steering JEEP CHEROKEE 1995 Service User Guide

hose unless the caliper must also be removed
for maintenance.Support the caliper with a
hanger to prevent brake fluid hose damage.
(2) Remove the dust cap, the cotter pin, the nut re-
tainer, the adjustment nut, and the thrust washer
from the spindle (Fig. 3). Discard the cotter pin.
(3) Remove the wheel outer bearing from the hub.
(4) Remove the wheel hub/disc brake rotor from
the spindle.
(5) Remove the seal and the inner wheel bearing
from the hub cavity.
(6) After removal, inspect both front wheel bearing
races for indications of pitting, brinelling and exces-
sive heat.
(7) Wipe the spindle clean and apply a small
amount of chassis/wheel bearing lubricant (NLGI
GC-LB lubricant) to prevent rust. Wipe the wheel
hub cavity clean.
CAUTION: Do not over-fill the wheel hub cavity with
lubricant. Excessive lubricant can cause overheat-
ing and bearing damage. Also, excessive lubricant
can be forced out of the wheel hub cavity and con-
taminate the brake rotor/pads.
(8) Partially fill the wheel hub cavity with chassis/
wheel bearing lubricant (NLGI GC-LB lubricant).
(9) Pack the wheel bearings with chassis/wheel
bearing lubricant (NLGI GC-LB lubricant). Ensure
that sufficient lubricant is forced between the bear-
ing rollers.
(10) Install the wheel inner bearing in the wheel
hub and install a replacement seal.
(11) Clean the disc brake rotor contact surfaces, if
necessary.
(12) Install the wheel hub/disc brake rotor on the
spindle.
(13) Install the wheel outer bearing, the thrust
washer, and the spindle nut.(14) Tighten the spindle nut with 28 Nzm (21 ft.
lbs.) torque while rotating the disc brake rotor to
seat the bearings.
(15) Loosen the spindle nut 1/2 turn. While rotat-
ing the disc brake rotor, tighten the spindle nut with
2Nzm (19 in. lbs.) torque.
(16) Install the nut retainer and a replacement cot-
ter pin.
(17) Clean the dust cap and apply wheel bearing
lubricant to the inside surface.Do not fill the dust
cap with lubricant.
(18) Install the dust cap.
(19) Install the disc brake caliper.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
The power steering fluid level should be inspected
when other under hood service is performed. For
proper service procedures, refer to Group 19, Steer-
ing.
Inspect the power steering system (Fig. 4, and 5)
for the sources of fluid leaks, steering gear housing
cracks and ensure that the steering gear is securely
attached to the vehicle frame rail. Inspect the steer-
ing damper for leaks and loose connections.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
Use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid, or an equiva-
lent product.
POWER STEERING FLUID INSPECTION
WARNING: ENGINE MUST NOT BE RUNNING WHEN
INSPECTING POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
Fig. 3 2WD Front Wheel BearingsÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 4 Power Steering SystemÐXJ Vehicles
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 29

FLUID LEVEL
The fluid level indicator (dipstick) is attached to
the reservoir cap (Fig. 6). The fluid level in the res-
ervoir can be determined with the fluid either hot or
cold.
(1) Remove the cap from the reservoir.
(2) Depending on fluid temperature, if the level is
below the FULL HOT mark or the FULL COLD
mark on the dipstick, add power steering fluid.
(3) Install the cap on the reservoir.CAUTION: Do not over fill power steering reservoir
when adding fluid, seal damage and leakage can re-
sult.
MANUAL STEERING GEAR
The manual steering gear should be inspected for
damage at the same time as the engine oil is
changed and the oil filter is replaced. Refer to Group
19, Steering for additional information and service
procedures.
POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The brake fluid level (Fig. 8) should be inspected
when other underhood service is done. With disc-
brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, a low fluid level can also
be caused by a leak, and repair will then be neces-
sary. Refer to Group 5, Brakes for proper service pro-
cedures.
In addition, the brake system should be operation-
ally tested periodically to ensure that it is function-
ing normally.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
Jeep power brake systems require MOPAR Heavy-
Duty Brake Fluid, or an equivalent product identified
as conforming to FMVSS No. 116, DOT-3 and SAE
J-1703 specifications.
Use brake fluid from properly sealed container
when adding fluid to the reservoir. Never use re-
claimed fluid or fluid that does not conform to the
DOT/SAE Standards.
CAUTION: Use of a brake fluid that has a lower ini-
tial boiling point then specified by FMVSS No. 116,
DOT 3 and SAE J-1703 could result in sudden brake
failure during hard, prolonged braking.
Do not allow petroleum base fluids to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
STANDARD POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
(1) Clean the cover and the sides of the brake fluid
reservoir.
(2) Detach the bail retainer from the reservoir
cover and remove the cover from the reservoir.
(3) The brake fluid level should be 6 mm (1/4 in)
below the rim of each reservoir well for XJ and YJ
Vehicles (Fig. 7 and 8). If not, add brake fluid as nec-
essary.
(4) Inspect the reservoir cover bail retainer for ten-
sion and the cover for proper fit. The cover should fit
tight and have a good seal.
Fig. 5 Power Steering SystemÐYJ Vehicles
Fig. 6 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir DipstickÐ
Typical
0 - 30 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

the opposite wheel. Wheels are attached to a hub/
bearings which bolts to the knuckles. The hub/bear-
ing is not serviceable and is replaced as a unit.
Steering knuckles pivot on replaceable ball studs at-
tached to the axle tube yokes.
The upper and lower suspension arms are different
lengths, with bushings at both ends. They bolt the
axle assembly to the body. The lower arms uses
shims at the body mount to allow for adjustment of
caster and drive shaft pinion angle. The suspension
arm travel is limited through the use of jounce
bumpers in compression and shocks absorbers in re-
bound.
Suspension components which use rubber bushings
should be tightened at vehicle ride height. This will
prevent premature failure of the bushing and main-
tain ride comfort. Bushings must never be lubricated.
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height. The coil springs mount up in the
fender shield which is part of the unitized body
bracket. A rubber isolator is located between the top
of the spring and the frame. The bottom of the spring
seats on a axle pad and is retained with a clip.
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound of
the vehicle over various road conditions. The top of
the shock absorbers are bolted to the body. The bot-
tom of the shocks are bolted to the axle spring
bracket.
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle body
roll during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
sion. The bar extends across the front underside of
the chassis and connects to the body rails. Links are
connected from the bar to the axle brackets. Stabi-
lizer bar mounts are isolated by rubber bushings.
The track bar is used to minimize front axle side-
to-side movement. The bar is attached to a frame rail
bracket with a ball stud and isolated with a bushing
at the axle bracket.
TUBE AXLE (2WD VEHICLES)
The front axle used on two-wheel drive vehicles is
a one-piece, tubular axle (Fig. 2). The tubular axle
mounts in the same bracketry as the four-wheel
drive axle.
The steering knuckles and hub bearing assemblies
are the same as used on the Model 30 drive axle.
YJ VEHICLES
The Wrangler (YJ) front suspension is leaf spring
design comprised of (Fig. 3);
²Drive axle
²Track bar
²Stabilizer bar
²Leaf springs
²Dual-action shock absorbers
²Jounce bumpers (used to limit the travel of the
suspension)The front suspension has semi-elliptic multi-leaf
springs mounted to the axle assembly. The rearward
end of the springs are mounted to the frame rail
hangers. The forward end of the springs are attached
to the frame with shackles. The springs and shackles
use rubber bushings to isolate road noise. The shack-
les allow the springs to change their length as the
vehicle moves over various road conditions. The
Fig. 2 Front AxleÐ2WD Vehicles
Fig. 3 YJ Front Suspension
2 - 2 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
INDEX
page page
Alignment Measurements and Adjustments....... 8
General Information........................ 5Pre-Alignment Inspection.................... 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
Front wheel alignment involves the correct posi-
tioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The
positioning is accomplished through suspension and
steering linkage adjustments. An alignment is con-
sidered essential for efficient steering, good direc-
tional stability and to maximize tire wear. The most
important measurements of front end alignment are
caster, camber and toe position.
Routine inspection of the front suspension
and steering components is a good preventative
maintenance practice. Inspection also helps to
ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
²CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting thetop of the knuckle forward provides negative caster.
Caster is a directional stability angle. This angle en-
ables the front wheels to return to a straight ahead
position after turns (Fig. 1).
²CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the in-
side or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1). The angle is
not adjustable, the damaged component(s) must be
replaced to correct mis-alignment.
²WHEEL TOE POSITION is the difference between
the leading inside edges and trailing inside edges of
the front tires (Fig. 1). Incorrect wheel toe position is
the most common cause of unstable steering and un-
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 5

even tire wear. The wheel toe position is thefinal
front wheel alignment adjustment.
²STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLE is mea-
sured in degrees and is the angle that the steering
knuckles are tilted (Fig. 1). The inclination angle has
a fixed relationship with the camber angle. It will not
change except when a spindle or ball stud is dam-
aged or bent. The angle is not adjustable, the dam-
aged component(s) must be replaced to correct mis-
alignment.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY ANY
SUSPENSION OR STEERING COMPONENT BY
HEATING AND BENDING.
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before starting a front wheel alignment, the follow-
ing inspection and necessary corrections must be
completed.(1) Tires with the same recommended air pressure,
size, and thread wear. Refer to Group 22, Tires And
Wheels for diagnosis information.
(2) Front wheel bearings for wear and looseness.
(3) Ball studs, steering linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness, binding or
wear. Refer to Group 19, Steering for additional in-
formation.
(4) Front wheels for excessive radial or lateral
runout and unbalance. Refer to Group 22, Tires And
Wheels for diagnosis information.
(5) Suspension components for wear. Check compo-
nents for correct torque. Refer to Groups 2 and 3,
Suspension and Axle for additional information.
2 - 6 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 7

ALIGNMENT MEASUREMENTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Before each alignment reading, the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down several times. Always release the bumper in
the down position.Set the front end alignment to
specifications with the vehicle at its NOR-
MALLY RIDE HEIGHT.
CAMBER
The wheel camber angle is preset. This angle is not
adjustable and cannot be altered.
CASTER
Before checking the caster of the front axle for cor-
rect angle, be sure the axle is not bent or twisted.
Road test the vehicle, make left and right turns. If
the steering wheel returns to the center position un-
assisted, the caster angle is correct. If steering wheeldoes not return toward the center position unas-
sisted, an incorrect caster angle is probable.
Caster can be adjusted by installing the appropri-
ate size shims (Fig. 2, 3).Changing caster angle
will also change the front propeller shaft angle.
The propeller shaft angle has priority over
caster. Refer to Group 16, Propeller Shafts for
additional information.
TOE POSITIONÐXJ VEHICLES
The wheel toe position adjustment should be the fi-
nal adjustment.
(1) Start the engine if equipped with power steer-
ing. Turn wheels both ways before straightening the
Fig. 2 AdjustmentÐYJ Vehicles
Fig. 3 AdjustmentÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 4 Steering LinkageÐXJ (LHD)
2 - 8 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

wheels. Secure the steering wheel with the front
wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn off the
engine.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts (Fig.
4, 5).
(3) Adjust the right wheel toe position with the
drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at
specifications. Position the clamp bolts as shown (Fig.
6) and tighten to 49 Nzm (36 ft. lbs.) torque.Make
sure the toe setting does not change during
clamp tightening.(4) Adjust the left wheel toe position with the tie
rod. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at specifi-
cations. Position the clamp bolts as shown (Fig. 6)
and tighten to 27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.Make sure
the toe setting does not change during clamp
tightening.
(5) Verify the right toe setting.
Fig. 5 Steering LinkageÐXJ (RHD)
Fig. 6 Drag Link and Tie Rod Clamp Location (LHD)
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 9

TOE POSITIONÐYJ VEHICLES
The wheel toe position should be the final front
wheel alignment adjustment. In all instances follow
the equipment manufacturer's recommended proce-
dure.
(1) Start the engine if equipped with power steer-
ing. Turn wheels both ways before straightening the
wheels. Secure the steering wheel with the front
wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn off the
engine.
(2) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts on
the tie rod (Fig. 7).The tie rod and adjustment sleeve have both
right and left hand threads to provide equal ad-
justment for each wheel.
(3) After the adjustment is completed, position the
tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts as shown.
(4) Tighten the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to
27 Nzm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Complete the adjustment. Position the drag
link clamp bolts as shown. Tighten the bolts to 49
Nzm (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 7 Steering Linkage
YJ Vehicles
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONSÐXJ VEHICLESALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONSÐYJ VEHICLES
2 - 10 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

XJ FRONT SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Axle Bushing Replacement.................. 12
Coil Spring.............................. 14
Lower Suspension Arm..................... 13
Service Information........................ 11
Shock Absorber.......................... 13Spring and Shock Diagnosis................. 13
Stabilizer Bar............................ 11
Track Bar............................... 11
Upper Suspension Arm..................... 12
SERVICE INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system and sus-
pension components is required. Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication And Maintenance for the service inter-
val.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the ball
stud end at the frame rail bracket (Fig. 1).
A puller tool may be necessary to separate the
ball stud from the frame rail bracket.
(3) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the axle
shaft tube bracket (Fig. 1). Remove the track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar at axle tube bracket.
Loosely install the retaining bolt and flag nut (Fig.
1).
(2) It may be necessary to pry the axle assembly
over to install the track bar at the frame rail. Install
track bar at the frame rail bracket. Install the re-
taining nut on the stud (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the retaining bolt at the axle shaft
tube bracket to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Tighten the ball stud nut to 81 Nzm (60 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install a new cotter pin.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the
axle brackets (Fig. 2).
(3) Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the links.
(4) Disconnect the stabilizer bar clamps from the
frame rails. Remove the stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect stabilizer bar bushings ( Fig. 2). Re-
place bushings if cracked, cut, distorted, or worn.
(2) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail and
install the bushings and clamps. Ensure the bar is
centered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten
the bolts to 75 Nzm (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the links and grommets onto the stabi-
lizer bar and axle brackets (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut
at the connecting links at the axle bracket to 95 Nzm
(70 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 1 Track Bar (LHD)
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 11