod end stud with
a wrench while tightening the nut with a standard
wrench or crowfoot wrench (Fig. 9). To fully tighten
the nut to specifications, use a crowfoot wrench on a
torque wrench to turn the nut, and a wrench on the
stud. Tighten the nut to a torque of 55 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(8) Install the brake rotor on the hub (Fig. 8).
(9) Install the disc brake caliper (with pads) on the
brake rotor and steering knuckle. The left side cali-
per is installed by first sliding the top of the caliper
past the top abutment on the steering knuckle to
hook the top edge of the caliper, then pushing the
lower end of the caliper into place against the
knuckle (Fig. 13). The right side caliper is installed
by first sliding the bottom edge of the caliper past
the lower abutment on the steering knuckle to hook
the lower edge of the caliper, then pushing the top of
the caliper into place against the steering knuckle.
(10) Install the two guide pin bolts securing the
front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle (Fig.
8). Tighten the guide pin bolts to a torque of 22 N´m
(192 in. lbs.).(11) Clean all foreign matter from the threads of
the driveshaft outer C/V joint (Fig. 7).
(12) Install the hub nut in the end of the drive-
shaft and snug it.
(13) Have a helper apply the brakes. With vehicle
brakes applied to keep brake rotor and hub from
turning, tighten the hub nut to a torque of 244 N´m
(180 ft. lbs.)
(14) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Install
the wheel mounting nuts and tighten them to a
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(15) Lower the vehicle.
(16) Set the front toe on the vehicle to required
specification. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in this
service manual group.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 14). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(4) Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar
downward. It may be necessary to loosen the stabi-
Fig. 13 Brake Caliper Installation
1 ± SLIDE TOP OF BRAKE CALIPER UNDER TOP ABUTMENT
OF STEERING KNUCKLE AS SHOWN
2 ± BRAKING DISC
3 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
4 ± STEERING KNUCKLE BRAKE ABUTMENT
Fig. 14 Stabilizer Bar Links
1 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
2 - 18 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

with the notch formed in the side of the ball joint
stud.
(4) If the right lower control arm has been ser-
viced, install the engine torque strut (Fig. 16). Follow
the procedure described in the ENGINE service man-
ual group to properly align and tighten the torque
strut.
(5) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and nut
(Fig. 15). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(6) Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar
into mounting position.
(7) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehicle
(Fig. 14). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing (Fig. 1). Do not fully
tighten the link assemblies at this time.
(8) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(9) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(10) If previously loosened, tighten the stabilizer
bar cushion retainer bolts to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 18). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 18), and remove the stabi-
lizer bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(4) To remove the cushions from the stabilizer bar,
peel back each cushion at the slit and roll it off the
bar.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before stabilizer bar installation, inspect the
cushions and links for excessive wear, cracks, dam-
age and distortion. Replace any pieces failing
inspection.
(1) If removed, install the stabilizer bar cushions
on the stabilizer bar utilizing the slit in each cush-
ion. Position the cushions at each end of the bar's
straight beam, just before it begins to curve.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 19).
(2) First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each
cushion must point toward the front of the vehicle
and sit directly on top of the raised beads formed
into the stamping on the crossmember. Next, install
the cushion retainers, matching the raised beads
formed into the cushion retainers to the grooves
formed into the cushions. Install the cushion retainer
bolts, but do not completely tighten them at this
time.
(3) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehicle
(Fig. 18). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing (Fig. 1). Do not fully
tighten the link assemblies at this time.
Fig. 18 Stabilizer Bar
1 ± STABLILIZER BAR CUSION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABLIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
2 - 20 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

removed from, and which strut the coil spring was
removed from.
(2) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
spring compressor following the manufacturers
instructions. Set the lower hooks (Fig. 24), then set
the upper hooks (Fig. 25). Position the strut clevis
bracket straight outward away from the compressor.
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 (Fig. 24).
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.
(3) Compress the coil spring until all coil spring
tension is removed from the upper mount.
(4) Once the spring is sufficiently compressed,
install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on the
strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 26). Next, install a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whileholding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
Fig. 24 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)
1 ± LOWER HOOKS
2 ± CLAMP
3 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
4 ± CLEVIS BRACKET
5 ± SPRING COMPRESSOR
Fig. 25 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)
1 ± NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT
2 ± UPPER MOUNT
3 ± UPPER HOOKS
4 ± CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 26 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 ± SPRING COMPRESSOR
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6864
3 ± UPPER MOUNT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 23
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)