Lubrication and Maintenance
Suspension
Differential and Driveline
Brakes
Brakes
Cooling System
Battery
Starting Systems
Charging System
Ignition System
Instrument Panel and Systems
Instrument Panel and Systems
Audio Systems
Horn Systems
Vehicle Speed Control System
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems
Wiper and Washer Systems
Wiper and Washer Systems
Lamps
Lamps
Passive Restraint Systems
Passive Restraint Systems
Electrically Heated Systems
8O
8P
8Q
8R
8Ra
8S
8T
8U
8V
8W
9
11
13
13a
14
14a
19
21
22
23
23a
24
25
25a
Power Distribution Systems
Power Lock Systems
Vehicle Theft/Security Systems
Power Seat Systems
Power Seat Systems
Power Window Systems
Power Mirror Systems
Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems
Overhead Console Systems
Wiring Diagrams
Engine
Exhaust System
Frames and Bumpers
Frames and Bumpers
Fuel System
Fuel System
Steering
42LE Transaxle
Tires and Wheels
Body
Body
Heating and Air Conditioning
Emission Control Systems
Emission Control Systems
Service Manual Comment Forms
Page 2
LHINTRODUCTION1
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
VEHICLE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABEL ......1
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ..........1
VIN CHECK DIGIT.........................2
BODY CODE PLATE .......................2
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS.................4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
VEHICLE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABEL
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle safety certification label is attached to
the left side of B-pillar or on the rearward facing of
the front door (Fig. 1). This label indicates date of
manufacture (month and year), Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
front, Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear and
the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The Month,
Day and Hour of manufacture is also included.
All communications or inquiries regarding the
vehicle should include the Month-Day-Hour and
Vehicle Identification Number.
FASTENER IDENTIFICATION.................5
FASTENER USAGE ........................5
THREADED HOLE REPAIR ..................8
METRIC SYSTEM .........................8
TORQUE REFERENCES.....................8
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located
on the upper left corner of the upper plenum, near
the left windshield pillar (Fig. 2). The VIN consists of
17 characters in a combination of letters and numbers that provide specific information about the vehicle. Refer to VIN Code Breakdown table for decoding
information.
12 through 17Sequence NumberSix digit number assigned by assembly plant
VIN CHECK DIGIT
DESCRIPTION
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Identification Number. The check digit is used by the
manufacturer and government agencies to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle and official documentation. The formula to use the check digit is not
released to the general public.
BODY CODE PLATE
LOCATION AND DECODING
DESCRIPTION
The Body Code Plate (Fig. 3) is located in the
engine compartment on the battery tray front side
(Fig. 4). There are seven lines of information on the
body code plate. Lines 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not used to
define service information. Information reads from
left to right, starting with line 3 in the center of the
plate to line 1 at the bottom of the plate.
Page 4
LHINTRODUCTION3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
DIGIT 4
Open Space
DIGITS 5 THROUGH 7
Primary paint
See Group 23, Body for color codes.
DIGIT 8 AND 9
Open Space
DIGITS 10 THROUGH 12
Secondary Paint
DIGIT 13 AND 14
Open Space
DIGITS 15 THROUGH 18
Fig. 3 Body Code Plate
1 – PRIMARY PAINT
2 – SECONDARY PAINT
3 – VINYL ROOF
4 – VEHICLE ORDER NUMBER
5 – CAR LINE SHELL
6 – PAINT PROCEDURE
7 – ENGINE
8 – TRIM
9 – TRANSMISSION
10 – MARKET
11 – VIN
Interior Trim Code
DIGIT 19
Open Space
DIGITS 20, 21, AND 22
Engine Code
• EER = 2.7 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, DOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
• EGW = 3.2 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, SOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
• EGG = 3.5 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, SOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
• EES = 2.7 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, DOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
• ECG = 3.5 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, SOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
Fig. 4 Body Code Plate Location
1 – BODY COPY PLATE
2 – BATTERY TRAY
BODY CODE PLATE LINE 3
DIGITS 1, 2, AND 3
Paint procedure
DIGIT 23
Open Space
BODY CODE PLATE – LINE 2
DIGITS 1 THROUGH 12
Vehicle Order Number
DIGITS 13, THROUGH 15
Vinyl Roof Code
DIGITS 16 AND 17
Open space
DIGITS 18 AND 19
Vehicle Shell Line
• LH
DIGITS 20
Carline
• C = Chrysler
• D = Dodge
Page 5
4INTRODUCTIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
• Y = Chrysler
DIGIT 21
Price Class
• E = Economy
• H = High Line
• L = Low Line
• M = Mid Line
• P = Premium
• S = Special/Sport
• X = Performance Image
DIGITS 22 AND 23
Body Type
• 41 = Four Door Sedan
BODY CODE PLATE LINE 1
DIGITS 1, 2, AND 3
Transaxle Codes
• DGX = 42LE four speed Electronic Automatic
Transaxle
DIGIT 4
Open Space
IF TWO BODY CODE PLATES ARE REQUIRED
The last code shown on either plate will be followed by END. When two plates are required, the
last code space on the first plate will indicate (CTD)
When a second plate is required, the first four
spaces of each line will not be used due to overlap of
the plates.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
The graphic symbols illustrated in the following
International Control and Display Symbols Chart are
used to identify various instrument controls. The
symbols correspond to the controls and displays that
are located on the instrument panel.
The SAE bolt strength grades range from grade 2
to grade 8. The higher the grade number, the greater
the bolt strength. Identification is determined by the
line marks on the top of each bolt head. The actual
bolt strength grade corresponds to the number of line
marks plus 2. The most commonly used metric bolt
strength classes are 9.8 and 10.9. The metric
strength class identification number is imprinted on
the head of the bolt. The higher the class number,
the greater the bolt strength. Some metric nuts are
imprinted with a single-digit strength class on the
nut face. Refer to the Fastener Identification and
Fastener Strength Charts.
FASTENER USAGE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: USE OF AN INCORRECT FASTENER
MAY RESULT IN COMPONENT DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Figure art, specifications and tightening torque references in this manual are identified in metric and
SAE format.
During any maintenance or repair procedures, it is
important to salvage all fasteners (nuts, bolts, etc.)
for reassembly. If the fastener is not salvageable, a
fastener of equivalent specification must be use.
Page 7
6INTRODUCTIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
FASTENER IDENTIFICATION
Page 8
LHINTRODUCTION7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
FASTENER STRENGTH
Page 9
8INTRODUCTIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
THREADED HOLE REPAIR
DESCRIPTION
Most stripped threaded holes can be repaired using
a Helicoil t. Follow the manufacture recommendation
for application and repair procedures.
The following chart will assist in converting metric
units to equivalent English and SAE units, or vise
versa.
METRIC SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The metric system is based on quantities of one,
ten, one hundred, one thousand and one million.
CONVERSION FORMULAS AND EQUIVALENT VALUES
MULTIPLYBYTO GETMULTIPLYBYTO GET
in-lbsx 0.11298= Newton Meters (N·m)N·mx 8.851= in-lbs
ft-lbsx 1.3558= Newton Meters (N·m)N·mx 0.7376= ft-lbs
Inches Hg
x 0.27778= Meters/Sec (M/S)M/Sx 3.600Kilometers/Hr.
(Km/h)
COMMON METRIC EQUIVALENTS
1 inch = 25 Millimeters1 Cubic Inch = 16 Cubic Centimeters
1 Foot = 0.3 Meter1 Cubic Foot = 0.03 Cubic Meter
1 Yard = 0.9 Meter1 Cubic Yard = 0.8 Cubic Meter
1 Mile = 1.6 Kilometers
Refer to the Metric Conversion Chart to convert
torque values listed in metric Newton- meters (N·m).
Also, use the chart to convert between millimeters
(mm) and inches (in.)
TORQUE REFERENCES
DESCRIPTION
Individual Torque Charts appear at the end of
many Groups. Refer to the Standard Torque Specifications Chart for torque references not listed in the
individual torque charts.
Page 10
LHINTRODUCTION9
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
METRIC CONVERSION CHART
Page 11
10INTRODUCTIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Page 12
LHINTRODUCTION1
2000 LHS, 300M, CONCORDE AND INTREPID
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
E-MARK LABEL ..........................1
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ..........1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
E-MARK LABEL
DESCRIPTION
An E-mark Label (Fig. 1) is located on the rear
shut face of the driver’s door. The label contains the
following information:
• Date of Manufacture
• Month-Day-Hour (MDH)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Country Codes
• Regulation Number
• Regulation Amendment Number
• Approval Number
VIN CHECK DIGIT.........................2
BODY CODE PLATE .......................2
MANUFACTURER PLATE ...................4
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located
on the upper left corner of the instrument panel,
near the left windshield pillar (Fig. 2). The VIN consists of 17 characters in a combination of letters and
numbers that provide specific information about the
vehicle. Refer to VIN Code Breakdown table for
decoding information.
Fig. 1 E-Mark Label
1 – Country Code
2 – Regulation Number
3 – Approval Number
4 – Amendment Number
POSITIONINTERPRETATIONCODE = DESCRIPTION
1Country of Origin2 = Built in Canada by Chrysler Canada Ltd.
2MakeC = Chrysler
3Vehicle Type3 = Passenger Car
4Passenger SafetyH = Restraint System - Active Driver and Passenger Air Bags
5Car LineC = LHS
D = Concorde
E = 300M
6Series4 = High Line
5 = Premium
6 = Sport
7Body Style6 = 4 Door Sedan
8EngineG = 3.5L 6 Cyl 24 Valve Gasoline SOHC High Output
U = 2.7L V-6 DOHC 24V Gasoline
9Check DigitSee explanation in this section.
10Model YearY = 2000
11Assembly PlantH = Bramelea Assembly
12 through 17Sequence Number6 digit number assigned by assembly plant.
VIN CHECK DIGIT
DESCRIPTION
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Identification Number. The check digit is used by the
manufacturer and government agencies to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle and official documentation. The formula to use the check digit is not
released to the general public.
BODY CODE PLATE
DESCRIPTION
The Body Code Plate (Fig. 3) is located in the
engine compartment on the battery tray front side
(Fig. 4). There are seven lines of information on the
body code plate. Lines 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not used to
define service information. Information reads from
left to right, starting with line 3 in the center of the
plate to line 1 at the bottom of the plate.
Fig. 3 Body Code Plate
1 – PRIMARY PAINT
2 – SECONDARY PAINT
3 – VINYL ROOF
4 – VEHICLE ORDER NUMBER
5 – CAR LINE SHELL
6 – PAINT PROCEDURE
7 – ENGINE
8 – TRIM
9 – TRANSMISSION
10 – MARKET
11 – VIN
Page 14
LHINTRODUCTION3
2000 LHS, 300M, CONCORDE AND INTREPID
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
BODY CODE PLATE LINE 2
DIGITS 1, 2, AND 3
Paint procedure
DIGIT 4
Open Space
DIGITS 5 THROUGH 7
Primary paint
See Group 23, Body for color codes.
DIGITS 8 and 9
Open Space
DIGITS 10 THROUGH 12
Fig. 4 Body Code Plate Location
1 – BODY COPY PLATE
2 – BATTERY TRAY
Secondary Paint
DIGITS 13 and 14
Open Space
BODY CODE PLATE – LINE 3
DIGITS 1 THROUGH 12
Vehicle Order Number
DIGITS 13, THROUGH 15
Vinyl Roof Code
DIGITS 16 AND 17
Open space
DIGITS 18 AND 19
Vehicle Shell Line
• LH
DIGITS 20
Carline
• C = Chrysler
• Y = Chrysler
DIGIT 21
Price Class
• E = Economy
• H = High Line
• L = Low Line
• M = Mid Line
• P = Premium
• S = Special/Sport
• X = Performance Image
DIGITS 15 THROUGH 18
Interior Trim Code
DIGIT 19
Open Space
DIGITS 20, 21, AND 22
Engine Code
• EER = 2.7 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, DOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
• EGG = 3.5 L, Six Cylinder, 24 Valve, SOHC,
Gasoline, Aluminum Block
DIGIT 23
Open Space
BODY CODE PLATE LINE 1
DIGITS 1, 2, AND 3
Transaxle Codes
• DGX = 42LE four speed Electronic Automatic
Transaxle
DIGIT 4
Open Space
DIGIT 5
Market Code
• B = International
DIGITS 22 AND 23
Body Type
• 41 = Four Door Sedan
DIGIT 6
Open Space
DIGITS 7 THROUGH 23
Vehicle Identification Number
Page 15
4INTRODUCTIONLH
2000 LHS, 300M, CONCORDE AND INTREPID
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
• Refer to Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
paragraph for proper breakdown of VIN code.
IF TWO BODY CODE PLATES ARE REQUIRED
The last code shown on either plate will be followed by END. When two plates are required, the
last code space on the first plate will indicate (CTD)
When a second plate is required, the first four
spaces of each line will not be used due to overlap of
the plates.
MANUFACTURER PLATE
The Manufacturer Plate is located in the engine
compartment on the radiator closure panel cross-
member adjacent to the Body Code Plate. The plate
contains five lines of information:
1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
3. Gross Train Mass (GTM)
4. Gross Front Axle Rating (GFAR)
5. Gross Rear Axle Rating (GRAR)
Page 16
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 1
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
LUBRICANTS ............................. 1
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ................. 3
LUBRICANTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PARTS AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS ....................1
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS............1
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS .................2
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PARTS AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS
When service is required, DaimlerChrysler Motor
Corporation recommends that only Mopart brand
parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar provides the best engineered products for servicing
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles.
ENGINE COOLANT
The green and the orange engine coolant MUST
NOT BE MIXED. When replacing coolant the complete system flush must be performed before using
the replacement coolant.
CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS
Only lubricants bearing designations defined by
the following organization should be used to service a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle.
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• American Petroleum Institute (API) (Fig. 1)
• National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
(Fig. 2)
JUMP STARTING, TOWING, AND HOISTING..... 9
FLUID CHECK/FILL POINTS AND
LUBRICATION LOCATIONS.................2
LUBRICATION POINT LOCATIONS ............2
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES ........................2
cosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range.
• SAE 30 = single grade engine oil.
• SAE 10W-30 = multiple grade engine oil.
DaimlerChryslerCorporationonlyrecommends
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 American Petroleum Institute (API) to meet all the lubrication requirements specified by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation.
Refer to Group 9, Engine for gasoline engine oil
specification.
SAE VISCOSITY RATING
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. Engine oils also have multiple
viscosities. These are specified with a dual SAE vis-
Fig. 1 API Symbol
GEAR LUBRICANTS
SAE ratings also apply to multiple grade gear
lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the
Page 17
0 - 2LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCELH
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
lubricants usage. Such as API GL-5 and SAE 80W-
90.
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
“G”. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter “L”.
The letter following the usage letter indicates the
quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indicate the highest quality.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank ..................... 68L(18gal.)
Engine Oil – 2.7 L Engine with Oil Filter . . . 4.7 L
(5.0 qts.)
Engine Oil – 3.2 L Engine with Oil Filter . . . 4.7 L
(5.0 qts.)
Engine Oil – 3.5 L Engine with Oil Filter . . . 4.7 L
(5.0 qts.)
Cooling System – 2.7 L Engine .... 8.9L(9.4 qts.)
Cooling System – 3.2 L Engine .... 8.9L(9.4 qts.)
Cooling System – 3.5 L Engine .... 8.9L(9.4 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle – Estimated Service
Fill ........................ 4.3L(4.5 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle – Overhaul Fill Capacity
with Torque Converter Empty . . . 9.4 L (9.9 qts.)
Differential ..................... 0.95 L (1 qt.)
Page 18
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 3
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ................3
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULE INSPECTION .................3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for your vehicle.
Schedule “A”. It lists all the scheduled maintenance to be performed under “normal” operating conditions.
Schedule “B” It is a schedule for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions listed below.
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULE INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check engine oil level and add as required.
• Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
Once A Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
• Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Inspect the exhaust system.
• Inspect brake hoses.
• Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponent boots and seals.
• Rotate 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).
• Check 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.
SCHEDULE – A ...........................3
SCHEDULE – B ...........................5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed in bold
type on 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 maintenance 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
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
15,000 miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
Page 19
0 - 4LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCELH
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note#1attheend
of this chart.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.
See note #1 at the end of this chart.
• Inspect and replace, if necessary the drive belts.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
• Change engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months.
82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.
See notes#1and#2attheendofthis chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
100,000 Miles (160 000 km) regardless of time
interval
• Replace the spark plugs.
• Replace the ignition cables.
• Replace the engine timing belt (Federal Emis-
sions equipped vehicles only)
• Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done
at 60 months.
• Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Replace the engine timing belt (California
Emissions equipped vehicles only)
NOTE # 1 This maintenance is recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the warranty on the PCV valve.
NOTE # 2 This maintenance is not required if the
component was previously replaced.
Page 20
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 5
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
Note # 1 This maintenance is recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
Note # 2 This maintenance is not required if the
component was previously replaced.
SCHEDULE – B
Follow this schedule if the vehicle is usually operates under one or more of the following conditions.
• Day and night temperatures are below freezing
• Frequent stop and go driving
• Frequent long periods of engine idling
• Frequent driving in dusty conditions
• Frequent short trips of less than 5 miles
• Frequent operation at sustained high speeds
during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
• Frequent trailer towing
• Taxi, police or delivery service
NOTE: Operating vehicle under the following conditions will require the transmission service indicated
with an * in schedule “B”.
• More than 50% of vehicle operation is in stop
and go traffic where the vehicle is driven regularly
for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation,
such as in heavy city traffic or construction zone traffic.
• Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or trailer towing where the vehicle is driven
regularly for more than 45 minutes of continuous
operation.
At Each Stop For Fuel
• Check engine oil level and add as required.
• Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
• Change the engine oil
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
• Inspect the Engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the Engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Change the differential fluid.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter). See note #1 at the end of this chart.
Once a Month
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
• Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
• Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect brake hoses.
• Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
• Rotate the tires every other oil change.
• Check the 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.
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
Page 21
0 - 6LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCELH
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.
See note #1.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Replace the power steering fluid.
• Change the differential fluid.
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter). See note #1 at the end of this chart.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Change the differential fluid.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter.*
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
57,000 Miles (91 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.
See notes#1and#2attheendofthis chart.
• Inspect and replace, if necessary the drive belts.
• Replace the power steering fluid.
• Change the differential fluid.
63,000 Miles (101 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
Page 22
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 7
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
66,000 Miles (106 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
69,000 Miles (110 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
72,000 Miles (115 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter). See note #1 at the end of this chart.
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Change the differential fluid.
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
81,000 Miles (130 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
84,000 Miles (134 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
87,000 Miles (139 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Adjust the drive belt tension.
• Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.
See notes#1and#2attheendofthis chart.
• Replace the power steering fluid.
• Change the differential fluid.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
93,000 Miles (149 000 km)
• Change engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
96,000 Miles (154 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter.*
99,000 Miles (158 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
100,000 Miles (161 000 km)
• Flush and replace the engine coolant.
• Replace the engine timing belt.
• Replace the spark plugs
• Replace the ignition Cables (on Federal Emis-
sions equipped vehicles only)
102,000 Miles (164 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter) and replace if required. See note #1 at the end
of this chart.
Page 23
0 - 8LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCELH
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the engine oil filter.
• Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
• Replace the ignition Cables (on California
Emissions equipped vehicles only)
• Change the differential fluid.
• Inspect the front and rear brake linings and
rotors.
Note # 1 This maintenance is recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
Note # 2 This maintenance is not required if the
component was previously replaced.
NOTE: Operating vehicle under the following conditions will require the transmission service indicated
with an * in schedule “B”.
• More than 50% of vehicle operation is in stop
and go traffic where the vehicle is driven regularly
for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation,
such as in heavy city traffic or construction zone traffic.
• Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or trailer towing where the vehicle is driven
regularly for more than 45 minutes of continuous
operation.
Page 24
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 9
JUMP STARTING, TOWING, AND HOISTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
SERVICE PROCEDURES
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE...............9
SERVICE PROCEDURES
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN GROUP 8A, BATTERY.
DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY, PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT JUMP START WHEN MAINTENANCE
FREE BATTERY INDICATOR DOT IS YELLOW OR
BRIGHT COLOR.
ABATTERYGENERATESHYDROGENGAS
WHICH IS FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE. KEEP
OPEN FLAME OR SPARKS AWAY FROM THE BATTERY.
DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO
TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A
BOOSTER SOURCE.,
DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO EXCEED
16 VOLTS.
TAKE CARE TO AVOID THE RADIATOR COOLING
FAN WHENEVER THE HOOD IS RAISED. THE FAN
CAN START AT ANYTIME THE IGNITION SWITCH IS
ON. YOU CAN BE HURT BY THE FAN.
BATTERY FLUID IS A CORROSIVE ACID SOLUTION: DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY FLUID TO CONTACTEYES,SKIN,ORCLOTHING.IFACID
SPLASHES IN EYES OR ON SKIN, FLUSH THE
CONTAMINATED AREA IMMEDIATELY WITH LARGE
QUANTITIES OF WATER.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS..............10
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS.............11
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, pro-
ceed as follows:
(1) Wear eye protection and remove metallic jewelry worn on hands or wrists to avoid injury by accidental arcing of battery current.
(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach
without allow vehicles to touch.
(3) Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK, and turn
the ignition OFF in both vehicles.
(4) Connect one end of the positive jumper cable to
the positive jump start attachment of the booster
battery. Connect the other end of the cable to the
positive jump start attachment of the discharged battery (Fig. 1).
(5) Connect one end of the negative jumper cable
to the negative jump start attachment of the booster
battery. Connect the other end of the cable to the
negative jump start attachment of the discharged
battery (Fig. 2). Ensure that the jump cable clamps
have good connections.
(6) Start the engine in the vehicle which has the
booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes,
then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will overheat and could fail.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to push or tow the vehicle to start it. The vehicle cannot be started this
way. Pushing with another vehicle may damage the
transaxle or the rear of the vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from another
vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow the procedure carefully.
NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment in
front of the tire in the right front fender and is
accessible through the engine compartment.
(7) When removing the jumper cables:
• Disconnect jumper cable negative clamp from
the disabled vehicle.
• Disconnect the jumper cable negative clamp
from the booster battery start attachment.
• Disconnect jumper cable positive clamp from dis-
able battery start attachment.
• Disconnect jumper cable positive clamp from
booster battery start attachment.
Page 25
0 - 10LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCELH
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
• Always observe all state and local laws pertaining to warning signals, night illumination, speed,
etc.
• Do not attempt a towing operation that could
jeopardize the operator, bystanders or other motorists.
• Do not exceed a towing speed of 48 km/h (30
mph).
• Avoid towing distances of more than 24 km (15
miles), whenever possible.
• Never attach tow chains or a tow sling to the
bumper, steeringlinkage, orconstant velocity
joints.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
Fig. 1 Positive Jumper Start Attachment
1 – ATTACHMENT CAP
2 – JUMPER START ATTACHMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a wheel lift or flat bed towing device (Fig. 3) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the rear end of disabled vehicle has at least
100 mm (4 inches) ground clearance. If minimum
ground clearance cannot be reached, use a towing
dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach angle
should not exceed :
• 13 degrees for Intrepid
• 12 degrees for Concorde, and 300M
• Additional ramping may be required.
Fig. 2 Negative Jumper Start Attachment
1 – NEGATIVE JUMP START ATTACHMENT
2 – ATTACHMENT
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNING:
• Do NOT tow vehicle with front wheels on the
ground. The transaxle can be damaged.
• Secure loose and protruding parts from a dis-
abled vehicle.
• Always use a safety chain system that is inde-
pendent of the lifting and towing equipment.
• Do not allow any of the towing equipment to
contact the fuel tank of the vehicle being towed.
• Do not go under the vehicle while it is lifted by
the towing equipment.
• Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle
being towed.
Fig. 3 Recommended Towing Devices
1 – WHEEL LIFT
2 – FLAT BED
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to
increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of
Page 26
LHLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE0 - 11
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain braking discs.
TIE DOWN LOCATIONS FOR FLAT BED TOWING
There are two reinforced elongated holes on each
side of the vehicle designed to serve as hold down
locations. These locations can safely hold the vehicle
to the towing device using T or R hooks.
• Bottom of the forward torque box between the
front frame rail and the rocker panel.
• Bottom of the rearward torque box forward of
the rear wheel.
FRONT TOWING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Do Not tow vehicle from the front with
sling type towing device. Damage to bumper fascia
will result.
Always tow vehicle with front wheels off the
ground as shown (Fig. 4).
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to Owner’s Manual provided with vehicle for
proper emergency jacking procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING ANDJACKLIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHICLE. WHEN THE ENGINE OR REAR SUSPENSION
IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING
CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT OR
SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
CAUTION: Do not position hoisting device on suspension components, damage to vehicle can result.
For proper hoisting and jacking points, refer to
(Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Towing
Use a flat bed towing device when wheel lift towing device is not available.
REAR TOWING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Do not tow vehicle with the rear end
lifted.
If damage to the vehicle prevents front towing, use
a flat bed towing device.
CAUTION: Do not push the vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and transaxle can result.
Fig. 5 Hoisting and Jacking Points
Page 27
Page 28
LHSUSPENSION2 - 1
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
WHEEL ALIGNMENT........................ 1
FRONT SUSPENSION ...................... 10
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT .......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS .....2
VEHICLE LEAD DIAGNOSIS AND
CORRECTION ..........................4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Vehicle wheel alignment is the proper adjustment
of all interrelated front and rear suspension angles.
These angles are what affects the handling and
steering of the vehicle when it is in motion.
The method of checking a vehicle’s front and rear
wheel alignment will vary depending on the type and
manufacturer of the equipment being used. Instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the equipment
being used should always be followed to ensure accuracy of the alignment, except when alignment specifications recommended by DaimlerChrysler differ.
Typical wheel alignment angles and measurements
are camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.
• Camber is the number of degrees the top of the
tire and wheel assembly is tilted either inward or
outward (Fig. 1). Camber is a tire wearing angle.
Excessive negative camber will cause tread wear at
the inside of the tire, while excessive positive camber
will cause outside tire wear.
• Cross Camber is the difference between left and
right camber. To achieve the cross camber reading,
subtract the right side camber reading from the left.
For example, if the left camber is +0.3° and the right
camber is 0.0°, the cross camber would be +0.3°.
REAR SUSPENSION ....................... 44
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION ........4
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT ..............4
WHEEL ALIGNMENT .......................6
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS .........9
Fig. 1 Camber
1 – NEGATIVE
2 – POSITIVE
• Caster is the number of degrees of forward or
rearward tilt of the steering knuckle (Fig. 2). Forward tilt provides a negative caster angle, while rearward tilt provides a positive caster angle. Although
caster does not affect tire wear, a caster imbalance
(side-to-side) on the vehicle may cause the vehicle to
lead to the side with the least positive caster. Caster
is not adjustable on this vehicle.
• Cross Caster is the difference between left and
right caster.
Page 29
2 - 2SUSPENSIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
• Toe is measured in degrees or inches and is the
difference in width between the centered leading and
trailing edges of the tires on the same axle (Fig. 3).
Toe-in means that the front width is more narrow
than the rear. Toe-out means that the front width is
wider than the rear.
Fig. 2 Caster
1 – POSITIVE
2 – NEGATIVE
• Thrust Angle is defined as the average of the toe
settings on each rear wheel. If this measurement is
out of specification, readjust the rear wheel toe so
that each wheel has 1/2 of the total toe measure-
ment. When readjusting, do not exceed the total toe
specification.
Wheel alignment on this vehicle is to be checked
and all alignment adjustments are to be made with
the vehicle standing at its curb height specification.
Curb height is the riding height of the vehicle measured from a certain point on the vehicle to the
ground while the vehicle is setting on a flat, level
surface.
Fig. 3 Toe
1 – TOE-IN
2 – TOE-OUT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS
CONDITIONPOSSIBLE CAUSESCORRECTION
Front End Whine On Turns1. Defective wheel bearing1. Replace wheel bearing
2. Incorrect wheel alignment2. Check and reset wheel alignment
6. Lack of lubricant in steering coupler6. Replace steering coupler
7. Replace strut bearing
pressure
lateral pull
torque
pressure
correct level
3. Correctly adjust power steering pump
drive belt
VEHICLE LEAD DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION
Use the following chart to diagnose a vehicle that
has a complaint of a drift or lead condition. The use
of the chart will help to determine if the lead condition is the result of a bad tire or is caused by the
front wheel alignment.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment factors. The following part
inspection and the necessary corrections should be
made to those parts which influence the steering of
the vehicle.
(1) Check and inflate all tires to recommended
pressure. All tires should be the same size and in
good condition and have approximately the same
wear. Note the type of tread wear which will aid in
diagnosing, see Wheels and Tires, Group 22.
(2) Check front wheel and tire assembly for radial
runout.
(3) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness.
(4) Check for broken or sagged front and rear
springs.
(5) Check vehicle ride height to verify it is within
specifications.
(6) Alignment MUST only be checked after the
vehicle has the following areas inspected and or
adjusted. Recommended tire pressures, full tank of
fuel, no passenger or luggage compartment load and
is on a level floor or a properly calibrated alignment
rack.
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment 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 standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
Page 32
LHSUSPENSION2 - 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 33
2 - 6SUSPENSIONLH
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If measurement is
not within specifications, inspect vehicle for bent or
weak suspension components. Compare parts tag on
suspect coil spring(s) to parts book and vehicle sales
code, checking for a match. Once removed from vehicle, compare coil spring height to a correct new or
known good coil spring. The heights should vary if
the suspect spring is weak.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLEFRONTREAR
739 mm 6 20 mm754 mm 6 20 mm
CONCORDE/LHS/300M
29.09 in. 6 0.79 in.29.68 in. 6 0.79 in.
729 mm 6 20 mm735 mm 6 20 mm
INTREPID
28.70 in. 6 0.79 in.28.93 in. 6 0.79 in.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
(1) Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
(2) Perform a pre-wheel alignment inspection.
(3) Install all required alignment equipment on
the vehicle, per the alignment equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
(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 differential is not to exceed 20 mm (0.79 in.).
(3) Compare measurements to specifications listed
in the following chart.
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.
(4) Read the vehicle’s current front and rear alignment settings. Compare the vehicle’s current alignment settings to the vehicle specifications for camber,
caster and toe-in. See Alignment Specifications in
this group of the service manual for the required
specifications.
(5) If the rear alignment is out of specification,
adjust it first, before proceeding to the front. Rear
camber and caster are not adjustable. If rear camber
is out of specification, check for damaged or bent rear
suspension components.
REAR WHEEL TOE ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen lateral link, adjustment link jam nuts
(Fig. 4). Rotate adjustment links as required to set
rear wheel Toe to specifications. Do not exceed the
maximum length dimensions of the lateral links
shown in (Fig. 5). Both dimensions must be
checked to ensure they do not exceed maximums allowed.
Fig. 4 Rear Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 – ADJUSTMENT LINK
2 – JAM NUTS
3 – SPINDLE
4 – LATERAL LINKS
CAUTION: When setting rear toe-in on vehicle, the
maximum lengths of the adjustable lateral link at
the locations shown in (Fig. 5) must not be
exceeded. If these maximum lengths are exceeded,
inadequate retention of adjustment link to the inner
and outer link may result. Ensure that the adjustment sleeve jam nuts are torqued to the required
specifications when the Toe setting procedure is
completed.
(2) Tighten lateral link, adjustment link lock-nuts
to 88 N·m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
Page 34
LHSUSPENSION2 - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
FRONT CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
There are camber adjustment bolts and nuts available to allow front suspension camber adjustment in
the event the vehicle pulls even though the camber is
within specifications. This procedure involves replacing the original strut clevis to knuckle attachment
bolts with special undersized bolts.
(1) Raise the front of vehicle by the frame until
the tires are not supporting the weight of the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
location on the vehicle requiring camber adjustment.
Fig. 5 Lateral Link Maximum Length Dimensions
1 – 380mm
(MAX)
2 – 90mm
(MAX)
CAUTION: When removing the strut to knuckle
bolts from the strut clevis bracket, do not allow
knuckle to pull away, putting a strain on the brake
flex hose.
(3) Proceed to set the front wheel alignment. If
front camber and caster readings are within required
specifications, proceed to Front Wheel Toe Adjustment. If not, refer to the following procedure to correct camber.
CAMBER AND CASTER
Front wheel Camber and Caster settings on this
vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is
designed. This is done by determining the precise
mounting location of the vehicle’s suspension components throughout the design and assembly processes
of the vehicle. This is called a Net-Build vehicle and
results in no normal requirement for adjustment of
the Camber and Caster after a vehicle is built, or
when servicing the suspension components. Thus,
Camber and Caster are not normally considered an
adjustable specification when performing an alignment on this vehicle. Though Camber and Caster are
not adjustable, they should be checked during the
alignment procedure to ensure they meet the manufacturers specifications.
If camber and caster do not meet required specifications, the vehicles suspension components should
be inspected for any signs of damage or bending.
This inspection must be done before performing the camber setting procedure.
If a vehicle has a drift or lead condition, and it is
determined that the drift or lead is not caused by
road conditions, the front camber can be adjusted
using the following camber adjustment procedure.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles
Caster or Camber by heating, bending or by performing any other modification to the vehicle’s front
suspension components.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the strut to the
steering knuckle are serrated in the area where they
go through the steering knuckle and strut. When
removing, do not turn the bolts in the steering
knuckle. If bolts are turned in the steering knuckle,
damage to the steering knuckle will result.
(3) Remove the nuts from the bolts attaching the
strut to the knuckle (Fig. 6). Tap the bolts out of the
knuckle.
(4) Loosely install the camber adjustment bolts
and nuts attaching the strut to the steering knuckle.
The bolts should be installed so the nuts are towards
the front of the vehicle.
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Page 35
2 - 8SUSPENSIONLH
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(6) If necessary, repeat steps 2 through 5 to the
other side of the vehicle.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Jounce the front and rear of vehicle.
(9) Adjust the front camber to the preferred setting by pushing in or pulling outward on the top of
the wheel and tire as required. When camber is correct, tighten the upper and lower strut to knuckle
camber adjustment bolts to a torque of 170 N·m (125
ft. lbs.).
(10) Proceed to Front Wheel Toe Adjustment in
this section and adjust front wheel toe as necessary.
FRONT WHEEL TOE ADJUSTMENT
(1) Center steering wheel and hold it in place
using a steering wheel clamp.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment pinch bolt.
Rotate the adjustment sleeve to align toe to specifications (Fig. 7).
Fig. 8 Tie Rod Thread Engagement Requirements
1 – OUTER TIE ROD
2 – ADJUSTER
3 – PINCH BOLT
4 – INNER TIE ROD
5 – ALLOWABLE THREADS EXPOSED ON OUTER TIE ROD
AND ADJUSTER IS A MAXIMUM OF 20 MILLIMETERS.
REFER TO AREA INDICATED ABOVE ON THE OUTER TIE
ROD AND ADJUSTER.
Fig. 7 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment Location
1 – ADJUSTMENT TOOL
2 – ADJUSTMENT PINCH BOLT
3 – TIE ROD END
CAUTION: When setting toe on vehicle, the maximum dimension of exposed threads allowed on
inner and outer tie rod cannot exceed the distance
shown(Fig.8).Ifthemaximumdistanceis
exceeded, inadequate retention of either inner or
outer tie rod may result. Ensure that adjustment
pinch bolt is torqued to required specification when
Toe setting procedure is completed.
CAUTION: When torquing adjustment pinch bolt,
the following procedure must be followed to ensure
adequate retention of the adjustment sleeve. Not
following this procedure, could result in the Toe
Setting Adjustment changing and/or loosening of
the inner or outer tie rod ends.
NOTE: Use an appropriate tool on neck area of
outer tie rod to maintain the correct perpendicular
orientation of the tie rod end stud within the tie rod
end.
(3) After completion of toe adjustment procedure,
tighten tie rod pinch bolt (Fig. 8) to a torque of 38
N·m (28 ft. lbs.).
(6) Road test the vehicle after the initial wheel
alignment has been performed. If vehicle still drifts
or leads, repeat the front wheel alignment procedure
and adjust the camber to bias the cross camber setting opposite of the direction in which the vehicle has
the tendency to lead. For example, if the vehicle
leads left, compensate by setting left front camber to
0.0° and right front camber up to +0.6°, allowing
both sides to remain within camber specifications.
The cross camber is still at 0.6° which is within the
allowed alignment specification.
Page 36
LHSUSPENSION2 - 9
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE: All specifications are given in degrees.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENTPREFERRED SETTINGACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER0.00°-0.60° to +0.60°
Cross Camber (Maximum Side-To-Side Difference)0.00°0.70°
CASTER+3.00°+2.00° to +4.00°
Cross Caster (Maximum Side-To-Side Difference)0.00°1.00°
TOTAL TOE*0.00°−0.20° to +0.20°
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENTPREFERRED SETTINGACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER−0.20°−0.70° to +0.30°
TOTAL TOE*+0.10°−0.20° to +0.40°
THRUST ANGLE0.00°-0.15° to +0.15°
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 (+) is Toe-in, Negative (−) is
Toe-out.
NOTE: All wheel alignments are to be set with the
vehicle at curb height. Refer to CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT in SERVICE PROCEDURES.
Page 37
2 - 10SUSPENSIONLH
FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM..............10
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT) ................10
STEERING KNUCKLE .....................11
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT) ...............12
LOWER CONTROL ARM ...................12
BALL JOINT .............................12
TENSION STRUT.........................13
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT) .................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT) ................13
STEERING KNUCKLE .....................13
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT) ...............13
LOWER CONTROL ARM ...................14
BALL JOINT .............................14
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT) .................14
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ........15
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT) ................15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a MacPherson strut type front
suspension design (Fig. 1).
The front suspension includes the following compo-
nents:
• Strut assembly
• Steering knuckle
• Hub and bearing
• Lower control arm and ball joint
• Tension strut
• Stabilizer bar
OPERATION
The front suspension allows each front wheel on a
vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and conditions without affecting the control of the vehicle.
Each side of the front suspension is allowed to move
independently from the other. Both sides of the front
suspension are allowed to pivot so the vehicle can be
steered in the direction preferred. Steering of the
vehicle is provided by a rack and pinion steering gear
that is connected to a fixed steering arm on each
front strut.
STEERING KNUCKLE .....................18
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT) ...............22
LOWER CONTROL ARM ...................24
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT) .................27
STABILIZER BAR ISOLATOR BUSHINGS
(FRONT) ..............................31
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS (FRONT) .........32
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT) ................33
LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING......36
LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT
BUSHING .............................37
TENSION STRUT.........................39
TENSION STRUT CRADLE BUSHING .........40
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUES . . . 42
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION .....................42
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
DESCRIPTION
The front strut and suspension of the vehicle is
supported by coil springs positioned around the
struts (Fig. 1). The springs are contained between an
upper seat, located just below the upper strut mount
and a lower spring seat on the strut housing. A steering arm is permanently attached to each strut making it side specific.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the
upper fender reinforcement (strut tower) through a
rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
top of the steering knuckle with two serrated
through-bolts and prevailing torque nuts.
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or
side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment
and type of vehicle service.
The components of the strut assembly listed below
are serviceable if found to be defective (Fig. 2):
• Strut shaft retainer nut
• Upper mount
• Seat and bearing
• Dust shield
• Jounce bumper
• Jounce bumper cup
• Coil spring
Page 38
LHSUSPENSION2 - 11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Fig. 1 Front Suspension
1 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 – STEERING KNUCKLE
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
• Upper spring isolator
• Lower spring isolator
• Strut
OPERATION
The strut assembly cushions the ride of the vehicle,
controlling vibration, jounce and rebound of the suspension.
The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains
proper ride height.
The spring isolators isolate the coil spring at the
top and bottom from coming into metal-to-metal contact with the upper mounting seat and the strut.
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact under full jounce condition.
The strut dampens jounce and rebound motions of
the coil spring and suspension.
The steering knuckle is a single casting with legs
machined for attachment to the front strut assembly
and lower control arm ball joint (Fig. 1). The steering
knuckle also has machined abutments on the casting
to support and align the front brake caliper. The
knuckle also holds the hub and bearing, and supports
the driveshaft. The hub and bearing is positioned
through the center of the knuckle. The driveshaft
outer constant velocity (C/V) stub shaft is splined to
the center of the hub.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle provides for steering control
of the vehicle, supports the brake caliper and absorbs
the loads exerted during vehicle braking. It also supports the front (driving) hub and bearing and driveshaft stub axle assembly.
Page 39
2 - 12SUSPENSIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
OPERATION
The hub and bearing has internal bearings that
allow the hub to rotate with the driveshaft and tire
and wheel. The five wheel mounting studs mount the
tire and wheel, and brake rotor to the vehicle.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The lower control arm is a steel forging with 2 rubber bushings and a ball joint (Fig. 1). The bushing
isolating the lower control arm from the front cradle/
crossmember is a metal encased pivot bushing. The
bushing isolating the lower control arm from the tension strut is a solid rubber bushing. The lower control arm is bolted to the cradle/crossmember using a
bolt through the center of the pivot bushing. The tension strut is fastened through the center of the tension strut bushing and lower control arm. The lower
control arm ball joint connects to the steering
knuckle.
Fig. 2 Strut Assembly Components
1 – SEAT AND BEARING
2 – DUST SHIELD
3 – CUP
4 – LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 – STRUT
6 – JOUNCE BUMPER
7 – COIL SPRING
8 – UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
9 – UPPER MOUNT
The steering knuckle pivots with the strut assembly on the lower control arm ball joint, allowing the
vehicle to be steered.
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT)
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel bearing and front wheel hub of
this vehicle are a hub and bearing unit type assembly. This unit combines the front wheel mounting
hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
sealed one piece unit. The hub and bearing is
mounted to the center of the steering knuckle and is
retained by three mounting bolts accessible from the
rear of the steering knuckle. The hub flange has five
wheel mounting studs.
The wheel mounting studs used to mount the tire
and wheel to the vehicle are the only replaceable
components of the hub and bearing assembly. Otherwise, the hub and bearing is serviced only as a complete assembly.
OPERATION
The lower control arm supports the lower end of
the steering knuckle and allows for the up and down
movement of the suspension during the jounce and
rebound travel.
BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION
The ball joint is an integral part of the control arm
and has a non-tapered stud with a notch for clamp
(pinch) bolt installation. The stud is clamped and
locked into the steering knuckle leg using a clamp
(pinch) bolt.
The ball joint used in the lower control arm of this
vehicle is a sealed-for-life ball joint and requires no
maintenance lubrication. The ball joint cannot be serviced separately from the lower control arm. If the
ball joint is determined to be defective it will require
replacement of the complete lower control arm. Refer
to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in this section for
proper testing of the ball joint.
NOTE: The ball joint does not require any type of
additional lubrication for the life of the vehicle. No
attempt should be made to ever add any lubrication
to the lower ball joint.
OPERATION
The ball joint is a pivotal joint on the lower control
arm that allows the knuckle to move up and down,
and turn with ease.
Page 40
LHSUSPENSION2 - 13
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
TENSION STRUT
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a steel tension strut on each side
of the vehicle’s front suspension, between the lower
control arm and front suspension cradle/crossmember
(Fig. 1). The strut has rubber isolator bushings,
retainer washers and nuts at each end where it
mounts.
OPERATION
The tension strut controls longitudinal (fore-andaft) movement of each front wheel and the front suspension. Controlling the longitudinal movement helps
reduce harshness when the wheel hits sudden irregularities in the road surface.
The tension strut’s rubber isolator bushings isolate
suspension noise from the body of the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front cradle/crossmember (Fig. 1).
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cradle/
crossmember is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion
bushings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabilizer bar link is used to attach each end of the stabilizer bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of
the stabilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to front cradle cushion bushings
are slit for easy removal and installation. The slit
must be positioned toward the front of the vehicle
when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helps
to minimize the body roll of the vehicle during suspension movement.
rod and strut shaft seal is not unusual and does not
affect performance of the strut assembly. Also inspect
jounce bumpers for signs of damage or deterioration.
(4) Inspect the upper strut mount assembly. Make
sure the correct mount is on the correct side of the
vehicle. Looking down at the top of the upper mount,
2 tabs can be seen, (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4), down inside
the mount center well. The positioning of these tabs
is critical to vehicle ride and sound. DO NOT install
a right mount on the left front strut or a left
mount on a right front strut.
(4) If the strut is off the vehicle, a rectangular hole
can be seen on the edge of the mount mounting surface (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4). This is always in the 10
o’clock position when observing rubber tab positioning, whether a left or right mount is being observed.
Fig. 3 Left Front Strut Upper Mount
1 – NOTCH
2 – RUBBER TABS
3 – OUTBOARD STRUT COIL SPRING SEAT
4 – STEERING ARM
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or
side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment
and type of vehicle service. Be sure that the springs
meet the correct load rating for the vehicle and its
specific options.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs.
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots.
(3) Lift dust boot and inspect strut assembly for
evidence of fluid running from the upper end of 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
STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension knuckle (Fig. 5) is not a serviceable component. Do not attempt to straighten or
repair the front suspension knuckle in any way.
Service repair or replacement of the front (drive)
hub and bearing, (Fig. 5) can be done with the front
suspension knuckle remaining on the vehicle.
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT)
The front hub bearing is designed for the life of the
vehicle and requires no type of periodic maintenance.
Page 41
2 - 14SUSPENSIONLH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Fig. 4 Right Front Strut Upper Mount
1 – NOTCH
2 – STEERING ARM
3 – OUTBOARD STRUT COIL SPRING SEAT
4 – RUBBER TABS
The following procedure may be used for diagnosing
the condition of the front 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 and bearing will require replacement. The bearing is not serviceable.
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 replacement of the hub and bearing.
To check for excessive hub runout, refer to BRAKE
ROTOR in the DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING section
of service manual group BRAKES for the procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
The lower control arm if damaged, is serviced only
as a complete component. Do not attempt to repair
or straighten a broken or bent lower control
arm. Inspect the lower control arm for signs of dam-
age from contact with the ground or road debris. If
the lower control arm shows any sign of damage,
inspect the lower control arm to see if it is bent.
The only serviceable components of the lower control arm are, the pivot bushing, and the tension strut
bushing. The service procedure to replace these components is detailed in the specific component Service
Procedures Sections in this group of the service manual.
Raise front of vehicle using jack stands or a frame
contact type hoist, until front suspension is in full
rebound and tires are not in contact with the ground.
Grasp tire at top and bottom, and apply an in and
out on the wheel and tire. While applying force to the
tire, look for any movement between the lower ball
joint and lower control arm. If any movement is evident the lower ball joint is worn and the lower control arm requires replacement.
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
Inspect for broken or distorted retainers and bushings. If bushing replacement is required, bushing can
be removed by opening slit in bushing and removing
bushing from around stabilizer bar. The stabilizer
bar to cradle assembly bushings, should be positioned
on stabilizer bar, so slit in bushing is positioned
Page 42
LHSUSPENSION2 - 15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
toward the front of the vehicle when the stabilizer
bar is installed (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Stabilizer Bar And Isolator Bushings
1 – STABILIZER BAR
2 – SLIT
3 – FRONT OF CAR
4 – SLIT
5 – ISOLATOR BUSHINGS
6 – RETAINERS
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. Also, NO holes can be drilled
into the front shock tower in the area shown (Fig.
7), for the installation of any metal fasteners into
the shock tower. Because of the minimum clearance in this area, installation of metal fasteners
could damage the coil spring coating and lead to a
corrosion failure of the spring.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY’S SHAFT NUT AT ANY TIME UNLESS THE COIL
SPRINGHAS BEENPROPERLY COMPRESSED
FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE LISTED IN DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY IN THIS SECTION.
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.
Fig. 7 Strut Tower To Coil Spring Minimum
Clearance 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.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove front tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar attaching link nut at
the strut assembly. Remove the attaching link from
the strut assembly (Fig. 8).
Page 43
2 - 16SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 8 Stabilizer Bar Link At Strut
1 – OUTER TIE ROD
2 – NUT
3 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
4 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 – STEERING ARM
6 – NUT
(4) Loosen, but do not remove, the outer tie rod
end to strut arm attaching nut (Fig. 9). Release outer
tie rod end from steering arm using Puller, Special
Tool C-3894A (Fig. 9), then remove nut and tie rod
from the steering arm.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes,
remove the speed sensor cable routing bracket from
the strut assembly (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove the 2 guide pin bolts mounting the caliper assembly to the steering knuckle (Fig. 11).
(7) Remove brake caliper assembly from steering
knuckle and braking disc. Refer to the Brake Section
in this service manual for the required caliper
removal procedure. Support caliper assembly by
hanging it from frame of vehicle with wire or some
other method, (Fig. 12) do not let caliper assembly
hang by brake hose. Remove front braking disc from
hub.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When removing
bolts, turn nuts off bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
(8) Remove the 2 strut assembly to steering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 13).
(9) Remove the 4 strut assembly upper mount to
strut tower mounting nut and washer assemblies
(Fig. 14).
(10) Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle
for inspection and disassembly. Refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY for the required procedure.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install front strut assembly into shock tower.
Install the 4 strut assembly upper mount to shock
tower attaching nuts (Fig. 14). Tighten the 4 strut
mount to strut tower attaching nuts to a torque of 37
N·m (28 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position steering knuckle into strut assembly.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When installing
bolts, turn nuts onto bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
Page 45
2 - 18SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(3) Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts (Fig. 13). Install nuts on attaching
bolts. Tighten the strut assembly clevis to steering
knuckle attaching bolt nuts to a torque of 203 N·m
(150 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install braking disc back on front hub and
bearing assembly. Install front brake caliper assembly on steering knuckle. Install the 2 caliper assembly to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 11).
Tighten the caliper assembly guide pin bolts to a
torque of 19 N·m (192 in. lbs.).
(5) If the vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes.
Install the front speed sensor cable routing bracket
onto the front strut assembly (Fig. 10).
(6) Install outer tie rod on strut assembly. Install
tie rod attaching nut. Tighten the tie rod attaching
nut to a torque of 37 N·m (27 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install stabilizer bar link on strut (Fig. 8).
Tighten the stabilizer link attaching nut to a torque
of 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(9) Tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front caliper assembly from the
front steering knuckle assembly (Fig. 15). Refer to
Front Disc Brake Service in the Brake Section of this
service manual for caliper removal procedure.
(4) Remove front rotor from hub (Fig. 16).
(5) Remove screw attaching wheel speed sensor
head to steering knuckle. Speed sensor head
should be removed from steering knuckle, to
avoid damage to speed sensor by outer C/V
joint when hub and bearing is removed.
(6) Carefully, remove sensor head from steering
knuckle. If the sensor has seized, due to corrosion,
DO NOT USE PLIERS ON SENSOR HEAD. Use
a hammer and punch (Fig. 17) to tap edge of sensor
ear, rocking sensor side to side until free.
(7) Remove the hub and bearing to stub axle
retaining nut (Fig. 18).
(8) Remove the 3 steering knuckle to hub and
bearing assembly attaching bolts (Fig. 19).
CAUTION: If metal seal (Fig. 20) on hub and bearing assembly is seized to steering knuckle and
becomes dislodged on hub and bearing assembly
during bearing removal the hub and bearing assembly MUST not be reused and MUST be replaced with
a new hub and bearing assembly. Also if flinger
disc (Fig. 20) becomes damaged (bent or dented)
during removal, hub and bearing assembly must be
replaced with a new hub and bearing assembly.
(9) Remove hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle. It is removed by sliding it straight out
of steering knuckle and off end of stub axle (Fig. 21).
If hub and bearing assembly will not slide out of
knuckle, insert a pry bar between hub and bearing
Fig. 20 Hub And Bearing Assembly Seal
1 – SEAL CAN MUST REMAIN TIGHT AGAINST HUB AND
BEARING ASSEMBLY HERE
2 – SEAL
3 – FLINGER
4 – DO NOT ALLOW FLINGER TO BE BENT OR DAMAGED
DURING REMOVAL OF HUB/BEARING OR C/V JOINT
5 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
assembly and steering knuckle (Fig. 22) and gently
pry hub and bearing from knuckle. If stub shaft is
frozen to hub and bearing assembly tap end of stub
shaft with soft face hammer to free it from hub and
bearing spline.
Page 47
2 - 20SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 21 Hub And Bearing Assembly Removal And
Installation
1 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 – STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 22 Prying Hub And Bearing Assembly From
Steering Knuckle
1 – INSERT PRY BAR HERE
2–PRYBAR
3 – KNUCKLE
4 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
(10) Remove the ball joint stud to steering knuckle
attaching nut and bolt (Fig. 23).
CAUTION: When lower control arm is separated
from steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit
up against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits
steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball
joint seal becomes torn, replace seal before assembling lower control arm to knuckle.
(11) Carefully insert a pry bar between lower con-
trol arm and steering knuckle (Fig. 24). Push down
Fig. 23 Control Arm To Steering Knuckle
Attachment
1 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 – BALL JOINT STUD
3 – CLAMP NUT AND BOLT
on pry bar to separate ball joint stud from steering
knuckle (Fig. 24).
Fig. 24 Separating Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle
1 – STEERING KNUCKLE
2 – BALL JOINT STUD
3–PRYBAR
4 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated where they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When removing
bolts, turn nuts off bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
(12) Removethestrutassemblytosteering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 25).
(13) Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
(1) Install steering knuckle on ball joint stud.
Install steering knuckle to lower ball joint attaching
bolt and nut into steering knuckle (Fig. 23). Tighten
the attaching bolt to a torque of 55 N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
(2) Position steering knuckle into strut assembly.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When installing
bolts, turn nuts onto bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
(3) Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts (Fig. 25). Install nuts on attaching
bolts (Fig. 25). Tighten the strut clevis to steering
knuckle attaching bolt nuts to a torque of 203 N·m
(150 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Hub and bearing assembly mounting
surfaces on steering knuckle and halfshaft (Fig. 26)
must be smooth and completely free of foreign
material or nicks.
CAUTION: When installing hub and bearing assembly into steering knuckle, be careful not to damage
the flinger disc (Fig. 20) on hub and bearing assembly. If flinger disc becomes damaged, hub and bearing assembly MUST not be used and MUST be
replaced with a new hub and bearing assembly.
(4) Install hub and bearing assembly onto stub
shaft and into steering knuckle until squarely seated
on face of steering knuckle.
(5) Install the 3 steering knuckle to hub and bearing assembly attaching bolts (Fig. 19). Equally
tighten all 3 mounting bolts until hub and bearing
assembly is squarely seated against front of steering
knuckle. Then tighten all 3 hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts to a torque of 110 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: The hub and bearing assembly to stub
shaft retaining nut (Fig. 18) is a prevailing torque
nut and can not be reused. A NEW retaining nut
MUST be used when assembled.
(6) Install a NEW hub and bearing assembly to
stub shaft retaining nut (Fig. 18). Tighten, but do
not torque the hub nut at this time.
(7) Coat speed sensor head with High Temperature
Multipurpose E. P. Grease before installing into the
steering knuckle. Install speed sensor head into
steering knuckle. Install screw and tighten to a
torque of 7 N·m (60 in. lbs.)
(8) Install the braking disk back on the hub and
bearing assembly (Fig. 16).
(9) Install front brake caliper on steering knuckle.
Refer to Front Disc Brake Service in the Brake Section of this service manual for caliper installation
procedure. Install the caliper to steering knuckle
attaching bolts (Fig. 15) and tighten them to a torque
of 19 N·m (168 in. lbs.).
(10) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
Page 49
2 - 22SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(11) Lower vehicle to the ground.
CAUTION: When torquing hub and bearing assembly to stub shaft retaining nut, do not exceed the
maximum torque of 163 N·m 6 14 N·m (120 ft. lbs.
6 10 ft. lbs.). If the maximum torque is exceeded
this may result in a failure of the drive shaft.
(12) Apply the brakes to keep the vehicle from
moving, then tighten the NEW stub axle retaining
nut to a torque of 163 N·m 6 14 N·m (120 ft. lbs. 6
10 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 27).
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the 2 guide pin bolts mounting the caliper assembly to the steering knuckle (Fig. 28).
Remove the caliper from the front steering knuckle.
Refer to Disc Brake Caliper in the Removal And
Installation Section in the Brake Group of this service manual for the caliper removal procedure.
(4) Remove rotor from hub by pulling it straight
off wheel mounting studs (Fig. 29).
(5) Remove the hub and bearing retaining nut
(Fig. 30).
CAUTION: When removing hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle, be careful not to damage
the flinger disc (Fig. 34) on hub and bearing assembly. If flinger disc becomes damaged, hub and bearing assembly MUST not be used and MUST be
replaced with a new hub and bearing assembly.
(7) Remove hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle, by sliding it straight out of steering
knuckle and off end of stub axle (Fig. 32). If hub and
bearing assembly will not slide out of knuckle. Insert
a pry bar between hub and bearing assembly and
steering knuckle (Fig. 33) and gently pry hub and
bearing from knuckle. If stub shaft is frozen to hub
and bearing assembly tap end of stub shaft with soft
face hammer to free it from hub and bearing spline.
Fig. 32 Hub And Bearing Removal And Installation
1 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 – STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 33 Prying Hub And Bearing Assembly From
Steering Knuckle
1 – INSERT PRY BAR HERE
2–PRYBAR
3 – KNUCKLE
4 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: If metal seal (Fig. 34) on hub and bearing assembly is seized to steering knuckle and
becomes dislodged on hub and bearing assembly
during bearing removal. The hub and bearing
assembly MUST not be reused and MUST be
replaced with a new hub and bearing assembly.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Hub and bearing assembly mounting
surfaces on steering knuckle and driveshaft (Fig.
35) must be smooth and completely free of foreign
material or nicks.
Page 51
2 - 24SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(1) Install hub and bearing assembly onto stub
shaft and into steering knuckle until squarely seated
on face of steering knuckle
(2) Install the 3 hub and bearing assembly to
steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 31). Equally
tighten all 3 mounting bolts until hub and bearing
assembly is squarely seated against front of steering
knuckle. Then tighten the 3 hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts to a torque of 110 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: The hub and bearing assembly to stub
shaft retaining nut (Fig. 30) is a prevailing torque
nut and can not be re-used. A NEW retaining nut
MUST be used when assembled.
(3) Install a NEW hub and bearing assembly to
stub shaft retaining nut (Fig. 30). Tighten, but do
not torque the hub nut at this time.
(4) Install the rotor on the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 29).
(5) Install front brake caliper back over braking
Fig. 34 Hub And Bearing Assembly Seal
1 – SEAL CAN MUST REMAIN TIGHT AGAINST HUB AND
BEARING ASSEMBLY HERE
2 – SEAL
3 – FLINGER
4 – DO NOT ALLOW FLINGER TO BE BENT OR DAMAGED
DURING REMOVAL OF HUB/BEARING OR C/V JOINT
5 – HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
disc and align with caliper mounting holes on steering knuckle. Refer to Disc Brake Caliper in the
Removal And Installation Section in the Brake Group
of this service manual for the caliper installation procedure. Install the caliper to steering knuckle guide
pin bolts (Fig. 28) and tighten to a torque of 19 N·m
(168 in. lbs.).
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: When installing hub and bearing assembly into steering knuckle, be careful not to damage
the flinger disc (Fig. 34) on hub and bearing assembly. If flinger disc becomes damaged, hub and bearing assembly MUST not be used and MUST be
replaced with a new hub and bearing assembly.
CAUTION: When torquing hub and bearing assembly to stub shaft retaining nut, do not exceed the
maximum torque of 163 N·m 6 14 N·m (120 ft. lbs.
6 10 ft. lbs.). If the maximum torque is exceeded
this may result in a failure of the drive shaft.
(8) With vehicle brakes applied to keep vehicle
from moving, tighten the NEW stub shaft to hub and
bearing assembly retaining nut to 163 N·m 6 14 N·m
(120 ft. lbs. 6 10 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 36).
(9) Check the Toe setting on the vehicle and reset
if not with-in specifications.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
NOTE: This procedure involves removal and installation of both the lower control arm and tension
strut from the vehicle.
Page 52
LHSUSPENSION2 - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
CAUTION: When lower control arm is separated
from steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit
up against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits
steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball
joint seal becomes torn, replace seal before assembling lower control arm to knuckle.
(4) Carefully insert a pry bar between lower control arm and steering knuckle (Fig. 38). Push down
on pry bar to separate ball joint stud from steering
knuckle (Fig. 38).
Fig. 36 Torquing Hub And Bearing Retaining Nut
1 – HUB/BEARING
2 – TORQUE WRENCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove the ball joint stud to steering knuckle
attaching nut and bolt (Fig. 37).
Fig. 37 Control Arm To Steering Knuckle
Attachment
1 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 – BALL JOINT STUD
3 – CLAMP NUT AND BOLT
CAUTION: Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle after releasing from ball joint can separate inner
C/V joint. See Driveshafts.
Fig. 38 Separating Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle
1 – STEERING KNUCKLE
2 – BALL JOINT STUD
3–PRYBAR
4 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
(5) Remove tension strut to cradle attaching nut
and washer from end of tension strut (Fig. 39). When
removing tension strut nut, keep strut from turning
by holding tension strut at flat using open end
wrench (Fig. 39). Discard tension strut to cradle
retaining nut. A NEW tension strut to cradle
nut must be used when installing tension strut.
(6) Loosen and remove lower control arm pivot
bushing to cradle assembly pivot bolt (Fig. 40).
(7) Separate lower control arm and tension strut
from the cradle as an assembly. Lower control arm is
removed from cradle, by first removing pivot bushing
from cradle and then sliding tension strut out of isolator bushing (Fig. 41). Refer to TENSION STRUT in
the DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY section in this
group for the required procedure.
(8) Inspect lower control arm and tension strut
(Fig. 42) for distortion. Check all bushings for signs
of sever deterioration. Replace any bushings that
show signs of sever deterioration.
4 – PIVOT BUSHING
5 – LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET
6 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 40 Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt
1 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
2 – PIVOT BOLT
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arm and tension strut
on the cradle using the following sequence. Install
tension strut and isolator bushing into cradle first,
then install lower control arm pivot bushing into
bracket on cradle (Fig. 41).
(2) Install the lower control arm to cradle bracket
attaching pivot bolt and nut (Fig. 40). Do not
tighten the lower control arm to cradle bracket
attaching bolt at this time.
Fig. 42 Lower Control Arm And Tension Strut
1 – BALL JOINT STUD
2 – BALL JOINT SEAL
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT BUSHING
4 – NUT
5 – TENSION STRUT
6 – TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE ISOLATOR BUSHING
7 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 – LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING
9 – WORD “FRONT” STAMPED IN CONTROL ARM HERE
(3) Install washer on end of tension strut (Fig. 39).
Install a NEW tension strut to cradle bracket nut, on
tension strut (Fig. 39). Tighten the tension strut to
cradle bracket retaining nut to a torque of 130 N·m
(95 ft. lbs.). When torquing tension strut nut, keep
tension strut from turning by holding tension strut
at flat using an open end wrench (Fig. 39).
CAUTION: Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle after releasing from ball joint can separate inner
C/V joint. See Driveshafts.
Page 54
LHSUSPENSION2 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
CAUTION: When ball joint stud is installed into
steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit up
against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball joint
seal becomes torn, replace seal before assembling
lower control arm to knuckle.
(4) Install lower ball joint stud into steering
knuckle. Install steering knuckle to lower ball joint
stud, clamp bolt and nut into steering knuckle (Fig.
37). Tighten the clamping bolt to a torque of 55 N·m
(40 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(6) 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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle so the suspension is supporting
vehicles weight (control arm at design height).
Tighten the lower control arm pivot bushing to cradle
bracket attaching bolt (Fig. 40) to a torque of 142
N·m (105 ft. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the 4 strut assembly upper mount to
strut tower mounting nut and washer assemblies
securing the right front strut in place (Fig. 43).
(4) Remove the right stabilizer bar attaching link
nut at the strut assembly. Remove the attaching link
from the strut assembly (Fig. 44).
Fig. 44 Stabilizer Bar Link At Strut
1 – NUT
2 – OUTER TIE ROD
3 – NUT
4 – STEERING ARM
5 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
(5) Remove the left stablizer bar attaching link
nut at the stabilizer bar (Fig. 45). Remove the
attaching link from the stabilizer bar.
Fig. 43 Strut Assembly Upper Mounting
1 – SHOCK TOWER
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY MOUNTING NUTS
(2) 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 for this
vehicle.
(3) Remove right front wheel and tire assembly
from the vehicle.
Fig. 45 Stabilizer Bar At Left Attaching Link
1 – ATTACHING LINK
2 – STABILIZER BAR
3 – LOWER ARM
4 – NUT
5 – KNUCKLE
(6) Loosen, but do not remove, the right outer tie
rod end to strut arm attaching nut. Release right
outer tie rod end from right strut steering arm using
Page 55
2 - 28SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Puller, Special Tool C-3894A (Fig. 46), then remove
nut and tie rod from the steering arm.
Fig. 46 Removing Outer Tie Rod From Steering Arm
1 – TIE ROD END
2 – STEERING ARM
3 – STRUT
4 – C-3894A
(7) If vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes,
remove the speed sensor cable routing bracket from
the strut assembly (Fig. 47).
(8) Remove the 2 strut assembly to steering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 48).
Fig. 48 Strut Assembly To Steering Knuckle
Attaching Bolts
1 – BOLTS
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 – NUTS
4 – KNUCKLE
(9) Remove right front strut assembly from vehi-
cle.
(10) Remove the nine bolts securing the structural
collar to the engine oil pan and transaxle (Fig. 49).
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When removing
bolts, turn nuts off bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
Fig. 49 Structural Collar
1 – TRANSAXLE
2 – MOUNTING BOLTS
3 – ENGINE OIL PAN
4 – STRUCTURAL COLLAR
5 – STABILIZER BAR
(11) Remove the 4 nuts attaching the engine motor
mounts to the cradle assembly (Fig. 50).
Page 56
LHSUSPENSION2 - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
raise the jack until the motor mounts clear the cradle
assembly. It may be necessary to raise the jack further.
Fig. 50 Motor Mount To Cradle Assembly
Attachment
1 – ENGINE OIL PAN
2 – MOTOR MOUNT ATTACHING NUTS
3 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
4 – STABILIZER BAR
(12) Remove the bolts attaching each of the 2 stabilizer bushing retainers to the cradle assembly (Fig.
51).
Fig. 52 Jack Positioning Below Engine Oil Pan
1 – TRANSAXLE
2 – RIGHT FRONT MOTOR MOUNT STUD
3 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
4 – ENGINE OIL PAN
5 – WOOD BLOCK
6 – JACK
7 – STABILIZER BAR
Fig. 51 Stabilizer Bar Isolator Bushing Attachment
(13) Remove both stabilizer bar isolator bushing
retainers and bushings from stabilizer bar (Fig. 51).
(14) Position a transmission jack under the body of
the engine oil pan (Fig. 52). Use a wood block as a
buffer between the jack and the engine oil pan in
order to avoid damage to the pan (Fig. 52). Carefully
(15) Remove the stabilizer bar out the right side
by rotating it, taking advantage of the removed
structural collar area between the engine and transaxle assembly. Remove the stabilizer bar out the
right wheel opening by routing it in front of the right
halfshaft then behind the right knuckle (Fig. 53).
CAUTION: Be careful not to pull knuckle outward,
thus stretching halfshaft and possibly separating
inner C/V joint. See Driveshafts. Keep knuckle in
upright position.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install stabilizer bar by reversing the manner
in which it was removed (Fig. 53). Rotate the bar the
opposite direction used when removed and move it
into mounting position.
CAUTION: Be careful not to pull knuckle outward,
thus stretching halfshaft and possibly separating
inner C/V joint. See Driveshafts. Keep knuckle in
upright position.
(2) Lower the jack supporting the engine, guiding
the motor mount studs into place in the cradle
assembly (Fig. 52).
Page 57
2 - 30SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 54 Stabilizer Bar Isolator Bushing
Fig. 53 Stabilizer Bar Removal and Installation
1 – STABILIZER BAR
2 – HALFSHAFT
3 – KNUCKLE
1 – STABILIZER BAR
2 – STABILIZER BAR ISOLATOR BUSHING
3 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
4 – FRONT OF CAR
5 – SLIT
(3) Install the 4 engine motor mount to cradle
assembly attaching nuts (Fig. 50). Tighten the 4 nuts
to a torque of 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs).
(4) Install the structural collar to the engine oil
pan and the transaxle. The structural collar should
be installed using the following sequence:
• Position collar onto engine oil pan and transaxle
(Fig. 49).
• Install the 2 center collar bolts to oil pan bolts.
Tighten bolts initially to 3 N·m (30 in. lbs).
• Install collar to transmission bolts and tighten
to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs).
• Install the remaining collar to engine oil pan
bolts. starting with the center bolts and working outwards, tighten collar to oil pan bolts to 61 N·m (45 ft.
lbs).
(5) Install stabilizer bar isolator bushings onto stabilizer bar with slits facing forward and flat side facing downward. Thestabilizer bar to cradle
assembly bushings must be positioned on the
stabilizer bar so the slit in the bushing is positioned toward front of vehicle (Fig. 54).
(6) Install the isolator bushing retainers onto the
stabilizer bar isolator bushings (Fig. 51).
CAUTION: When stabilizer bar is installed, position
stabilizer bar so lower part of stabilizer bar is centered in the middle of the cradle assembly. Failure
to do this may cause stabilizer bar to come in contact with other suspension components.
(7) Align the stabilizer bar bushing retainers with
the mounting holes in the cradle assembly. Install
and tighten the 4 stabilizer bar bushing retainer to
cradle assembly attaching bolts to 61 N·m (45 ft.
lbs.). (Fig. 51).
(8) Install left side stabilizer bar attaching link to
left end of stabilizer bar (Fig. 45). Install attaching
nut and tighten to 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install right front strut assembly into shock
tower. Install the 4 strut assembly upper mount to
shock tower attaching nuts (Fig. 43). Tighten the 4
strut mount to strut tower attaching nuts to a torque
of 45 N·m (33 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Position steering knuckle into strut assembly.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When installing
bolts, turn nuts onto bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
(11) Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts (Fig. 48). Install nuts on attaching
bolts. Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolt nuts to a torque of 203 N·m (150 ft.
lbs.).
(12) If thevehicle isequipped with antilock
brakes. Install the front speed sensor cable routing
bracket onto the front strut assembly (Fig. 47).
(13) Install outer tie rod on strut assembly. Install
tie rod attaching nut (Fig. 44). Tighten the tie rod
attaching nut to a torque of 37 N·m (27 ft. lbs.).
(14) Install stabilizer bar link on strut (Fig. 44).
Tighten the stabilizer link attaching nut to a torque
of 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
Page 58
LHSUSPENSION2 - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(15) Install the right front wheel and tire assem-
bly.
(16) Tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(17) Lower vehicle to the ground.
STABILIZER BAR ISOLATOR BUSHINGS
(FRONT)
If only the stabilizer bar isolator bushings require
service, they can be removed from the stabilizer bar
without requiring the stabilizer bar to be removed
from the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the 2 bolts attaching each of the 2 stabilizer bushing retainers and bushings to the cradle
assembly (Fig. 55).
bushings must be positioned on the stabilizer
bar so the slit in the bushing is positioned
toward front of vehicle (Fig. 56).
Fig. 56 Isolator Bushing Install Position
1 – STABILIZER BAR
2 – SLIT
3 – FRONT OF CAR
4 – SLIT
5 – ISOLATOR BUSHINGS
6 – RETAINERS
Fig. 55 Stabilizer Bar Isolator Bushing Attachment
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar isolator bushing
retainers from the isolator bushings.
(4) Inspect for broken or distorted retainers and
bushings. If bushing replacement is required, the
bushing can be removed by opening the slit in the
bushing and removing the bushing from around stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar to cradle assembly
INSTALLATION
(1) Install bushings onto stabilizer bar with slits
facing forward and flat side facing downward. The
stabilizer bar to cradle assembly bushings must
be positioned on the stabilizer bar so the slit in
the bushing is positioned toward front of vehicle (Fig. 57).
Fig. 57 Stabilizer Bar Isolator Bushing
1 – STABILIZER BAR
2 – STABILIZER BAR ISOLATOR BUSHING
3 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
4 – FRONT OF CAR
5 – SLIT
Page 59
2 - 32SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(2) Install the isolator bushing retainers back onto
the stabilizer bar isolator bushings.
CAUTION: When stabilizer bar is installed. Position
stabilizer bar, so lower part of stabilizer bar is centered in the middle of the cradle assembly. Failure
to do this may cause stabilizer bar to come in contact with other suspension components.
(3) Align the stabilizer bar bushing retainers with
the mounting holes in the cradle assembly (Fig. 55).
(4) Install and torque the 4 stabilizer bar bushing
retainer to cradle assembly attaching bolts (2 each
retainer) to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle to the ground.
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS (FRONT)
CAUTION: If a wheel attaching stud needs to be
replaced in the hub and bearing assembly, DO NOT
be hammer them out of the hub flange. If a stud is
removed by hammering it out of the bearing flange,
damage to the hub and bearing assembly will occur
leading to premature bearing failure.
NOTE: The hub and bearing assembly does not
require removal fromthe steeringknuckle to
replace wheel attaching studs in the hub and bearing assembly.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the 2 guide pin bolts mounting the caliper assembly to the steering knuckle (Fig. 58).
Remove the caliper from the front steering knuckle.
Refer to Disc Brake Caliper in the Removal And
Installation Section in the Brake Group of this service manual for the caliper removal procedure.
(3) Remove rotor from hub by pulling it straight
off wheel mounting studs (Fig. 59).
(4) Install a lug nut on the wheel stud to be
removed from the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 60)
so the threads on stud are even with end of lug nut.
Install Remover, Special Tool C-4150 on hub and
bearing assembly flange and wheel stud (Fig. 60).
(5) Tighten down on special tool, to push wheel
stud out of the hub and bearing assembly. When
shoulder of wheel stud is past flange remove special
tool from hub and bearing assembly. Remove lug nut
from stud and remove wheel stud from flange.
(1) Install wheel stud into of hub and bearing
assembly. Install washers on wheel stud, then install
a wheel lug nut on stud with flat side of lug nut
against washers (Fig. 61).
Page 60
LHSUSPENSION2 - 33
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(2) Tighten the wheel lug nut, pulling the wheel
stud into the flange of the hub and bearing assembly.
When the head of the stud is fully seated against the
bearing flange, remove lug nut and washers from
wheel stud.
(3) Install the rotor on the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 59).
(4) Install front brake caliper back over braking
disc and align with caliper mounting holes on steering knuckle. Refer to Disc Brake Caliper in the
Removal And Installation Section in the Brake Group
of this service manual for the caliper installation procedure. Install the caliper to steering knuckle guide
pin bolts (Fig. 58) and tighten to a torque of 19 N·m
(168 in. lbs.).
(5) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
The Strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section for the required procedure.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use strut spring compressor, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent,
to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) If both struts are being serviced at the same
time, mark the coil spring and strut assembly according to which side of the vehicle the strut was
removed from, and which strut the coil spring was
removed from.
(2) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
springcompressorfollowingthemanufacturers
instructions (Fig. 62). The strut clevis bracket should
be positioned outward. It will be necessary to turn
the strut assembly so the steering arm will clear the
compressor arm. Position the upper and lower hooks
on the coil spring, then 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. 62).
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) Install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on
the strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 63). Next, install a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While
holding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft.
(6) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.
NOTE: If the seat and bearing, upper spring isolator, dust boot, or coil spring need to be serviced,
proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 9.
NOTE: Before removal of the seat and bearing from
the spring, note the flat on the inboard side of the
seat and bearing outer perimeter. This must align
Fig. 63 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 – SPRING COMPRESSOR
2 – SPECIAL TOOL 6864
3 – UPPER MOUNT
with the inboard side of the strut (or rear of the clevis bracket) on reassembly. Also note the coil
spring ending at the stop built into the seat and
upper isolator.
(7) Remove the seat and bearing, upper spring isolator and dust shield as an assembly from the top of
the coil spring by pulling them straight up. They can
be separated once removed from the vehicle. The
jounce bumper cup may also come off when the
assembly is removed. Check inside the dust shield.
NOTE: Before releasing the tension on the coil
spring, note the position of the coil end on the
upper end of the coil spring. When reistalled, it
must be positioned in the same spot for proper
alignment of the seat and bearing, and the strut.
(8) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back the
compressor hooks and remove the coil spring.
(9) Remove the jounce bumper cup and jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight
up and off the strut shaft (Fig. 64). If the jounce
bumper cup is not present, check inside the dust
shield. It may have stayed inside the dust shield.
(10) Remove the lower spring isolator from the
lower spring seat on the strut (Fig. 65).
(11) Inspect the strut assembly components for the
following and replace as necessary:
Page 62
LHSUSPENSION2 - 35
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
• Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
• Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
• Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
• Check the upper seat and bearing for cracks and
distortion.
• Check for binding of the seat and bearing pivot
bearing.
• Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
• Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for
material deterioration.
• Inspect 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, otherwise, proceed with step 5.
Fig. 64 Strut Assembly Components
1 – SEAT AND BEARING
2 – DUST SHIELD
3 – CUP
4 – LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 – STRUT
6 – JOUNCE BUMPER
7 – COIL SPRING
8 – UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
9 – UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 65 Lower Spring Isolator
1 – LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
2 – LOWER SPRING SEAT
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor following the manufacturers instructions (Fig. 62). Before
compressing the spring, rotate the spring to the position noted in the note between steps 7 and 8.
(2) If disassembled, reinstall the upper spring isolator and dust shield on seat and bearing. Match the
step in the isolator with the step in the seat and
bearing.
(3) Install the seat and bearing (with dust shield
attached) on top of the coil spring. Position the step
built into the seat and upper spring isolator against
the coil end of the coil spring.
(4) Install the lower spring isolator on the lower
spring seat of the strut (Fig. 65). The tabs on the isolator will align it on the strut spring seat. They
straddle the expanded area of the lower spring seat
on the strut.
(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.
64).
(6) Install the jounce bumper cup (Fig. 64) on the
strut shaft. The cupped side goes on first.
(7) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. The inboard side of the strut
(or rear of the clevis bracket) should align with the
flat on the inboard side of the seat and bearing outer
perimeter. Install the clamp on the lower end of the
coil spring and strut, so the strut is held in place
(Fig. 62).
Page 63
2 - 36SUSPENSIONLH
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
CAUTION: Before installing the upper mount, make
sure the correct upper mount is being installed on
the strut. DO NOT install a right mount on a left
front strut or a left mount on a right front strut.
Incorrect mount installation may cause poor vehicle
ride and steering feel, and excessive front end
noise. A lead or drift condition may also be the
result. Left and right mounts look similar, but are
different from one another. Looking down at the top
of the upper mount, 2 tabs can be seen, (Fig. 66)
and (Fig. 67), down inside the mount center well. A
rectangular hole can be seen on the edge of the
mount mounting surface (Fig. 66) and (Fig. 67). This
is always in the 10 o’clock position when observing
rubber tab positioning, whether a left or right mount
is being observed. Once this hole is located in the
10 o’clock position, the tabs should be in the positions as shown (Fig. 66) and (Fig. 67). The right
upper mount should also have a white dot painted
on its mounting face.
1 – NOTCH
2 – STEERING ARM
3 – OUTBOARD STRUT COIL SPRING SEAT
4 – RUBBER TABS
Fig. 67 Right Front Strut Upper Mount
Fig. 66 Left Front Strut Upper Mount
1 – NOTCH
2 – RUBBER TABS
3 – OUTBOARD STRUT COIL SPRING SEAT
4 – STEERING ARM
(8) Install the strut upper mount over the strut
shaft and onto the top of the seat and bearing.
Loosely install the retaining nut on the strut shaft.
(9) Install Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a torque
wrench), Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 63). Next, install a socket on the hex on
the end of the strut shaft. While holding the strut
shaft from turning, tighten the strut shaft retaining
nut to a torque of 94 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(10) Slowly release the tension from the coil spring
by backing off the compressor drive fully. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount and seat
and bearing align properly. Verify the upper mount
does not bind.
(11) Remove the clamp from the lower end of the
coil spring and strut. Push back the spring compressor upper and lower hooks, then remove the strut
assembly from the spring compressor.
(12) Install the strut assembly on the vehicle.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section for the required procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING
To replacement the lower control arm pivot bushing, the control arm and tension strut assembly must
be removed from the vehicle. The removal and
replacement of the lower control arm pivot bushing
must be performed using an arbor press.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Raise vehicle using a frame contact type hoist
or supported as required using jackstands. See Hoisting in the Lubrication and Maintenance group of this
service manual for the required hoisting procedure to
be used for this vehicle.
(2) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Removal in this section of the service manual
for the required removal procedure.
(3) Separate the tension strut from the lower control arm assembly.
(4) Position lower control arm in arbor press with
large end of pivot bushing inside Receiver, Special
Tool MB-990799, and special tool supporting lower
control arm (Fig. 68). Position Remover, Special Tool,
6644-2 on top of pivot bushing (Fig. 68). Using the
arbor press, press the lower control arm pivot bushing out of lower control arm.
Page 64
LHSUSPENSION2 - 37
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Fig. 68 Lower Control Arm Pivot Bushing Removal
1 – ARBOR PRESS RAM
2 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-2
3 – SPECIAL TOOL MB990799
4 – PIVOT BUSHING
5 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
(5) Remove the pressed out lower control arm
pivotbushingfromtheReceiver, SpecialTool
MB-990799 and discard.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Turn the lower control arm over in the arbor
press. Position the lower control arm so it is supported by Receiver, Special Tool, MB-990799 as
shown in (Fig. 69).
(2) Position new pivot bushing in lower control
arm so it is square with the bushing hole. Position
Installer, Special Tool 6644-1 on top of pivot bushing,
with pivot bushing setting in recessed area of
Installer (Fig. 69). Press the pivot bushing into the
lower control arm.
(3) Press lower control arm pivot bushing into
lower control arm until Installer, Special Tool 6644-1
squarely bottoms against surface of lower control
arm (Fig. 70). When Installer, Special Tool 6644-1
squarely bottoms on control arm, bushing is installed
to the correct position in control arm.
(4) Install tension strut into the tension strut
bushing in lower control arm. Position tension strut
in lower control as shown in, (Fig. 71) with word
FRONT stamped in tension strut positioned away
from control arm. With an open end wrench on flat of
tension strut to stop tension strut from turning.
Tighten the NEW tension strut to lower control
retaining nut to a torque of 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs.)
(5) Install lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Installation in this section of the service manual
for the required installation procedure.
Fig. 69 Installing Lower Control Arm Pivot Bushing
1 – ARBOR PRESS RAM
2 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-1
3 – SPECIAL TOOL MB990799
4 – PIVOT BUSHING
5 – TENSION STRUT BUSHING
6 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 70 Pivot Bushing Installed In Lower Control
Arm
1 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-1
2 – SPECIAL TOOL MB990799
3 – PRESS PIVOT BUSHING INTO LOWER CONTROL ARM
UNTIL INSTALLER TOUCHES THIS SURFACE OF CONTROL
ARM
LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT
BUSHING
To replace the lower control arm tension strut
bushing, the control arm and tension strut assembly
must be removed from the vehicle. The removal and
replacement of the lower control arm tension strut
bushing must be performed using an arbor press.
Page 65
2 - 38SUSPENSIONLH
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Fig. 71 Tension Strut Installed In Lower Control Arm
1 – BALL JOINT STUD
2 – BALL JOINT SEAL
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT BUSHING
4 – NUT
5 – TENSION STRUT
6 – TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE ISOLATOR BUSHING
7 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 – LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING
9 – WORD 9FRONT9 STAMPED IN CONTROL ARM HERE
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Raise the vehicle using a frame contact type
hoist or supported as required using jackstands. See
Hoisting in the Lubrication and Maintenance group
of this service manual for the required hoisting or
jacking procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(2) Remove tire and wheel from vehicle.
(3) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Removal in this section of the service manual
for the required removal procedure.
(4) Separate the tension strut from the lower control arm assembly.
(5) Position lower control arm in arbor press with
tension strut bushing inside Receiver, Special Tool
MB-990799 and special tool supporting lower control
arm (Fig. 72). Position Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4
on top of tension strut bushing (Fig. 72). Press
Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4 down through the tension strut bushing until the arbor press can push it
no farther. As Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4 is
pressed down through tension strut bushing it will
cut the bushing into two pieces.
(6) Remove lower control arm assembly from arbor
press. Remove pieces of tension strut and Remover,
Special Tool 6644-4, from lower control arm.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Thoroughly lubricate the replacement tension
strut bushing, lower control arm and Installer, Spe-
Fig. 72 Removing Lower Control Arm Tension Strut
Bushing
1 – ARBOR PRESS RAM
2 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-4
3 – SPECIAL TOOL MB990799
4 – TENSION STRUT BUSHING
5 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
cial Tool 6644-3 using Mopart Rubber Bushing
Installation Lube, or an equivalent.
(2) By hand, install tension strut bushing into
large end of Installer, Special Tool 6644-3. Press
bushing into installer as far as it will go by hand.
(3) Position lower control arm in arbor press, so
tension strut hole in lower control arm is centered on
Receiver, Special Tool MB-990799 (Fig. 73). Position
Installer,SpecialTool6644-3withpreviously
installed bushing, inside of tension strut bushing
hole in lower control arm (Fig. 73). Position Installer,
Special Tool 6644-2 on top of tension strut bushing
(Fig. 73). Using the arbor press, press the tension
strut bushing into the lower control arm. As the
bushing is being pressed into the control arm a pop
will be heard. When the pop is heard Installer, Special Tool 6644-3 will slightly move up off the control
arm. At this time remove the control arm assembly
from the arbor press and pull Special Tool 6644-3 off
the tension strut bushing in the control arm. Tension
strut bushing is now installed.
(4) Install tension strut into the tension strut
bushing in lower control arm. Position tension strut
in lower control as shown in, (Fig. 74) with word
FRONT stamped in tension strut positioned away
from control arm. With an open end wrench on flat of
tension strut to stop tension strut from turning.
Tighten the NEW tension strut to lower control
retaining nut to a torque of 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs.)
(5) Install lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Installation in this section of the service manual
for the required installation procedure.
Page 66
LHSUSPENSION2 - 39
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Raise vehicle using a frame contact type hoist
or supported as required using jack stands. See
Hoisting in the Lubrication and Maintenance group
of this service manual for the required hoisting or
jacking procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire from the car.
(3) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Removal in this section of the service manual
for the required removal procedure.
(4) Separate the tension strut from the lower control arm assembly.
(5) Inspect tension strut bushing in lower control
arm for excessive wear or deterioration. If tension
Fig. 73 Installing Tension Strut Bushing Into Lower
Control Arm
1 – ARBOR PRESS
2 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-2
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 – SPECIAL TOOL 6644-3
5 – SPECIAL TOOL MB990799
strut bushing is found to be defective replace lower
control tension strut bushing at this time. Refer to
Lower Control Arm Bushing Service in this section of
the service for tension strut removal and installation
procedure.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position tension strut in lower control as shown
in (Fig. 75), with word FRONT stamped in tension
strut positioned away from control arm (Fig. 75).
With an open end wrench on flat of tension strut to
keep tension strut from turning. Tighten NEW tension strut to lower control retaining nut to a torque
of 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 74 Tension Strut Installed In Lower Control Arm
1 – BALL JOINT STUD
2 – BALL JOINT SEAL
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT BUSHING
4 – NUT
5 – TENSION STRUT
6 – TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE ISOLATOR BUSHING
7 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 – LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING
9 – WORD “FRONT” STAMPED IN CONTROL ARM HERE
TENSION STRUT
To replace the tension strut, the tension strut and
lower control arm first MUST be removed as an
assembly from the vehicle.
Fig. 75 Tension Strut Installed In Lower Control
Arm.
1 – BALL JOINT STUD
2 – BALL JOINT SEAL
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM TENSION STRUT BUSHING
4 – NUT
5 – TENSION STRUT
6 – TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE ISOLATOR BUSHING
7 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 – LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT BUSHING
9 – WORD “FRONT” STAMPED IN CONTROL ARM HERE
Page 67
2 - 40SUSPENSIONLH
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
(2) Install lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm Installation in this section of the service manual
for the required installation procedure.
(3) Install washer on end of tension strut (Fig. 76).
Install a NEW tension strut to cradle bracket nut, on
tension strut (Fig. 76). Tighten the tension strut to
cradle bracket retaining nut to a torque of 130 N·m
(95 ft. lbs.). When torquing tension strut nut, keep
tension strut from turning by holding tension strut
at flat using a large open end wrench (Fig. 76).
Fig. 77 Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt
1 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
2 – PIVOT BOLT
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
(5) 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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle to the ground so the suspension is supporting the vehicles full weight (control
arm at design height). Tighten the lower control arm
pivot bushing to cradle bracket attaching bolt (Fig.
77) to a torque of 142 N·m (105 ft. lbs.).
TENSION STRUT CRADLE BUSHING
To remove tension strut to cradle bushings from
vehicle for replacement, the tension strut and lower
control arm first MUST be removed as an assembly
from the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm in the Removal and Installation section of this
service manual for the required removal procedure.
(2) Remove the tension strut to cradle isolator
bushing from the tension strut. Install replacement
isolator bushing on tension strut until it is seated
against retaining washer (Fig. 78).
Fig. 78 Tension Strut Bushing Installation On
Tension Strut
1 – TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE BUSHING
2 – RETAINING WASHER
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 – TENSION STRUT
5 – RETAINING WASHERS
6 – TENSION STRUT TO LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING
7 – NUT
(3) Remove the tension strut to cradle isolator
bushing from the cradle assembly. Install replacement tension strut to cradle isolator bushing into
Page 68
LHSUSPENSION2 - 41
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
cradle, until squarely seated against cradle assembly
(Fig. 79).
(1) Install lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control
Arm in the Removal and Installation section of this
service manual for the required installation procedure.
(2) Install washer on end of tension strut (Fig. 80).
Install a NEW tension strut to cradle bracket nut, on
tension strut (Fig. 80)..
(3) Tighten the tension strut to cradle bracket
retaining nut to a torque of 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
When torquing tension strut nut, keep tension strut
from turning by holding tension strut at flat using an
open end wrench (Fig. 81)
(4) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(5) 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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle to the ground so the suspension is supporting the full weight of the vehicle (control arm at design height). Tighten the lower control
arm pivot bushing attaching bolt (Fig. 82) to a torque
of 142 N·m (105 ft. lbs.).
Page 69
2 - 42SUSPENSIONLH
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Puller C-3894A
Fig. 82 Lower Control Arm Pivot Bushing Bolt
1 – CRADLE ASSEMBLY
2 – PIVOT BOLT
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUES
DESCRIPTIONTORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Steering Knuckle Nuts .... 203N·m(150 ft. lbs.)
Strut Shaft Nut ........... 95N·m(70ft.lbs.)
Stabilizer Bar Attaching Link
Upper Nut ............... 95N·m(70ft.lbs.)
Tower Nuts .............. 37N·m(28ft.lbs.)
STEERING KNUCKLE:
Ball Joint Stud Pinch Bolt Nut ........ 55N·m
(40 ft. lbs.)
Disc Brake Caliper Bolts .... 22N·m(16ft.lbs.)
Tie Rod Steering Arm Nut . . . 37 N·m (27 ft. lbs.)
Tie Rod Adjuster Pinch Bolt . . 38 N·m (28 ft. lbs.)
HUB AND BEARING:
Steering Knuckle Bolts .... 110N·m(80ft.lbs.)
Front Stub Axle Nut ..... 183N·m(135 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Mounting Nuts ........... 109-150 N·m
(80-110 ft. lbs.)
FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE:
Body Attaching Bolts ..... 163N·m(120 ft. lbs.)
Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt ........ 142N·m
(105 ft. lbs.)
Tension Strut Mounting Nut ......... 130N·m
(95 ft. lbs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Bushing Retainer Bolts ..... 61N·m(45ft.lbs.)
Attaching Link Lower Nut . . . 88 N·m (65 ft. lbs.)
Socket/Holder Front Strut Nut 6864
Remover/Installer Lower Control Arm Bushings
6644
Remover Ball Joint MB-990799
Page 70
LHSUSPENSION2 - 43
SPECIAL TOOLS (Continued)
Installer, Ball Joint MB-990800
Remover C-4150A
Page 71
2 - 44SUSPENSIONLH
REAR SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM...............44
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................44
SPINDLE ...............................45
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................45
LATERAL LINKS..........................46
TRAILING ARM ..........................46
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................46
SPINDLE ...............................47
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................47
LATERAL LINKS..........................47
TRAILING ARM ..........................47
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................48
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ........48
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension used on this vehicle is a fully
independent rear suspension (Fig. 1).
Each side of the rear suspension consists of these
major components:
• Strut assembly
• Spindle
• Hub and bearing
• Two lateral links
• Trailing arm
• Stabilizer bar
OPERATION
The rear suspension allows each rear wheel on the
vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and conditions without affecting the control of the vehicle.
Each side of the suspension is allowed to move independently from the other.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
DESCRIPTION
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around the
struts (Fig. 1). The coil springs are contained
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................48
SPINDLE ...............................51
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) ................54
LATERAL LINKS..........................55
TRAILING ARM ..........................57
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................59
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS (REAR) ..........60
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) .................61
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .......................63
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION ......................63
between the upper mount of the strut assembly and
a lower spring seat on the body of the strut assembly.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the top
of the inner fender through the rubber isolated upper
mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
spindle. Strut attachment to the spindle is accomplished using a split collar on the rear spindle. The
collar uses a pinch bolt to retain the spindle to the
strut.
The rear coil springs are rated separately for each
corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. Coil springs
come in a various rates; be sure the correct spring is
in use.
The components of the strut assembly listed below
are serviceable if found to be defective (Fig. 2).
• Strut shaft retainer nut
• Upper mount
• Dust shield
• Jounce bumper
• Coil spring
• Upper spring isolator
• Lower spring isolator
• Strut
OPERATION
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle. They cushion the ride of the vehicle, controlling vibration, jounce and rebound of the suspension.
The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact under full jounce.
The strut dampens jounce and rebound motions of
the coil spring and suspension.
SPINDLE
DESCRIPTION
A forged rear spindle is mounted to each side of
the rear suspension (Fig. 1). The top attaches to the
rear strut assembly. Two lateral links leading from
the rear suspension crossmember are mounted to the
forward and rearward ends of the spindle centerline.
A trailing arm leading from the frame rail connects
to the bottom of the spindle.
5 – HUB AND BEARING
6 – STABILIZER BAR
7 – TRAILING ARM
8 – SPINDLE
OPERATION
The spindle moves up and down with the tire and
wheel under jounce and rebound conditions. The lateral links control lateral movement of the spindle
while the trailing arm controls fore-and-aft movement.
The spindle acts as a mount for the rear hub and
bearing, tire and wheel, and rear brakes.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
DESCRIPTION
The rear wheel bearing and rear wheel hub of this
vehicle are a one piece sealed unit or hub and bearing unit type assembly. The hub and bearing is
mounted to the center of the spindle using a retaining nut (Fig. 1). It has five wheel mounting studs on
the hub flange.
Page 73
2 - 46SUSPENSIONLH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
OPERATION
The lateral movement of the rear spindle is controlled by the lateral links connecting the front and
rear centerline of the spindle to the rear suspension
crossmember. The threaded adjustment sleeve of the
rear link allows for setting rear wheel alignment toe
adjustment.
TRAILING ARM
DESCRIPTION
There is one trailing arm on each side of the vehicle (Fig. 1). It spans from the spindle forward to the
frame rail and rear torque box. The trailing arm
attaches to the rear spindle through a bracket which
is bolted to the bottom of the spindle. The trailing
arm attaches to the body using a bracket attached to
the frame rail and rear torque box. The trailing arm
has rubber isolator bushings at each end to isolate
suspension noise from the body of the vehicle.
Fig. 2 Strut Assembly
1 – UPPER STRUT MOUNT
2 – UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
3 – DUST BOOT
4 – LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
6 – COIL SPRING
The wheel mounting studs used to mount the tire
and wheel to the vehicle are the only replaceable
components of the hub and bearing assembly. Otherwise, the hub and bearing is serviced only as a complete assembly.
CAUTION: If a vehicle is equipped with antilock
brakes, the tone wheel for the rear wheel speed
sensor is pressed onto the hub and bearing.
OPERATION
The hub and bearing has internal bearings that
allow the hub to rotate with the tire and wheel. The
five wheel mounting studs mount the tire and wheel,
and disc brake rotor to the vehicle.
LATERAL LINKS
DESCRIPTION
There are two tubular lateral links on each side of
the rear suspension (Fig. 1). The lateral links have
rubber isolator bushings at each end. They are
attached to the rear suspension crossmember, and
the spindle using a bolt and nut assembly at each
end. The rear lateral link incorporates a threaded
wheel alignment toe adjustment sleeve.
OPERATION
The purpose of the trailing arm is to control the
fore-and-aft movement of the spindle.
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both rear strut
assemblies and is attached to the rear frame rails of
the vehicle (Fig. 1).
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the rear frame
rails of the vehicle is through 2 rubber-isolator bushings and bushing retainers. Stabilizer bar to strut
assembly attachment is done utilizing a rubber-isolated stabilizer bar attaching link. All parts of the
stabilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to frame rail bushings are slit
for easy removal and installation. The slit must be
positioned toward the front of the vehicle when the
stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helps
to minimize the body roll of the vehicle during suspension movement.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 3).
Page 74
LHSUSPENSION2 - 47
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 3).
(3) Inspect for damaged upper and lower spring
isolators (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Strut Assembly Inspection
1 – UPPER STRUT MOUNT
2 – UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
3 – DUST BOOT
4 – LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
6 – COIL SPRING
this group of the service manual for the required
removal and replacement procedure. Then, refer to
Strut Assembly in the Disassembly and Assembly
section in this group of the service manual for the
required procedure to disassemble and assemble the
shock absorber.
SPINDLE
The rear suspension spindle is not a repairable
component of the rear suspension, If it is determined
that the spindle is broken or bent when servicing the
vehicle, no attempt is to be made to repair or to
straighten the spindle. THE SPINDLE MUST BE
REPLACED IF FOUND TO BE DAMAGED IN
ANY WAY.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
The rear hub and bearing assembly is designed for
the life of the vehicle and should require no maintenance. The following procedure may be used for evaluation of bearing condition.
With wheel and brake drum removed, rotate
flanged outer ring of hub. Excessive roughness, lateral play or resistance to rotation may indicate dirt
intrusion or bearing failure. If the rear wheel bearings exhibit these conditions during inspection, the
hub and bearing assembly should be replaced.
Damaged bearing seals and resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease loss from bearing is considered normal and should not require replacement of the hub
and bearing assembly.
(4) Lift dust boot and inspect strut assembly for
evidence of fluid running from the upper end of 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
rod and strut shaft seal is not unusual and does not
affect performance of the strut assembly. Also inspect
jounce bumpers inside dust boot for signs of damage
or deterioration.
(5) Verify correct struts and coil springs are
installed on vehicle.
Coil springs are rated separately for each side of
vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of
service.
NOTE: If the coils springs require replacement, be
sure that the springs being replaced, are replaced
with springs meeting the correct load and spring
rate for the vehicle.
Replacement of the coil spring requires removal
and disassembly of the strut assembly. Refer to Strut
Assembly in the Removal and Installation section in
LATERAL LINKS
Inspect the lateral link isolator bushings and
sleeves for signs of damage or deterioration. If the
lateral link isolator bushings or sleeves are damaged
or are deteriorated, replacement of the lateral link
assembly will be required. The isolator bushings are
not serviceable as a separate component of the lateral link assembly.
Inspect the lateral links for signs of contact with
the ground or road debris which has bent or caused
other damage to the lateral link assembly. If the lateral link is bent or damaged, the lateral link will
require replacement. Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a lateral link.
TRAILING ARM
Inspect the trailing arm and trailing arm bushings
for signs of deterioration and or damage. If the trailing arm bushings are deteriorated or the trailing arm
is damaged in any way, replacement of the trailing
arm will be required.
Inspect the trailing arm for signs of contact with
the ground or road debris which has bent or caused
Page 75
2 - 48SUSPENSIONLH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
other damage to the trailing arm. If the trailing arm
is bent or damaged the trailing arm will require
replacement.Donotattempttorepairor
straighten a trailing arm.
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)
Inspect the stabilizer bar for damage or bending.
Inspect for broken or distorted stabilizer bar bushings, bushing retainers, and worn or damaged stabilizer bar to strut attaching links. Verify all fastener
bolts are properly tightened.
STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINKS
Inspect the bushings and sleeves on the stabilizer
bar attaching links for damage or deterioration.
Inspect the lower ball stud for excessive looseness
and damage. 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, replacement of the attaching link is required.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY’S SHAFT NUT AT ANY TIME UNLESS THE COIL
SPRINGHAS BEENPROPERLY COMPRESSED
FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE LISTED IN DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY IN THIS SECTION.
CAUTION: Only frame contact or wheel lift hoisting
equipment can be used on vehicles having a fully
independent rear suspension. Vehicles with independent rear suspension can not 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.
NOTE: If a rear suspension component becomes
bent, damaged or fails, no attempt should be made
to straighten or repair it. Always replace with a new
component.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
REMOVAL
NOTE: When removing rear strut assembly from
vehicle, access for the 3 rear strut assembly to
strut tower attaching nuts is through the passenger
compartment of the vehicle.
(1) Remove the rear seat cushion from the interior
of the car. Refer to Seats in the Body section of this
manual for the required procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the rear seat back assembly. Refer to
Seats in the Body section of this manual for the
required procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(3) Remove both upper quarter trim panels from
the rear of the vehicle interior. Refer to Body Components in the Body section of this manual for the
required procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(4) Remove both lower quarter trim panels from
the rear of the vehicle interior. Refer to Body Components in the Body section of this manual for the
required procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(5) Remove the rear parcel shelf trim panel from
the vehicle interior. Refer to Body Components in the
Body section of this manual for the required procedure to be used for this vehicle.
Remove the 4 screws securing the rear speaker and
mounting plate in place for the side of the vehicle
requiring repair. The speaker should be removed
from the vehicle with themounting plate
attached Unplug the wiring from the speaker, then
remove the speaker and mounting plate from the
vehicle.
(6) 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 for this
vehicle.
(7) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(8) Remove the rear caliper assembly from the
adapter. Refer to Rear Disc Brakes in Group 5
Brakes of this Service manual for required caliper
removal procedure. After removing the caliper assembly, store the caliper by hanging it from the underside of the vehicle (Fig. 4). Do not let the rear caliper
assembly hang from flexible brake hose.
(9) If loose on wheel mounting studs, remove rear
braking disc from hub.
(10) If thevehicle isequipped with antilock
brakes, remove the wheel speed sensor from the disc
brake caliper adapter by removing the bolt, then the
sensor (Fig. 5).
(11) Remove the lateral links from the spindle
(Fig. 6). This requires the removal of one long bolt
attaching both links to the spindle (Fig. 6).
(12) Install a thin wrench on the hex of the stabilizer bar attaching link stud to keep the stud from
turning in the link. Next, remove the nut from the
stabilizer bar attaching link stud at the stabilizer bar
(Fig. 7). Remove the link from the stabilizer bar.
(13) Loosen and fully remove, the rear spindle to
strut assembly pinch bolt (Fig. 8).
Page 76
LHSUSPENSION2 - 49
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 6 Lateral Links To Spindle Attachment
1 – SPINDLE
2 – LATERAL LINKS
3 – LATERAL LINK ATTACHING BOLT HEAD
4 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
1 – STABILIZER BAR LINK
2 – STABILIZER BAR
3 – LATERAL LINK
4 – BOLT
5 – WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
6 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
7 – NUT
CAUTION: When inserting center punch into rear
spindle, use care so point of center punch does not
puncture strut assembly.
Fig. 7 Link Attachment To Stabilizer Bar
1 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
2 – LINK STUD
3 – STABILIZER BAR
4 – WRENCHES
5 – BRAKE CALIPER
6 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
(14) Insert a center punch into the hole on the
spindle (Fig. 9). Center punch must be tapped into
spindle until jammed into hole. This will spread spindle casting allowing it to be removed from strut
assembly.
1 – LATERAL LINK
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 – CENTER PUNCH
4 – HOLE
5 – SPINDLE
Fig. 10 Removing Spindle From Strut Assembly
1 – BRASS DRIFT PUNCH
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 – SPINDLE
4 – CENTER PUNCH
5 – HIT SPINDLE HERE
6 – LATERAL LINK
(18) Remove the 3 strut assembly to rear strut
tower attaching nuts (Fig. 11), then remove strut
assembly from vehicle.
(15) Using a hammer and a brass drift punch, tap
on top surface of spindle driving it down and off the
end of the strut assembly (Fig. 10).
(16) Let the rear spindle and assembled components hang from the trailing arm while the strut
assembly is out of the vehicle.
(17) Lower vehicle enough to access rear passenger
compartment.
NOTE: When removing rear strut assembly from
vehicle, access for the 3 rear strut assembly to
strut tower attaching nuts is through the passenger
compartment of the vehicle.
Fig. 11 Strut Assembly Attaching Nuts
1 – FRONT OF CAR
2 – ATTACHING NUTS
3 – MOUNTING STUDS
4 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 – SPEAKER OPENING
(19) Remove the nut, washers, and rubber isolators securing the stabilizer bar attaching link to the
strut.
(20) For disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
in this section of this service manual group.
Page 78
LHSUSPENSION2 - 51
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the nut, washers, and rubber isolators
securing the stabilizer bar attaching link to the strut.
(2) Position the strut assembly back in the vehicle
with the 3 studs on the strut mount through the
holes in the strut tower. Install the 3 strut mount to
body attaching nuts onto mounting studs (Fig. 11).
Tighten the 3 strut mount attaching nuts to a torque
of 25 N·m (19 ft. lbs.).
(3) Raise vehicle back up to working height for
reconnecting lower strut.
(4) Install spindle onto bottom of the strut assembly. Push or tap spindle assembly onto lower end of
strut, until notch in spindle is tightly seated against
locating tab on strut assembly (Fig. 12). Then remove
center punch from hole in spindle. Install spindle to
strut assembly pinch bolt into spindle (Fig. 12).
Tighten spindle to strut assembly pinch bolt to 53
N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
(70 ft. lbs.) using a crow foot wrench and torque
wrench in place of the wrench on the attaching nut.
Be sure to use a wrench to hold the link stud in
place while tightening attaching nut.
(7) Install rear wheel speed sensor into brake caliper adapter. Install head attaching bolt (Fig. 5) and
tighten to 7 N·m (60 in. lbs.).
(8) Install rear braking disc on hub. Carefully
install rear brake caliper over braking disc and
install on adapter. Tighten rear caliper assembly to
adapter mounting bolts to 22 N·m (192 in. lbs.).
(9) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Then torque all wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat tightening sequence to full specified torque of 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(10) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(11) With the weight of the vehicle on the tires,
tighten lateral link to spindle attaching bolt to 135
N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
(12) Reconnect the radio speaker wiring to the
rear speaker. Install rear radio speaker and mounting bracket using 4 screws.
(13) Install both lower quarter and upper quarter
trim panels Refer to Body Components in the Body
section of this manual for the required procedure to
be used for this vehicle.
(14) Install the rear seat back, and seat cushion.
Refer to Seats in the Body section of this manual for
the required procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(15) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.
(5) Install the lateral links on the spindle (Fig. 6).
Install, but DO NOT fully tighten lateral links to
spindle attaching bolt at this time.
CAUTION: Tightening lateral link attaching bolt to
spindle at this time will contort the bushing at curb
height and lead to bushing failure. This bolt is to be
tightened only when the vehicle is at curb riding
height.
(6) Install stabilizer bar attaching link onto stabilizer bar (Fig. 7). Install stabilizer link to stabilizer
bar attaching nut (Fig. 7). Tighten the stabilizer link
to stabilizer bar attaching nut to a torque of 95 N·m
SPINDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the rear caliper assembly from the
adapter. Refer to Rear Disc Brakes in Group 5
Brakes of this Service manual for required caliper
removal procedure. After removing caliper assembly
store caliper by hanging it from frame of vehicle (Fig.
13). Do not let weight of rear caliper assembly hang
from flexible brake hose. If vehicle is equipped with
rear drum brakes, remove the brake flex hose
bracket from the support plate and wheel cylinder.
(4) Remove rear braking disc from hub.
(5) Remove rear hub and bearing assembly cotter
pin and nut retainer (Fig. 14). Remove the hub and
bearing retaining nut and washer from the spindle
Page 79
2 - 52SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 15 Speed Sensor Head
1 – STABILIZER BAR LINK
2 – STABILIZER BAR
3 – LATERAL LINK
4 – BOLT
5 – WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
6 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
(Fig. 14). Then remove hub and bearing assembly
from spindle.
7 – NUT
(7) Remove the 4 bolts attaching the disc brake
adapter to the rear spindle (Fig. 16). Then remove
the adapter, disc shield, park brake shoes and park
brake cable as an assembly from the spindle.
1 – LATERAL LINK
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 – CENTER PUNCH
4 – HOLE
5 – SPINDLE
(10) Remove the pinch bolt from the spindle (Fig.
19).
CAUTION: When inserting center punch into rear
spindle, use care so point of center punch does not
puncture strut assembly.
(11) Insert a center punch into the hole on the
spindle (Fig. 20). Center punch must be tapped into
the hole in the spindle until jammed into place. This
will spread the spindle casting allowing it to be
removed from strut assembly.
(12) Using a hammer and a brass drift punch, tap
on top surface of spindle, (Fig. 21) driving it off the
end of the strut assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the spindle on the strut assembly. Push
and or tap spindle assembly onto strut, until notch in
spindle is tightly seated against locating tap on strut
assembly (Fig. 19). Then remove center punch from
hole in spindle. Install the pinch bolt in the spindle
(Fig. 19). Tighten the pinch bolt to a torque of 53
N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
Page 81
2 - 54SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(11) Tighten the lateral links to spindle attaching
bolt to a torque of 135 N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
(12) Tighten the trailing arm to spindle bracket
attaching bolt to a torque of 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(13) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
Fig. 21 Removing Spindle From Strut
1 – BRASS DRIFT PUNCH
2 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 – SPINDLE
4 – CENTER PUNCH
5 – HIT SPINDLE HERE
6 – LATERAL LINK
(2) Install the lateral links on the spindle (Fig. 18).
Install, but do not fully tighten attaching bolt at this
time.
(3) Install bolt attaching trailing arm to trailing
arm bracket on bottom of spindle (Fig. 17). Do not
fully tighten attaching bolt at this time.
(4) Install the disc brake adapter back on the spindle. Install the 4 bolts attaching the disc brake
adapter to the rear spindle (Fig. 16). Tighten the disc
brake adapter mounting bolts to a torque of 115 N·m
(85 ft. lbs.).
(5) If vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes,
install the speed sensor head into the rear disc brake
adapter (Fig. 15). Tighten the speed sensor head
attaching bolt to a torque of 7 N·m (60 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the rear hub and bearing assembly on
the rear spindle. Install hub and bearing assembly
retaining washer and nut on spindle (Fig. 14).
Tighten the hub and bearing retaining nut to a
torque of 168 N·m (124 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the rear brake disc on the hub.
(8) Carefully place rear brake caliper over rotor
and install on adapter. Tighten the caliper assembly
to adapter mounting bolts to a torque of 22 N·m (192
in. lbs.). Refer to Rear Disc Brakes in Group 5
Brakes in this service manual for required caliper
installation procedure.
(9) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(10) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the rear caliper assembly from the
adapter. Refer to Rear Disc Brakes in Group 5
Brakes of this Service manual for required caliper
removal procedure. After removing caliper assembly
store caliper by hanging it from frame of vehicle (Fig.
22). Do not let weight of rear caliper assembly hang
from flexible brake hose.
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove left rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the left lateral links to the spindle (Fig. 24).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the rear hub and bearing assembly on
the rear spindle. Install hub and bearing assembly
retaining washer and nut on spindle (Fig. 23).
Tighten the hub and bearing retaining nut to a
torque of 168 N·m (124 ft. lbs.). Install the nut
retainer and cotter pin. (Fig. 23)
(2) Install the rear brake disc on the hub.
(3) Carefully place rear brake caliper over rotor
and install on adapter. Tighten the caliper assembly
to adapter mounting bolts to a torque of 22 N·m (192
in. lbs.). Refer to Rear Disc Brakes in Group 5
Brakes in this service manual for required caliper
installation procedure.
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle to the ground.
LATERAL LINKS
The lateral links are only serviced as complete
assemblies. The isolator bushings used in the lateral
links are not serviced as separate components. The
left forward lateral link requires a more involved
removal and installation procedure in order to
remove the attaching bolt at the crossmember. See
procedures below for the proper lateral link service
procedure.
Fig. 24 Lateral Link Attachment To Spindle
1 – SPINDLE
2 – LATERAL LINKS
3 – LATERAL LINK ATTACHING BOLT HEAD
4 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
6 – BRAKE CALIPER
7 – LATERAL LINK ATTACHING BOLT NUT
(4) Remove the nut attaching the left forward lat-
eral link to the rear suspension crossmember. The
bolt for the left front lateral link may not be
removed at this time. Remove the nut only.
Once the crossmember is lowered, the bolt can
be easily removed. Notice the forward link attach-
ing bolt faces rearward.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the forward lateral
links to the crossmember must be installed with the
bolts pointing rearward (Fig. 25) to prevent damage
to the fuel tank and or fuel tubes. Also, the left rear
lateral arm attaching bolt to the crossmember is to
be installed pointing forward to prevent possible
damage to the fuel filler tube.
(5) Remove the screw securing the brake tubes to
the left stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer.
Page 83
2 - 56SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
CAUTION: Tightening the lateral link attaching bolt
at this point will cause the bushing to contort when
the vehicle is at curb riding height, thus contributing to premature failure of the lateral link bushings.
(2) Raise the fuel tank up into mounting position.
(3) Reattach the fuel tank straps, securing the fuel
tank in place.
(4) Remove transmission jack supporting the fuel
tank.
(5) Reinstall the fuel filler neck attaching screw
and secure the fuel filler neck to the left frame rail.
(6) Install the 4 bolts attaching both stabilizer bar
isolator bushing retainers to the frame rails (the 2
rearward attaching bolts attach the front corners of
the rear suspension crossmember in place). Tighten
the forward stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer
Fig. 25 Lateral Link Attachment To Crossmember
1 – CROSSMEMBER
2 – EXHAUST MUFFLER
3 – ATTACHING BOLT
4 – LEFT FORWARD LATERAL LINK
(6) Remove the 4 bolts attaching both stabilizer
bar isolator bushing retainers to the frame rails (the
2 rearward attaching bolts also attach the front corners of the rear suspension crossmember in place).
Allow the stabilizer bar to hang down out of the way.
(7) Remove the screw securing the fuel filler neck
to the left frame rail.
(8) Position a transmission jack under the fuel
tank.
(9) Remove the attaching bolts securing both fuel
tank mounting straps. First, remove the right, then
the left attaching bolt. Allow the straps to hang
down.
(10) Lower the transmission jack and fuel tank
just enough to allow for removal of the lateral link
attaching bolt at the crossmember.
(11) Remove the left forward lateral link from the
crossmember.
INSTALL
attaching bolts to 40 N·m (30 ft. lbs.). Tighten the 2
rearward stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer
attaching bolts (which also serve as the front crossmember attaching bolts) to 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install the screw securing the brake tubes to
the left stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer.
(8) Install the lateral links on the spindle. Install,
but DO NOT fully tighten the attaching bolt and nut
at this time (Fig. 24).
CAUTION: Tightening the lateral link attaching bolt
at this point will cause the bushing to contort when
the vehicle is at curb riding height, thus contributing to premature failure of the lateral link bushings.
(9) Install rear wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
(10) 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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(11) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(12) Tighten lateral arm to crossmmember attaching bolt 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(13) Tighten lateral arm to spindle attaching bolt
135 N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
(14) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the forward lateral
links to the crossmember must be installed with the
bolts pointing rearward (Fig. 25) to prevent damage
to the fuel tank and or fuel tubes. Also, the left rear
lateral arm attaching bolt to the crossmember is to
be installed pointing forward to prevent possible
damage to the fuel filler tube.
(1) Attach the left forward lateral link to crossmember. Install mounting bolt through the front of
the crossmember mount towards the rear. Install the
lateral link attaching nut, but DO NOT fully tighten
at this time.
LEFT REAR AND BOTH RIGHT LATERAL LINKS
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove rear wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the left lateral links to the spindle (Fig. 26).
(4) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the lateral
link to the rear suspension crossmember. Note the
Page 84
LHSUSPENSION2 - 57
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 26 Lateral Link Attachment To Spindle
1 – SPINDLE
2 – LATERAL LINKS
3 – LATERAL LINK ATTACHING BOLT HEAD
4 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
6 – BRAKE CALIPER
7 – LATERAL LINK ATTACHING BOLT NUT
direction in which the lateral arm attaching bolt is
installed.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the forward lateral
links to the crossmember must be installed with the
bolts pointing rearward (Fig. 27) to prevent damage
to the fuel tank and or fuel tubes. Also, the left rear
lateral arm attaching bolt to the crossmember is to
be installed pointing forward to prevent possible
damage to the fuel filler tube.
(5) Remove the lateral link from the crossmember.
INSTALL
(1) Attach the lateral link to crossmember. Rear
lateral link attachment bolts should be installed from
the rear and point forward. Forward lateral link
attachment bolts should be installed from the front
and point rearward.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the forward lateral
links to the crossmember must be installed with the
bolts pointing rearward (Fig. 27) to prevent damage
to the fuel tank and or fuel tubes. Also, the left rear
lateral arm attaching bolt to the crossmember is to
be installed pointing forward to prevent possible
damage to the fuel filler tube.
(2) Install the attaching nut, but DO NOT tighten
at this time.
Fig. 27 Lateral Link Attachment To Crossmember
1 – CROSSMEMBER
2 – EXHAUST MUFFLER
3 – ATTACHING BOLT
4 – LEFT FORWARD LATERAL LINK
CAUTION: Tightening the lateral link attaching bolt
at this point will cause the bushing to contort when
the vehicle is at curb riding height, thus contributing to premature failure of the lateral link bushings.
(3) Install the lateral links on the spindle. Install,
but DO NOT fully tighten the attaching bolt and nut
at this time (Fig. 26).
(4) Install rear wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
(5) 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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(7) Tighten lateral arm to crossmember attaching
bolt and nut to 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(8) Tighten lateral arm to spindle attaching bolt
and nut to 135 N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
(9) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.
TRAILING ARM
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the bolt attaching the trailing arm to
the bracket on the bottom of the spindle (Fig. 28).
Page 85
2 - 58SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALL
CAUTION: When the trailing arm is installed to its
mounting bracket, it is important to set an offset
angle of 5 degrees before tightening the attaching
bolt. Otherwise, the bushing will be contorted when
the vehicle is at normal riding height. This angle
cannot be set once the trailing arm and bracket are
installed on the vehicle.
(1) Install thetrailing arm to themounting
bracket so the length-wise opening in the arm points
downward. Align the plane of the arm at a 5 degree
angle to the mounting bracket, mounting surface (to
the vehicle) (Fig. 30). This can be accomplished by
using a simple magnetic base protractor (Fig. 30).
Fig. 28 Trailing Arm To Bracket Bolt
1 – SPINDLE
2 – TRAILING ARM BRACKET
3 – TRAILING ARM
4 – BOLT
(4) Remove the 4 bolts attaching the arm forward
mounting bracket to the frame rail and rear torque
box (Fig. 29).
Verify the mounting bracket is level, then rotate the
trailing arm until 5 degrees is measured (Fig. 30).
This angle is important to set, so the bushing is
not contorted when the vehicle is at normal
riding height.. Tighten the attaching bolt and nutto a torque of 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.). This bolt cannot
be tightened once mounted on the vehicle.
(2) Position the trailing arm and forward mounting bracket into the vehicle. Attach to frame rail and
torque box with the 4 attaching bolts (Fig. 29).
Tighten the attaching bolts to 60 N·m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install bolt attaching trailing arm to trailing
arm bracket on bottom of spindle (Fig. 28). Do not
fully tighten attaching bolt at this time.
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
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 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(6) Tighten the trailing arm to spindle bracket
attaching bolt to a torque of 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(7) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifications if required.
Page 86
LHSUSPENSION2 - 59
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)
REMOVAL
(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 for this
vehicle.
(2) Install a thin wrench on the hex of the attaching link stud to keep the stud from turning in the
link. Next, remove the nut from the stabilizer bar to
strut assembly attaching link stud at the stabilizer
bar (Fig. 31). Remove the link from the stabilizer bar.
Repeat this procedure on the other side of the vehicle
for the other attaching link.
1 – STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
2 – LINK STUD
3 – STABILIZER BAR
4 – WRENCHES
5 – BRAKE CALIPER
6 – STRUT ASSEMBLY
(3) Remove the screw securing the brake tubes to
the left stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer (Fig.
32).
(4) Remove the 2 bolts attaching each of the 2 stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainers to the frame
rails (Fig. 32) (the 2 rearward attaching bolts also
attach the front corners of the rear suspension crossmember in place). Remove the stabilizer bar from the
vehicle.
(5) Mount the stabilizer bar in a soft jawed vise
with one of the two bushings mount just above the
vise jaws.
(6) Carefully pry back the retainer tabs on the
wider end of the upper bushing retainer away from
the lower half.
(7) Using a hammer and a brass drift punch, tap
the upper half of the bushing retainer assembly forward, off of the lower half and bushing (Fig. 33).
(8) Remove the lower half of the bushing retainer
from the bushing.
(9) Remove the bushing from the stabilizer bar.
Make note that the slit in the bushing points
toward the front of the vehicle.
Page 87
2 - 60SUSPENSIONLH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(10) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vise, and
repeat the preceding 5 steps to remove the second
bushing from the other side of the stabilizer bar.
INSPECTION
Inspect the bushings and retainers for cracks and
or distortion. If any signs appear, these pieces should
be replaced.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the bushings onto the stabilizer bar.
Make sure that the slit in the bushing points
toward the front of the vehicle.
(2) Mount the stabilizer bar in the soft jawed vise
with the bushing just above the top of the vise jaws.
(3) Install the lower half of the retainer onto the
bushing with the elongated mounting hole towards
the front of the vehicle.
(4) Install the upper half of the retainer onto the
lower half. This is done by tapping the upper half,
starting with the large end, onto the lower half with
a hammer and brass drift punch (Fig. 34). Tap the
upper retainer half on until the mounting holes line
up with the ones in the lower half.
bushing and retainer on the other side of the stabilizer bar.
(7) Position the rear stabilizer bar in position
between the frame rails. Install the 4 bolts attaching
both stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainers to the
frame rails (Fig. 32) (the 2 rearward attaching bolts
attach the front corners of the rear suspension crossmember in place). Tighten the forward stabilizer bar
isolator bushing retainer attaching bolts to 40 N·m
(30 ft. lbs.). Tighten the 2 rearward stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer attaching bolts (which also
serve as the forward rear crossmember attaching
bolts) to 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the screw securing the brake tubes to
the left stabilizer bar isolator bushing retainer (Fig.
32).
(9) Install both stabilizer bar attaching links onto
stabilizer bar (Fig. 31). Install both stabilizer link to
stabilizer bar attaching nuts (Fig. 31). Tighten the
stabilizer link to stabilizer bar attaching nuts to a
torque of 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.) using a crow foot
wrench and torque wrench in place of the wrench on
the attaching nut. Be sure to use a wrench to
hold the link stud in place while tightening
each attaching nut.
(5) Using a pair of pliers, bend the retainer tabs
on the upper retainer half around the lower retainer
half, securing the two halves together.
(6) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vise, and
repeat the preceding 5 steps to install the second
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS (REAR)
CAUTION: If a wheel attaching stud needs to be
replaced in the hub and bearing assembly, DO NOT
hammer studs out of the hub flange. If a stud is
removed by hammering it out of the bearing flange,
damage to the hub and bearing assembly will occur
leading to premature bearing failure.
CAUTION: The following procedure must be used
when replacing rear wheel attaching studs.
NOTE: Rear hub and bearing assembly removal is
required, first, beforeattaching studscan be
replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Position the hub and bearing assembly under a
hydraulic press ram, supported by a 21 mm. deep
well impact socket under the stud to be replaced
(Fig. 35).
Take care to keep hub and bearing assembly
from falling during stud removal. This could
damage the assembly.
(2) Press the stud out of the hub flange, and into
the socket well.
Page 88
LHSUSPENSION2 - 61
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(4) Remove the hub and bearing assembly from
the press.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The Strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section for the required procedure.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use strut spring compressor, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent,
to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
(2) Position the hub and bearing assembly face
down with stud pointing down into the well of the 21
mm. socket. The hydraulic press ram must line up
with the stud (Fig. 36).
The rear strut is available with 3 calibrations; be
sure strut is replaced with an assembly of the same
calibration.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) If both struts are being serviced at the same
time, mark the coil spring and strut assembly according to which side of the vehicle the strut was
removed from, and which strut the coil spring was
removed from.
WARNING: Do not install the spring compressor
hooks on the coil spring in an area of the spring
covered by a sleeve. If the sleeve moves when compressing the spring, the spring could come move
resulting in personal injury.
(3) Press the stud into the hub flange until it bot-
toms.
CAUTION: When installing the spring compressor’s
hooks on the coil spring, do not position the hooks
of the spring compressor on the sleeve of the coil
spring. Positioning the spring compressor on the
sleeve could cause the sleeve to dislodge from the
coil spring when it is compressed. This would
result in the required replacement of the coil spring.
(2) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
springcompressorfollowingthemanufacturers
instructions. Position the strut assembly so the outboard side of the strut is outward away from the
compressor. Grasp the upper and lower coils of the
spring with the upper and lower hooks of 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. Compress the coil spring until
all load is removed from the upper strut mount.
(3) Install Strut Shaft Socket, Special Tool 6864,
on the strut shaft nut. Use a deep well socket
inserted into the opening of tool 6864 to keep strut
shaft from turning. With the spring compressed,
remove the nut from the strut shaft.
Page 89
2 - 62SUSPENSIONLH
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
(4) Remove the strut upper mount assembly, upper
spring isolator, dust shield, and jounce bumper. The
jounce bumper should come off with the dust shield.
The dust shield and upper spring isolator can be
removed from the upper mount if necessary.
(5) Remove the clamp and remove the strut out
from the bottom of the coil spring.
(6) Remove the lower spring isolator from the strut
coil spring seat.
(7) Inspect the strut assembly components for the
following and replace as necessary:
• Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
• Inspect the strut shaft for loss of charge.
• Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
• Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
• Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
• Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for
material deterioration.
• Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to
the coating.
spring. Positioning the spring compressor on the
sleeve could cause the sleeve to dislodge from the
coil spring when it is compressed. This would
result in the required replacement of the coil spring.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor following the manufacturer’s instructions. The coil spring
must be installed so the sleeve on the spring is
towards the upper end of assembly. Before compressing the spring, rotate the spring to the position noted
in disassembly for ease of strut assembly components.
(2) Install the lower spring isolator on strut
matching the step in the isolator to the step in the
strut lower spring seat.
(3) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. Align the lower coil spring end
with the step in the strut lower spring seat. Install
the clamp on the lower end of the coil spring and
strut, so the strut is held in place.
(4) Install the jounce bumper into the dust shield
from the bottom (Fig. 37). The jounce bumper should
snap into position at the top end of the dust shield.
NOTE: Before releasing the tension on the coil
spring, note the position of the coil end on the
upper end of the coil spring. When reinstalled, position it in the same spot for ease of alignment of the
upper mount, coil spring and the strut.
(8) If the coil spring needs to be removed from the
compressor, release the tension from the coil spring
by backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back
the compressor hooks and remove the coil spring.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Make sure all components are free of dirt
and debris before assembly, especially around the
mounting surfaces.
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step 2.
WARNING: Do not install the spring compressor
hooks on the coil spring in an area of the spring
covered by a sleeve. If the sleeve moves when compressing the spring, the spring could come move
resulting in personal injury.
CAUTION: When installing the spring compressor’s
hooks on the coil spring, do not position the hooks
of the spring compressor on the sleeve of the coil
Fig. 37 Jounce Bumper Installed Into Dust Shield
1 – TOP OF DUST SHIELD
2 – DUST SHIELD
3 – JOUNCE BUMPER
(5) Install the dust shield and jounce bumper into
position in bottom of upper strut mount. Dust shield
should snap into position. Once correctly installed,
the dust boot should be able to be rotated within the
mount without coming loose.
(6) Install the upper strut mount, dust shield and
jounce bumper onto the strut shaft. Position the
mount so its center rear mounting stud is aligned
with the stabilizer bar attaching link bracket that is
on the inboard side of the strut.
(7) Install the upper strut mount to strut shaft nut
on the strut shaft. Install Strut Shaft Socket, Special
Page 90
LHSUSPENSION2 - 63
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Tool 6864, on strut shaft nut. Use a deep well socket
inserted into the opening of tool 6864 to keep strut
shaft from turning. Tighten the strut shaft nut to a
torque of 75 N·m (55 ft. lbs.).
(8) Slowly release the tension from the coil spring
by backing off the compressor drive fully. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount, spring,
and strut align properly.
(9) Remove the clamp from the lower end of the
coil spring and strut. Push back the spring compressor upper and lower hooks, then remove the strut
assembly from the spring compressor.
(10) Install the strut assembly back into the vehicle. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in
this section for the required procedure.
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTIONTORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Body Mounting Nuts ....... 25N·m(19ft.lbs.)
Spindle Pinch Bolt ......... 53N·m(40ft.lbs.)
Strut Shaft Nut ........... 75N·m(55ft.lbs.)
Stabilizer Bar Link Upper
Attaching Nut ............ 23N·m(17ft.lbs.)
SPINDLE:
Brake Support Plate Mounting Bolts . . . 109 N·m
(80 ft. lbs.)
Brake Hose Bracket Bolt .... 23N·m(17ft.lbs.)
Caliper Adapter Spindle Bolts ........ 115N·m
(85 ft. lbs.)
Disc Brake Caliper Bolts .... 22N·m(16ft.lbs.)
HUB AND BEARING:
Spindle Retaining Nut .... 168N·m(124 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Mounting Nuts ........... 109-150 N·m
(80-110 ft. lbs.)
LATERAL LINKS:
Jam Nuts ................ 88N·m(65ft.lbs.)
Spindle Nut ............ 135N·m(100 ft. lbs.)
Suspension Crossmember Nuts ........ 95N·m
(70 ft. lbs.)
TRAILING ARM:
Attaching Nuts .......... 100N·m(75ft.lbs.)
Bracket To Body Bolts ...... 60N·m(45ft.lbs.)
Bracket To Spindle Bolts . . . 110 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER:
Body Attaching Bolts ...... 100N·m(75ft.lbs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Bushing Retainer Bolts ..... 40N·m(30ft.lbs.)
Strut Attaching Link Lower Nut ....... 95N·m
(70 ft. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
Socket Strut Shaft Nut 6864
Page 91
Page 92
LHDIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE3 - 1
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pagepage
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES .................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DRIVESHAFT DIAGNOSIS...................4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS .....................4
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
INNER TRIPOD JOINT SEALING BOOT .......11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES
DESCRIPTION
The front driveshaft assemblies are flexible assemblies consisting of an inner and outer flexible joint
connected by an solid shaft (Fig. 1) (Fig. 2). Transaxle packaging and location requires the use of
unequal length driveshafts, with the left shaft being
longer than the right.
The inner joints are of a tripod design (Fig. 2), and
allow for axial and angular movement to accommodate for shifting of powertrain and suspension components. The inner joints incorporate a female spline
which install over the transaxle stub shafts.
OUTER C/V JOINT SEALING BOOT ..........14
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.................16
SPECIAL TOOLS
DRIVESHAFT............................16
The outer joints are of a constant velocity design
(Fig. 2), and only offer angular flexibility. The outer
joints incorporate a male spline, which connect to the
wheel hub/bearing. The outer joint is fastened to the
hub to ensure that there is no axial movement (endplay).
Both inner and outer joints utilize flexible “boots”
(Fig. 1) (Fig. 2) which maintain grease within the
joints, protect the joints from the environment/elements, and facilitate the axial and angular movement of the joints. The inner tripod joint boots are
constructed of silicone rubber. The outer C/V boots
are made of Hytrel plastic.
NOTE: When driveshaft boots are replaced be sure
boots of the correct material are used.
Driveshaft assemblies are designed to transmit
power from the transaxle to the front wheels, while
allowing for powertrain and suspension flex.
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 damage.
(2) A light film of grease may appear on the inner
tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal and
should not require replacement of the seal boot. All
inner tripod joint seal boots are made of silicone rubber; which will allow the weeping (sweating) of the
joint lubricant to pass through it while in operation.
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 component of the vehicle coming in contact with the driveshafts.
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.
(2) Out of balance front tires or wheels. See Group
22, Wheels And Tires for the required balancing procedure.
(3) Improper tire and/or wheel runout. See Group
22, Wheels And Tires for the required runout checking procedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS
NOTE: The only service which is to be performed
on the driveshaft assemblies is the replacement of
the driveshaft seal boots or replacement of the
entire assembly.
If any failure of internal driveshaft components is
diagnosed during a vehicle road test or disassembly
of the driveshaft, the driveshaft assembly will need
to be replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. Refer to Hoisting, in the
Lubrication and Maintenance section of this manual,
for the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front caliper assembly from the
front steering knuckle assembly (Fig. 3). Refer to
Front Disc Brake Service in the Brake Section of this
service manual for caliper removal procedure.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
(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 Alignment in this group for alignment checking and setting procedures and specifications.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
(1) Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the
backside of the wheel(s).
(8) Install a wheel lug nut on wheel stud to protect
the threads on the stud. Install a flat blade pry tool
to keep hub from turning. Using Puller, force the
outer stub axle from the hub and bearing asssembly
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 8 Removing Stub Axle From Hub/Bearing
(9) Dislodge inner tripod joint from stub shaft
retaining snap ring on transaxle assembly (Fig. 9).
Inner tripod joint is dislodged from stub shaft retaining snap ring, by inserting a pry bar between transaxle case and inner tripod joint and prying on tripod
joint. Only disengage the inner tripod joint from
the retaining snap ring. Do not attempt to
remove the inner tripod joint from the transmission stub shaft at this time.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated where they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When removing
bolts, turn nuts off bolts. DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned, damage
to steering knuckle will result.
CAUTION: When removing outer C/V joint from hub
and bearing assembly, do not allow the flinger disk
(Fig. 11) on hub and bearing assembly to become
damaged. Damage to the flinger disk will cause dirt
and water intrusion into bearing. Premature bearing
failure will result.
(12) Hold outer C/V joint assembly with one hand.
Grasp steering knuckle with other and rotate it out
and to the rear of the vehicle, until outer C/V joint
clears hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 11).
(13) Remove driveshaft inner tripod joint from
transaxle stub shaft. When removing driveshaft,
do not pull on interconnecting shaft to remove
inner tripod joint from stub shaft. Removal in
this manner will separate the spider assembly
from the tripod joint housing. Grasp inner tripod joint (Fig. 12) and interconnecting shaft
and pull on both pieces at the same time.
Page 98
LHDIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE3 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
is removed from the stub shaft, the retaining circlip
and O-ring seal MUST BE REPLACED. The retaining
circlip and O-ring seal is included in all service kits
requiring removal of the inboard tripod joint from
the stub shaft.
(1) Replace O-ring seal and tripod joint retaining
circlip (Fig. 13) on the transaxle stub shaft.
(2) Evenly apply a bead of grease, such as Mopar
Multi-Purpose Lubricant or an equivalent, around
spline of inner tripod joint (Fig. 14) where the O-ring
seats against tripod joint. This will spread grease
onto stub shaft during tripod joint installation preventing corrosion and help to seal the O-ring.
Fig. 12 Inner Tripod Joint Removal From Stub Shaft
CAUTION: The inboard tripod joint retaining circlip
and O-ring seal (Fig. 13) on the transaxle stub shaft
are not re-usable. Whenever the inboard tripod joint
Fig. 14 Grease Applied To Inner Tripod Joint
Housing Spline
1 – APPLY 1 MILLILITER BEAD OF GREASE HERE
2 – INNER TRIPOD JOINT HOUSING
Page 99
3 - 8DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINELH
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(3) Install driveshaft through hole in splash shield.
Grasp inner tripod joint in one hand and interconnecting shaft in the other. Align inner tripod joint
spline with stub shaft spline on transaxle (Fig. 15).
Use a rocking motion with the inner tripod joint, to
get it past the circlip on the transaxle stub shaft.
Fig. 15 Inner Tripod Joint Installation On Stub Shaft
(4) Continue pushing tripod joint onto transaxle
stub shaft until it stops moving. The O-ring seal on
the stub should not be visible when inner tripod joint
is fully installed on stub shaft. To check that inner
tripod joint retaining circlip is locked into tripod joint, grasp inner tripod joint and pull on
it by hand. If circlip is locked into tripod joint,
tripod joint will not move on stub shaft.
CAUTION: When installing outer C/V joint into the
hub and bearing assembly, do not allow the flinger
disk on hub and bearing assembly to become damaged. Damage to the flinger disk can cause dirt and
water intrusion into bearing and premature bearing
failure.
(5) Hold outer C/V joint assembly with one hand.
Grasp steering knuckle with other hand and rotate it
out and to the rear of the vehicle. Install outer C/V
joint into the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 16).
(6) Install the top of the steering knuckle into the
strut assembly. Align the steering knuckle to strut
assembly mounting holes.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated where they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When installing
bolts, turn nuts onto bolts. DO NOT TURN BOLTS
IN STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned, damage to steering knuckle will result.
Page 100
LHDIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE3 - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(7) Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts. Install nuts on attaching bolts (Fig.
17). Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolt nuts to 169 N·m (125 ft. lbs.). TURN NUTS ON
BOLTS. DO NOT TURN BOLTS.
Fig. 18 Hub And Bearing To Stub Axle Retaining Nut
CAUTION: The hub and bearing assembly to stub
shaft retaining nut is a prevailing torque nut and
can not be re-used. A NEW retaining nut MUST be
used when assembled.
(8) InstallaNEWretainingnut(Fig.18).
Tighten, but do not torque the hub nut at this
time.
(9) Install speed sensor cable routing bracket on
front strut assembly. Install and securely tighten
routing bracket screw.
(10) Install the braking disk on the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 19).