Epl 2

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS . . . . . 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . 8
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Proper vehi cl e wheel al i gnment i s the proper
adjustment of al l i nterrel ated front and rear suspen-
si on angl es. These angl es are what affects the han-
dl i ng and steeri ng of the vehi cl e when i t i s i n moti on.
The method of checki ng a vehi cl es front and rear
wheel al i gnment wi l l vary dependi ng on the type and
manufacturer of the equi pment bei ng used. I nstruc-
ti ons furni shed by the manufacturer of the equi p-
ment bei ng used shoul d al ways be fol l owed to ensure
accuracy of the al i gnment, except when al i gnment
speci fi cati ons recommended by thi s corporati on di ffer.
Typi cal wheel al i gnment angl es and measurements
are camber, caster, toe, and thrust angl e.
Camber i s the number of degrees the top of the
ti re and wheel are ti l ted ei ther i nward or outward
(Fi g. 1). Camber i s a ti re weari ng angl e. Excessi ve
negati ve camber wi l l cause tread wear at the i nsi de
of the ti re, whi l e excessi ve posi ti ve camber wi l l cause
outsi de ti re wear.
Caster i s the number of degrees of forward or
rearward ti l t of the steeri ng knuckl e. Forward ti l t
provi des a negati ve caster angl e, whi l e rearward ti l t
provi des a posi ti ve caster angl e. Caster i s not adjust-
abl e on thi s vehi cl e.
Cross Camber i s the di fference between l eft and
ri ght camber. The ri ght si de camber i s to be sub-
tracted from the l eft, resul ti ng i n the cross camber
readi ng. For exampl e, i f the l eft camber i s +0.3 and
the ri ght camber i s 0.0, the cross camber woul d be
+0.3.
Toe i s measured i n degrees or i nches and i s the
di fference i n wi dth between the centered l eadi ng and
trai l i ng edges of the ti res on the same axl e (Fi g. 1).
Toe-i n means that the front wi dth i s more narrow
than the rear. Toe-out means that the front wi dth i s
wi der than the rear.
Thrust Angl e i s defi ned as the average of the toe
setti ngs on each rear wheel . I f thi s measurement i s
out of speci fi cati on, readjust the rear wheel toe so
that each wheel has 1/2 of the total toe measure-
ment. When readjusti ng, do not exceed the total toe
speci fi cati on.
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 1
Fig. 1 Alignment Camber And Toe
1 LOOSEN NUT TO ADJUST TOE
2 TOE ADJUSTMENT
3 POSITIVE
4 NEGATIVE
5 CAMBER
6 TOE-OUT
7 TOE-IN
2 - 2 SUSPENSION PL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Front End Whine On
Turns
1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding On Turns
2. Engine Mount Grounding
Against Frame Or Body Of Vehicle.
2. Check For Motor Mount Hitting Frame
Rail And Reposition Engine As Required
3. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 3. Replace C/V Joint
4. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 4. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
Front End Clunk Or
Snap On Turns
3. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Or Ball Joint 3. Tighten Or Replace Tie Rod End Or Ball
Joint
4. Worn Control Arm Bushing 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Loose Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment
5. Tighten Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment To Specified Torque
Front End Whine
With Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed
Front End Growl Or
Grinding With
Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed
1. Engine Mount Grounding 1. Reposition Engine As Required
Front End Whine
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating
1. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings
1. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
Front End Clunk
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating
1. Worn Or Broken Engine Mount 1. Replace Engine Mount
2. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings
2. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 3
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
5. Worn Or Loose Ball Joint 5. Tighten Or Replace Ball Joint
6. Worn Or Loose Control Arm Bushing 6. Tighten To Specified Torque Or Replace
Control Arm Bushing
7. Loose Crossmember Bolts 7. Tighten Crossmember Bolts To Specified
Torque
Road Wander 1. Incorrect Tire Pressure 1. Inflate Tires To Rcommended Pressure
2. Incorrect Front Or Rear Wheel Toe 2. Check And Reset Front Wheel Toe
3. Worn Wheel Bearings 3. Replace Wheel Bearing
4. Worn Control Arm Bushings 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Excessive Friction In Steering Gear 5. Replace Steering Gear
6. Excessive Friction In Steering Shaft
Coupling
6. Replace Steering Coupler
7. Excessive Friction In Strut Upper
Bearing
7. Replace Strut Bearing
Lateral Pull 1. Unequal Tire Pressure 1. Inflate All Tires To Recommended
Pressure
2. Radial Tire Lead 2. Perform Lead Correction Procedure
3. Incorrect Front Wheel Camber 3. Check And Reset Front Wheel Camber
4. Power Steering Gear Imbalance 4. Replace Power Steering Gear
5. Wheel Braking 5. Correct Braking Condition Causing
Lateral Pull
Excessive Steering
Free Play
1. Incorrect Steering Gear Adjustment 1. Adjust Or Replace Steering Gear
2. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Ends 2. Replace Or Tighten Tie Rod Ends
3. Loose Steering Gear Mounting Bolts 3. Tighten Steering Gear Bolts To The
Specified Torque
4. Loose Or Worn Steering Shaft Coupler 5. Replace Steering Shaft Coupler
Excessive Steering
Effort
1. Low Tire Pressure 1. Inflate All Tires To Recommended
Pressure
2. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Gear 2. Replace Steering Gear
3. Low Power Steering Fluid Level 3. Fill Power Steering Fluid Reservoir To
Correct Level
4. Loose Power Steering Pump Belt 4. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. If drive belt is worn
or glazed, replace belt.
5. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Ball Joints 5. Lubricate Or Replace Steering Ball Joints
6. Steering Gear Malfunction 6. Replace Steering Gear
7. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Coupler 7. Replace Steering Coupler
2 - 4 SUSPENSION PL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
The wheel al i gnment i s to be checked and al l al i gn-
ment adjustments made wi th the vehi cl e at i ts
requi red curb hei ght speci fi cati on.
Vehi cl e hei ght i s to be checked wi th the vehi cl e on
a fl at, l evel surface, preferabl y a vehi cl e al i gnment
rack. The ti res are to be i nfl ated to the recommended
pressure. Al l ti res are to be the same si ze as stan-
dard equi pment. Vehi cl e hei ght i s checked wi th the
fuel tank ful l of fuel , and no passenger or l uggage
compartment l oad.
Vehi cl e hei ght i s not adjustabl e. I f the measure-
ment i s not wi thi n speci fi cati ons, i nspect the vehi cl e
for bent or weak suspensi on components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coi l spri ng(s) to the
parts book and the vehi cl e sal es code, checki ng for a
match. Once removed from the vehi cl e, compare the
coi l spri ng hei ght to a correct new or known good coi l
spri ng. The hei ghts shoul d vary i f the suspect spri ng
i s weak.
NOTE: Prior to reading the curb height measure-
ment, the front an rear of the vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce by grasping the center of
the rear, then front bumper (or fascia) and jouncing
the vehicle an equal number of times. Release the
bumper at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(1) Measure from the i nboard edge of the wheel
openi ng fender l i p di rectl y above the wheel center
(spi ndl e), to the fl oor or al i gnment rack surface.
(2) When measuri ng, maxi mum l eft-to-ri ght di ffer-
enti al i s not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 i n.).
(3) Compare the measurements to speci fi cati ons
l i sted i n the fol l owi ng CURB HEI GHT SPECI FI CA-
TI ONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE FRONT REAR
ALL NEON
672 mm 8 mm 679 mm 8 mm
26.46 in. 0.32 in. 26.73 in. 0.32 in.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT VEHICLE INSPECTION
CAUTION: If during the inspection the front sus-
pension crossmember shows any sign of impact
damage, the steering column lower coupling must
be inspected. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in
the STEERING group in this service manual.
Before any attempt i s made to change or correct
the wheel al i gnment, the fol l owi ng i nspecti on and
necessary correcti ons must be made to the vehi cl e to
ensure proper al i gnment.
(1) Be sure the fuel tank i s ful l of fuel . I f the fuel
tank i s not ful l , the reducti on i n wei ght wi l l affect
the curb hei ght of the vehi cl e and the al i gnment
speci fi cati ons.
(2) The passenger and l uggage compartments of
the vehi cl e shoul d be free of any l oad that i s not fac-
tory equi pment.
(3) Check the ti res on the vehi cl e. The ti res are to
be i nfl ated to the recommended ai r pressure. Al l ti res
must be the same si ze and i n good condi ti on wi th
approxi matel y the same tread wear.
(4) Check the front ti re and wheel assembl i es for
excessi ve radi al runout.
(5) I nspect al l suspensi on component fasteners for
l ooseness and torque.
(6) I nspect the l ower front bal l joi nts and al l steer-
i ng l i nkage for l ooseness and any si gn of wear or
damage.
(7) I nspect the rubber bushi ngs on al l the suspen-
si on components for si gns of wear or deteri orati on. I f
any bushi ngs show si gns of wear or deteri orati on,
they shoul d be repl aced pri or to al i gni ng the vehi cl e.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
(1) Posi ti on the vehi cl e on an al i gnment rack.
(2) I nstal l al l requi red al i gnment equi pment on
the vehi cl e, per the al i gnment equi pment manufac-
turers i nstructi ons. On thi s vehi cl e, a four-wheel
al i gnment i s recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicles alignment
readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then front) by
grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing
each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The
bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(3) Read the vehi cl es current front and rear al i gn-
ment setti ngs. Compare the vehi cl es current al i gn-
ment setti ngs to the vehi cl e speci fi cati ons for camber,
caster and toe-i n. Refer to WHEEL ALI GNMENT
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 5
SPECI FI CATI ONS i n thi s secti on of thi s servi ce
manual group.
(4) I f the rear al i gnment i s out of speci fi cati on,
adjust i t fi rst before proceedi ng to the front.
CAMBER AND CASTER
Front and rear camber and caster setti ngs on thi s
vehi cl e are determi ned at the ti me the vehi cl e i s
desi gned, by the l ocati on of the vehi cl es suspensi on
components. Thi s i s referred to as Net Bui l d. The
resul t i s no requi red adjustment of camber and
caster after the vehi cl e i s bui l t or when servi ci ng the
suspensi on components. Thus, when performi ng a
wheel al i gnment, caster and camber are not normal l y
consi dered adjustabl e angl es. Camber and caster
shoul d be checked to ensure they meet vehi cl e speci -
fi cati ons.
I f ei ther front or rear camber i s found not to meet
al i gnment speci fi cati ons, i t can be adjusted usi ng an
avai l abl e camber adjustment bol t package. Before
i nstal l i ng a camber adjustment bol t package on a
vehi cl e found to be outsi de the speci fi cati ons, i nspect
the suspensi on components for any si gns of damage
or bendi ng.
No adjustment can be made to the caster setti ng
on thi s vehi cl e. I f the vehi cl es caster i s not wi thi n
al i gnment speci fi cati ons, check for damaged suspen-
si on components or body parts.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles
wheel alignment by heating or bending any of the
suspension components.
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT PACKAGE INSTALLATION
NOTE: The following procedure should only be
used on vehicles without the ACR competition
package.
The camber adjustment bol t package contai ns new
bol ts and nuts for attachi ng the strut cl evi s bracket
to the steeri ng knuckl e. The bol ts contai ned i n the
package are sl i ghtl y undersi ze al l owi ng for move-
ment between the strut cl evi s bracket and the steer-
i ng knuckl e. The movement al l owed by the undersi ze
bol ts provi de approxi matel y two degrees of camber
adjustment per si de of the vehi cl e. To i nstal l and
adjust the camber adjustment bol t package, fol l ow
the procedure bel ow.
CAUTION: There are separate camber adjustment
bolt packages for the front and rear of the vehicle.
Be sure to use the correct package.
(1) Rai se the vehi cl e unti l i ts ti res are not support-
i ng the wei ght of the vehi cl e.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolt shanks are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary.
(2) Remove the ori gi nal upper bol t attachi ng the
strut cl evi s bracket to the knuckl e (Fi g. 2) (Fi g. 3).
(3) I nstal l a bol t from the adjustment package i nto
the hol e where the ori gi nal bol t was removed. I nstal l
the bol t from the rear.
Fig. 2 Front Strut Clevis Bracket Attaching Bolts
1 STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET TO STEERING KNUCKLE
ATTACHING BOLTS
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
4 LOOSEN THIS BOLT
5 REMOVE AND REPLACE THIS BOLT
Fig. 3 Rear Strut Clevis Bracket Attaching Bolts
1 KNUCKLE
2 STRUT ASSEMBLY CLEVIS BRACKET
3 CLEVIS BRACKET TO KNUCKLE ATTACHING BOLTS
2 - 6 SUSPENSION PL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(4) I nstal l a nut provi ded i n adjustment package
on the repl acement bol t. Ti ghten the nut unti l i ts
snug, but sti l l al l owi ng the knuckl e to sl i de i n the
cl evi s bracket.
(5) Remove the ori gi nal l ower bol t.
(6) I nstal l a bol t from the adjustment package i nto
the bottom hol e of the strut cl evi s bracket. I nstal l the
bol t from the rear.
(7) I nstal l a nut provi ded i n adjustment package
on the repl acement bol t. Ti ghten the nut unti l i ts
snug.
(8) Rei nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y.
(9) Perform the above procedure to any of the
remai ni ng struts as requi red.
(10) Lower the vehi cl e and jounce the front and
rear of the vehi cl e.
(11) Adjust the front or rear camber to the pre-
ferred setti ng by pushi ng or pul l i ng on the top of the
ti re. When camber i s set to speci fi cati ons, ti ghten the
upper and l ower strut cl evi s bracket bol ts. Agai n
jounce the front and rear of the vehi cl e, then veri fy
the camber setti ngs.
(12) Torque front strut cl evi s bracket-to-steeri ng
knuckl e attachi ng bol ts to 53 Nm (40 ft. l bs.), pl us
an addi ti onal 1/4 turn after the torque i s met. Torque
the rear strut cl evi s bracket-to-rear knuckl e attach-
i ng bol ts to 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.).
(13) Once camber i s wi thi n speci fi cati ons, adjust
toe to meet the preferred speci fi cati on setti ng. Refer
to TOE wi thi n thi s wheel al i gnment servi ce proce-
dure.
TOE
(1) Center the steeri ng wheel and l ock i t i n pl ace
usi ng a steeri ng wheel cl amp.
NOTE: When performing the toe setting procedure,
make sure the rear toe is set to the preferred spec-
ification before setting the front toe to the preferred
specification.
REAR TOE
(1) Loosen the nuts on the l eft and ri ght rear l at-
eral l i nk attachi ng bol ts at the rear crossmember as
necessary to al l ow rotati on of the rear toe adjustment
cams (Fi g. 4).
CAUTION: When adjusting rear toe, the notches on
the toe adjustment cams are not to be facing down.
The notches in the adjustment cams are only to be
facing up or toward one side.
(2) Rotate each toe adjustment cam unti l the pre-
ferred rear toe speci fi cati on i s obtai ned (Fi g. 4). Refer
to WHEEL ALI GNMENT SPECI FI CATI ONS i n thi s
secti on of thi s servi ce manual group.
(3) Whi l e hol di ng the toe adjustment cams from
turni ng, ti ghten the attachi ng bol t nuts. Thi s wi l l
securel y hol d the adjustment cams i n posi ti on.
Ti ghten the attachi ng bol t nuts to a torque of 88 Nm
(65 ft. l bs.).
(4) Proceed to FRONT TOE to set the front toe.
FRONT TOE
CAUTION: Do not twist the inner tie rod-to-steering
gear rubber boots while turning the inner tie rod
during the front toe adjustment.
(1) Loosen the ti e rod adjusti ng jam nuts (Fi g. 5).
Grasp each i nner ti e rod at i ts hex and rotate i t one
way or the other unti l the front wheel toe i s set to
the preferred speci fi cati on. Refer to WHEEL ALI GN-
MENT SPECI FI CATI ONS i n thi s secti on of thi s ser-
vi ce manual group.
Fig. 4 Adjustment Cams
1 BOLTS
2 ADJUSTMENT CAMS
3 NUTS
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 7
(2) Ti ghten ti e rod adjusti ng jam nuts to a torque
of 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.).
(3) Make sure the i nner ti e rod-to-steeri ng gear
rubber boots are not twi sted. I f twi sted, l oosen the
boot cl amp at the i nner ti e rod and move the boot as
necessary.
(4) Remove steeri ng wheel cl amp.
(5) Remove the al i gnment equi pment.
(6) Road test the vehi cl e to veri fy the steeri ng
wheel i s strai ght and the vehi cl e does not pul l or
wander.
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE: All specifications are given in degrees.
NOTE: All wheel alignments are to be set with the
vehicle at curb height. Refer to CURB HEIGHT MEA-
SUREMENT in SERVICE PROCEDURES.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER 0.00 -0.40to +0.40
Cross Camber (Maximum
Side-To-Side Difference)
0.00 0.50
CASTER +2.60 +1.60to +3.60
Cross Caster (Maximum Side-To-
Side Difference)
0.00 1.00
TOTAL TOE* +0.10 0.10to +0.30
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER -0.25 -0.65to +0.15
TOTAL TOE* +0.30 +0.10to +0.50
THRUST ANGLE 0.00 -0.10to +0.10
Note:
* TOTAL TOE is the sum of both the left and right wheel toe settings. TOTAL TOE must be equally split between
each front wheel to ensure the steering wheel is centered after setting toe. Positive toe (+) is toe-in and negative
toe () is Toe-out.
Fig. 5 Jam Nuts
1 OUTER TIE ROD
2 INNER TIE ROD HEX
3 JAM NUT
2 - 8 SUSPENSION PL
FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
STEERING KNUCKLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LOWER CONTROL ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
BALL JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS . . . . . . . . 14
WHEEL MOUNTING STUD (FRONT) . . . . . . . . . . 21
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STEERING KNUCKLE (WHEEL BEARING AND
HUB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
LOWER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT) . . . . . . . . 29
LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR ISOLATOR
BUSHING). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The front suspensi on al l ows each front wheel on a
vehi cl e to adapt to di fferent road surfaces and condi -
ti ons wi thout greatl y affecti ng the opposi te wheel
and the abi l i ty to control the vehi cl e. Each si de of the
front suspensi on i s al l owed to pi vot so the vehi cl e can
be steered i n the di recti on preferred.
Thi s vehi cl e has a gas pressuri zed MacPherson
strut type front suspensi on desi gn (Fi g. 1).
A strut assembl y i s used i n pl ace of the front sus-
pensi on upper control arm and upper bal l joi nt.
When a vehi cl e stri kes a bump, the force i s trans-
ferred through the hub, beari ng, and knuckl e, i nto
the strut assembl y to absorb the force and dampen i t.
The top of the strut i s mounted di rectl y to the strut
tower of the vehi cl e. Duri ng steeri ng maneuvers, the
strut assembl y (through a pi vot beari ng i n the upper
strut mount) and steeri ng knuckl e (through the l ower
bal l joi nt mounted on the l ower control arm) turn as
an assembl y.
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 9
Fig. 1 Front Suspension System
2 - 10 SUSPENSION PL
For more i nformati on on the descri pti on and oper-
ati on of an i ndi vi dual component, refer to the appl i -
cabl e component headi ng i n thi s secti on.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
A Macpherson type desi gn strut assembl y i s used
i n pl ace of the front suspensi on upper control arm
and upper bal l joi nt (Fi g. 1). The bottom of the strut
mounts di rectl y to the steeri ng knuckl e usi ng 2
attachi ng bol ts and nuts goi ng through the strut cl e-
vi s bracket and steeri ng knuckl e. The top of the strut
mounts di rectl y to the strut tower of the vehi cl e
usi ng the three threaded studs on the strut assem-
bl i es upper mount. Duri ng steeri ng maneuvers, the
strut assembl y (through a pi vot beari ng i n the upper
strut mount) and steeri ng knuckl e (through the l ower
bal l joi nt) turn as an assembl y. The strut assembl y i s
used to dampen the front suspensi on and smooth the
ri de of the vehi cl e.
The strut assembl y i ncl udes the fol l owi ng compo-
nents: A rubber i sol ated upper mount, an upper
spri ng seat and beari ng, a dust shi el d, a jounce
bumper, a coi l spri ng, a l ower spri ng i sol ator and a
strut (Fi g. 1). Each component i s servi ced by remov-
i ng the strut assembl y from the vehi cl e and di sas-
sembl i ng i t.
COIL SPRING
The strut and front suspensi on of the vehi cl e i s
supported by coi l spri ngs posi ti oned around the
upper hal f of each strut. The spri ngs are contai ned
between the upper and the l ower seats of the strut
assembl y.
Coi l spri ngs are rated separatel y for each corner or
si de of the vehi cl e dependi ng on opti onal equi pment
and type of vehi cl e servi ce. Duri ng servi ce procedures
of the strut assembl y, i f both spri ngs are removed,
mark the spri ngs to ensure i nstal l ati on i n i ts ori gi nal
posi ti on.
NOTE: If a coil spring requires replacement, be
sure that it is replaced with a spring meeting the
correct load rating for the vehicle and its specific
options.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The steeri ng knuckl e i s a si ngl e casti ng wi th l egs
machi ned for attachment to the front strut assembl y
on the top and the l ower control arm bal l joi nt on the
bottom (Fi g. 1). The steeri ng knuckl e al so has
machi ned abutments on the casti ng to support and
al i gn the front brake cal i per assembl y.
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB
The knuckl e al so supports the wheel beari ng and
hub (Fi g. 1). The wheel hub i s pressed i nto a seal ed
for l i fe wheel beari ng that i s pressed i nto the steer-
i ng knuckl e. A retai ner pl ate al so hol ds i t i n pl ace.
The hub supports the dri veshaft outer constant vel oc-
i ty (C/V) joi nt. Each i s spl i ned and meshes i n the
center of the hub. The outer C/V joi nt i s retai ned to
the hub usi ng a nut. The nut i s hel d on the outer C/V
stub shaft usi ng a nut retai ner and cotter pi n.
The wheel beari ng i s a Uni t 1 type cartri dge bear-
i ng that requi res no mai ntenance. The wheel beari ng
i s servi ced separatel y from the hub.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
There i s one l ower control arm on each si de of the
vehi cl e. Each l ower control arm i s a stamped steel
uni t usi ng rubber i sol ated pi vot bushi ngs to i sol ate i t
from the front suspensi on crossmember and frame of
the vehi cl e (Fi g. 1). The rear bushi ng can be servi ced
separatel y.
The front of the l ower control arm i s bol ted to the
front crossmember usi ng a bol t through the center of
the rubber pi vot bushi ng. The rear of the l ower con-
trol arm i s mounted to both the front crossmember
and the frame rai l of the vehi cl e usi ng a thru-bol t.
The thru-bol t goes through both the crossmember
and rear l ower control arm bushi ng, threadi ng
di rectl y i nto the frame rai l of the vehi cl e.
The l eft and ri ght l ower control arms are i ntercon-
nected through a l i nked rubber i sol ated stabi l i zer
bar.
The outboard end of each l ower control arm con-
nects to the steeri ng knuckl e usi ng a bal l joi nt.
1 VEHICLE STRUT TOWER
2 OUTER TIE ROD
3 STEERING GEAR
4 STRUT ASSEMBLY
5 JAM NUT
6 LOWER CONTROL ARM
7 CROSSMEMBER
8 BALL JOINT
9 STABILIZER BAR
10 STABILIZER BAR CUSHION AND RETAINER
11 STABILIZER BAR LINK
12 HUB
13 KNUCKLE
14 STRUT
15 LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
16 COIL SPRING
17 JOUNCE BUMPER
18 DUST SHIELD
19 SPRING SEAT AND BEARING
20 UPPER MOUNT
PL SUSPENSION 2 - 11
BALL JOINT
The l ower control arm connects to the steeri ng
knuckl e through a bal l joi nt mounted at the outboard
end of the arm (Fi g. 1). The bal l joi nt i s pressed i nto
the l ower control arm and has a non-tapered stud
wi th a notch for steeri ng knuckl e pi nch bol t cl ear-
ance. The bal l joi nt stud i s cl amped and l ocked to the
steeri ng knuckl e l ower l eg usi ng a pi nch bol t.
The bal l joi nt i s l ubri cated for l i fe duri ng the man-
ufacturi ng process. Once l ubri cated for l i fe, the
grease fi tti ng head i s snapped off by the manufac-
turer. Thi s i s done to el i mi nate the possi bi l i ty of
l ubri cati on l ater i n the bal l joi nts l i fe thus damagi ng
the non-vented bal l joi nt seal boot.
The bal l joi nt used on thi s vehi cl e i s repl aceabl e
and, i f found defecti ve, can be servi ced as a separate
component of the l ower control arm.
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
The stabi l i zer bar hel ps control vehi cl e body rol l .
Jounce and rebound movements affecti ng one wheel
are parti al l y transmi tted to the opposi te wheel of the
vehi cl e to stabi l i ze body rol l .
The stabi l i zer bar i nterconnects both front l ower
control arms of the vehi cl e and i s attached to the
front suspensi on crossmember (Fi g. 1).
Attachment of the stabi l i zer bar to the front sus-
pensi on crossmember i s through 2 rubber-i sol ator
cushi on and retai ners (Fi g. 1). The stabi l i zer bar
attachment to the l ower control arm i s done by uti -
l i zi ng an i sol ated stabi l i zer bar l i nk at each arm. Al l
components of the stabi l i zer bar are servi ceabl e.
I nspect the strut assembl y for the fol l owi ng condi -
ti ons (Fi g. 3):
I nspect for a damaged or broken coi l spri ng.
I nspect for a torn or damaged strut assembl y
dust shi el d.
Li ft the dust shi el d and i nspect the strut assem-
bl y for evi dence of fl ui d runni ng from the upper end
of the strut fl ui d reservoi r. (Actual l eakage wi l l be a
stream of fl ui d runni ng down the si de and dri ppi ng
off l ower end of uni t.) A sl i ght amount of seepage
between the strut shaft and strut shaft seal i s not
unusual and does not affect performance of the strut
assembl y.
Li ft the dust shi el d and i nspect the jounce
bumper for si gns of damage or deteri orati on.
I nspect the cl earance between the shock tower
and the coi l spri ng. Make sure no fasteners are pro-
trudi ng through the shock tower possi bl y contacti ng
the coi l spri ng and strut. Because of the mi ni mum
cl earance i n thi s area (Fi g. 2), i nstal l ati on of metal
fasteners coul d damage the coi l spri ng coati ng and
l ead to a corrosi on fai l ure of the spri ng.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed into the shock tower to take the place of
an original plastic clip. Also, do not drill holes into
the front shock tower for the installation of any
metal fasteners into the shock tower area indicated
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Shock Tower Area (Typical)
1 SHOCK TOWER
2 COIL SPRING
3 NO SHEET METAL SCREWS, BOLTS, OR ANY OTHER
METAL FASTENERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED INTO SHOCK
TOWER IN THIS AREA. ALSO, NO HOLES ARE TO BE
DRILLED INTO SHOCK TOWER IN THIS SAME AREA.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspensi on steeri ng knuckl e i s not a
repai rabl e component of the front suspensi on. I t
must be repl aced i f found to be damaged i n any way.
I f i t i s determi ned that the steeri ng knuckl e i s bent
when servi ci ng the vehi cl e, no attempt i s to be made
to strai ghten the steeri ng knuckl e.
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB
The wheel beari ng i s desi gned for the l i fe of the
vehi cl e and requi res no type of peri odi c mai ntenance.
The fol l owi ng procedure may be used for di agnosi ng
the condi ti on of the wheel beari ng and hub.
Wi th the wheel , di sc brake cal i per, and brake rotor
removed, rotate the wheel hub. Any roughness or
resi stance to rotati on may i ndi cate di rt i ntrusi on or a
fai l ed hub beari ng. I f the beari ng exhi bi ts any of
these condi ti ons duri ng di agnosi s, the hub beari ng
wi l l requi re repl acement. The beari ng i s not servi ce-
abl e.
Damaged beari ng seal s and the resul ti ng excessi ve
grease l oss may al so requi re beari ng repl acement.
Moderate grease weapage from the beari ng i s consi d-
ered normal and shoul d not requi re repl acement of
the wheel beari ng.
To di agnose a bent hub, refer to BRAKE ROTOR i n
the DI AGNOSI S AND TESTI NG secti on i n the
BRAKES servi ce manual group for the procedure on
measuri ng hub runout.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
I nspect the l ower control arm for si gns of damage
from contact wi th the ground or road debri s. I f the
l ower control arm shows any si gn of damage, l ook for
di storti on. Do not attempt to repai r or strai ghten a
broken or bent l ower control arm. I f damaged, the
l ower control arm stampi ng i s servi ced onl y as a
compl ete component.
The servi ceabl e components of the l ower control
arm are: the bal l joi nt, the bal l joi nt grease seal and
the l ower control arm rear i sol ator bushi ng.
I nspect both l ower control arm i sol ator bushi ngs
for severe deteri orati on and repl ace as requi red.
I nspect the bal l joi nt per the i nspecti on procedure i n
thi s secti on of the servi ce manual and repl ace as
requi red. Refer to BALL JOI NT i n thi s secti on of thi s
servi ce manual group.
BALL JOINT
Wi th the wei ght of the vehi cl e resti ng on the road
wheel s, grasp the headl ess grease fi tti ng as shown
(Fi g. 4). Wi th no mechani cal assi stance or added
force, attempt to move the grease fi tti ng. I f the bal l
joi nt i s worn, the grease fi tti ng wi l l move. I f move-
ment i s noted, repl ace the bal l joi nt.
Fig. 3 Strut Assembly
1 NUT
2 STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 STRUT
5 COIL SPRING
6 JOUNCE BUMPER
7 DUST SHIELD
8 SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)
9 UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 4 Checking Ball Joint Wear
1 BALL JOINT
2 HEADLESS GREASE FITTING
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to service
the headless grease fitting on the ball joint. It has
been purposely snapped off by the manufacturer to
avoid over-greasing.
I nspect for broken, cracked or di storted stabi l i zer
bar cushi ons and retai ners. I nspect for worn or dam-
aged stabi l i zer bar l i nks (Fi g. 1).
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICATION
There are no servi ceabl e l ubri cati on poi nts on the
front suspensi on. The front l ower bal l joi nts have
grease fi tti ngs whi ch have had the head snapped off
by the manufacturer after they have been fi l l ed. Thi s
has been done to el i mi nate the possi bi l i ty of damag-
i ng the non-vented seal s. Grease wi l l not l eak from
the broken grease fi tti ngs. The bal l joi nts are seal ed
for l i fe and requi re no mai ntenance.
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting with a new fitting, then
filling the ball joint with grease. Damage to the
grease seal can result.
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COM-
PRESSED WITH A COMPRESSION TOOL. THE
SPRING IS HELD UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
CAUTION: Only frame contact hoisting equipment
can be used on this vehicle. All vehicles have a
fully independent rear suspension. The vehicles
cannot be hoisted using equipment designed to lift
a vehicle by the rear axle. If this type of hoisting
equipment is used, damage to rear suspension
components will occur.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle can
a sheet metal screw, bolt, or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. It may come into contact with
the strut or coil spring.
CAUTION: Wheel bearing damage will result if after
loosening the hub nut, the vehicle is rolled on the
ground or the weight of the vehicle is allowed to be
supported by the tires for a length of time.
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Rai se the vehi cl e. Refer to HOI STI NG i n the
LUBRI CATI ON AND MAI NTENANCE group for the
proper l i fti ng procedure.
(2) Remove ti re and wheel assembl y from l ocati on
on front of vehi cl e requi ri ng strut removal .
(3) I f both strut assembl i es are to be removed,
mark the strut assembl i es ri ght or l eft accordi ng to
whi ch si de of the vehi cl e they were removed from.
(4) Remove the screw securi ng the ground strap to
the rear of the strut (Fi g. 5).
(5) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th Anti l ock brakes
(ABS), remove the screw securi ng the ABS wheel
speed sensor to the rear of the strut (Fi g. 5).
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while removing the nuts, then tap
the bolts out using a pin punch.
Fig. 5 Ground Strap And ABS Sensor Bracket
1 ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ROUTING BRACKET (IF
EQUIPPED)
2 GROUND STRAP
3 GROUND STRAP SCREW
4 ABS SENSOR BRACKET SCREW (IF EQUIPPED)
(6) Remove the two bol ts attachi ng the strut to the
steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
(7) Lower the vehi cl e just enough to open the
hood, but wi thout l etti ng the ti res touch the fl oor.
(8) Remove the three nuts attachi ng the upper
mount of the strut assembl y to the vehi cl es strut
tower (Fi g. 6).
(9) Remove the strut assembl y from the vehi cl e.
(10) For di sassembl y and assembl y procedures,
refer to STRUT ASSEMBLY i n the DI SASSEMBLY
AND ASSEMBLY secti on i n thi s secti on of thi s ser-
vi ce manual group.
INSTALLATION
(1) I nstal l the strut assembl y i nto the strut tower,
al i gni ng the three studs on the strut upper mount
wi th the hol es i n strut tower. I nstal l the three
mounti ng nuts on the studs (Fi g. 6). Ti ghten the
three nuts to a torque of 34 Nm (300 i n. l bs.).
(2) Cl ose the hood of the vehi cl e.
during installation. Install the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary in the steering knuckle.
(3) Posi ti on the l ower end of the strut assembl y i n
l i ne wi th the upper end of the steeri ng knuckl e and
al i gn the mounti ng hol es (Fi g. 1). I nstal l the two
attachi ng bol ts. The bol ts shoul d be i nstal l ed wi th so
that the nuts face towards the front of the vehi cl e
once i nstal l ed. I nstal l the nuts. Hol di ng the bol ts i n
pl ace ti ghten the nuts to a torque of 53 Nm (40 ft.
l bs.) pl us an addi ti onal 90 turn after the speci fi ed
torque i s met.
(4) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th Anti l ock brakes
(ABS), attach the ABS wheel speed sensor to the rear
of the strut (rearward ear) usi ng i ts mounti ng screw
(Fi g. 5). Ti ghten the mounti ng screw to a torque of
13 Nm (120 i n. l bs.).
(5) Attach the ground strap to the rear of the strut
(forward ear) usi ng i ts mounti ng screw (Fi g. 5).
Ti ghten the mounti ng screw to a torque of 13 Nm
(120 i n. l bs.).
(6) I nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y. I nstal l and
ti ghten the wheel mounti ng nuts i n proper sequence
unti l al l nuts are torqued to hal f speci fi cati on. Next,
repeat the ti ghteni ng sequence to the ful l speci fi ed
torque of 135 Nm (100 ft. l bs.).
(7) Lower the vehi cl e.
STEERING KNUCKLE
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Appl y the brakes and hol d i n pl ace.
(3) Remove the front ti re and wheel assembl y.
(4) Whi l e the brakes are appl i ed, l oosen and
remove the hub nut on the end of the dri veshaft (Fi g.
7).
(5) Rel ease the brakes.
Fig. 6 Upper Mounting Nuts
1 STRUT TOWER
2 MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 7 Hub Nut
1 DRIVESHAFT
2 HUB
3 HUB NUT
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(6) Remove the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng the
front di sc brake cal i per to the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g.
8).
(7) Remove the di sc brake cal i per from the steer-
i ng knuckl e. The cal i per i s removed by fi rst ti ppi ng
ei ther the top (ri ght si de) or bottom (l eft si de) of the
cal i per away from the brake rotor, then pul l i ng the
cal i per off the opposi te ends cal i per sl i de (on the
knuckl e) and rotor.
(8) Hang the cal i per out of the way usi ng a wi re
hanger or cord. Do not support the cal i per by l etti ng
i t hang by the hydraul i c hose.
(9) Remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs. Remove the brake rotor from the
front hub (Fi g. 8).
(10) Remove the nut attachi ng the outer ti e rod to
the steeri ng knuckl e. To do thi s, hol d the ti e rod end
stud wi th a wrench whi l e l ooseni ng and removi ng the
nut wi th a standard wrench or crowfoot wrench (Fi g.
9).
(11) Remove the ti e rod end from the steeri ng
knuckl e usi ng Remover, Speci al Tool MB991113 (Fi g.
10).
Fig. 8 Brake Caliper And Rotor
1 RETAINER CLIP
2 BRAKE ROTOR
3 HUB
4 GUIDE PIN BOLTS
5 DISC BRAKE CALIPER
Fig. 9 Tie Rod Nut Removal/Installation
1 OUTER TIE ROD
2 STUD
3 NUT
Fig. 10 Tie Rod Removal
1 OUTER TIE ROD
2 STEERING KNUCKLE
(12) Remove the ti e rod heat shi el d.
(13) Remove the nut and pi nch bol t cl ampi ng the
bal l joi nt stud to the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 11).
during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckles while removing the nuts, then tap
the bolts out using a pin punch.
(14) Remove the two bol ts attachi ng the strut to
the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(15) Separate the bal l joi nt stud from the steeri ng
knuckl e by pryi ng down on l ower control arm and up
agai nst the bal l joi nt boss on the steeri ng knuckl e
(Fi g. 12).
NOTE: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang by the
inner C/V joint; it must be supported to keep the
joint from separating during this operation.
(16) Pul l the steeri ng knuckl e off the dri veshaft
outer C/V joi nt spl i nes and remove the steeri ng
knuckl e.
NOTE: The cartridge type front wheel bearing used
on this vehicle is not transferable to the replace-
ment steering knuckle. If the replacement steering
knuckle does not come with a wheel bearing, a new
bearing must be installed in the steering knuckle.
Installation of the new wheel bearing and hub must
be done before installing the steering knuckle on
the vehicle.
(17) I f the steeri ng knuckl e i s to be repl aced, refer
to STEERI NG KNUCKLE i n the DI SASSEMBLY
AND ASSEMBLY secti on i n thi s secti on of thi s ser-
vi ce manual group for the wheel beari ng and hub
removal and i nstal l ati on procedure. Do not reuse the
wheel beari ng
INSTALLATION
(1) I f the steeri ng knuckl e has been repl aced, refer
to STEERI NG KNUCKLE i n DI SASSEMBLY AND
ASSEMBLY found i n thi s secti on of thi s servi ce man-
ual group for the wheel beari ng and hub i nstal l ati on
procedure. Do not reuse the ol d wheel beari ng.
(2) Sl i de the hub of the steeri ng knuckl e onto the
spl i nes on the dri veshaft C/V joi nt.
(3) I nstal l the steeri ng knuckl e onto the bal l joi nt
stud al i gni ng the bol t hol e i n the knuckl e boss wi th
the notch formed i n the si de of the bal l joi nt stud.
(4) I nstal l a new bal l joi nt stud pi nch bol t and nut
(Fi g. 11). Ti ghten the nut to a torque of 95 Nm (70
ft. l bs.).
during installation. Install the nuts while holding the
bolts stationary in the steering knuckle.
(5) Posi ti on the l ower end of the strut assembl y i n
l i ne wi th the upper end of the steeri ng knuckl e and
al i gn the mounti ng hol es (Fi g. 1). I nstal l the two
attachi ng bol ts. The bol ts shoul d be i nstal l ed wi th so
that the nuts face towards the front of the vehi cl e
Fig. 11 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 NUT
2 BOLT
3 BALL JOINT
Fig. 12 Separate Ball Joint from Knuckle
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 PRY BAR
3 LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 BALL JOINT STUD
once i nstal l ed. I nstal l the nuts. Hol di ng the bol ts i n
pl ace ti ghten the nuts to a torque of 53 Nm (40 ft.
l bs.) pl us an addi ti onal 90 turn after the speci fi ed
torque i s met.
(6) Pl ace the ti e rod heat shi el d on the steeri ng
knuckl e arm so that the shi el d i s posi ti oned strai ght
away from the steeri ng gear and ti e rod end once
i nstal l ed. Al gn the hol e i n the shi el d wi th the hol e i n
the steeri ng knucl e arm.
(7) I nstal l the outer ti e rod bal l stud i nto the hol e
i n the steeri ng knuckl e arm. Start the ti e rod attach-
i ng nut onto the stud. Hol d the ti e rod end stud wi th
a wrench whi l e ti ghteni ng the nut wi th a standard
wrench or crowfoot wrench (Fi g. 9). To ful l y ti ghten
the nut to speci fi cati ons, use a crowfoot wrench on a
torque wrench to turn the nut, and a wrench on the
stud. Ti ghten the nut to a torque of 55 Nm (40 ft.
l bs.).
(8) I nstal l the brake rotor on the hub (Fi g. 8).
(9) I nstal l the di sc brake cal i per (wi th pads) on the
brake rotor and steeri ng knuckl e. The l eft si de cal i -
per i s i nstal l ed by fi rst sl i di ng the top of the cal i per
past the top abutment on the steeri ng knuckl e to
hook the top edge of the cal i per, then pushi ng the
l ower end of the cal i per i nto pl ace agai nst the
knuckl e (Fi g. 13). The ri ght si de cal i per i s i nstal l ed
by fi rst sl i di ng the bottom edge of the cal i per past
the l ower abutment on the steeri ng knuckl e to hook
the l ower edge of the cal i per, then pushi ng the top of
the cal i per i nto pl ace agai nst the steeri ng knuckl e.
(10) I nstal l the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng the
8). Ti ghten the gui de pi n bol ts to a torque of 22 Nm
(192 i n. l bs.).
(11) Cl ean al l forei gn matter from the threads of
the dri veshaft outer C/V joi nt (Fi g. 7).
(12) I nstal l the hub nut i n the end of the dri ve-
shaft and snug i t.
(13) Have a hel per appl y the brakes. Wi th vehi cl e
brakes appl i ed to keep brake rotor and hub from
turni ng, ti ghten the hub nut to a torque of 244 Nm
(180 ft. l bs.)
(14) I nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y. I nstal l
the wheel mounti ng nuts and ti ghten them to a
(16) Set the front toe on the vehi cl e to requi red
speci fi cati on. Refer to WHEEL ALI GNMENT i n thi s
servi ce manual group.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
section.
REMOVAL
(3) Remove both stabi l i zer bar l i nks from the vehi -
cl e (Fi g. 14). Remove each l i nk by hol di ng the upper
retai ner/nut wi th a wrench and turni ng the l i nk bol t.
(4) Rotate the forward ends of the stabi l i zer bar
downward. I t may be necessary to l oosen the stabi -
Fig. 13 Brake Caliper Installation
1 SLIDE TOP OF BRAKE CALIPER UNDER TOP ABUTMENT
OF STEERING KNUCKLE AS SHOWN
2 BRAKING DISC
4 STEERING KNUCKLE BRAKE ABUTMENT
Fig. 14 Stabilizer Bar Links
1 STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 CUSHIONS
3 FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 STABILIZER BAR LINKS
l i zer bar cushi on retai ner bol ts a l i ttl e to ease any
turni ng resi stance.
(5) Remove the nut and pi nch bol t cl ampi ng the
bal l joi nt stud to the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 15).
CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle
from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the
knuckle. Pulling the steering knuckle outward at
this point can separate the inner C/V joint on the
driveshaft. Refer to FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE group for further
information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate the bal l joi nt stud from the steeri ng
knuckl e by pryi ng down on l ower control arm and up
agai nst the bal l joi nt boss on the steeri ng knuckl e
(Fi g. 12).
(7) I f the ri ght l ower control arm i s bei ng servi ced,
remove the bol ts mounti ng the engi ne torque strut i n
pl ace (Fi g. 16), then remove the engi ne torque strut
from the vehi cl e.
(8) Remove the front pi vot bol t attachi ng the l ower
control arm to the front suspensi on crossmember
(Fi g. 17). Remove the rear pi vot bol t attachi ng the
l ower control arm to the front suspensi on crossmem-
ber and frame rai l . Remove the l ower control arm
from the crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Posi ti on the l ower control arm i nto the cross-
member (Fi g. 17). I nstal l , but do not ful l y ti ghten,
the rear pi vot bol t attachi ng the l ower control arm to
the front suspensi on crossmember and frame rai l .
I nstal l the front pi vot bol t attachi ng the l ower con-
trol arm to the front suspensi on crossmember.
(2) Ti ghten the l ower control arm rear pi vot (and
suspensi on crossmember) bol t to a torque of 203 Nm
(150 ft. l bs.), then ti ghten the l ower control arm front
pi vot bol t to a torque of 163 Nm (120 ft. l bs.).
(3) I nstal l the bal l joi nt stud i nto the steeri ng
knuckl e al i gni ng the bol t hol e i n the knuckl e boss
Fig. 15 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 NUT
2 BOLT
3 BALL JOINT
Fig. 16 Engine Torque Strut
1 MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT
3 FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 17 Lower Control Arm Attaching Bolts
1 LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 FRONT BOLT
3 CROSSMEMBER
4 REAR BOLT
wi th the notch formed i n the si de of the bal l joi nt
stud.
(4) I f the ri ght l ower control arm has been ser-
vi ced, i nstal l the engi ne torque strut (Fi g. 16). Fol l ow
the procedure descri bed i n the ENGI NE servi ce man-
ual group to properl y al i gn and ti ghten the torque
strut.
(5) I nstal l a new bal l joi nt stud pi nch bol t and nut
(Fi g. 15). Ti ghten the nut to a torque of 95 Nm (70
ft. l bs.).
(6) Rotate the forward ends of the stabi l i zer bar
i nto mounti ng posi ti on.
(7) I nstal l both stabi l i zer bar l i nks back on vehi cl e
(Fi g. 14). Start each stabi l i zer bar l i nk bol t wi th
bushi ng from the bottom, through the stabi l i zer bar,
i nner l i nk bushi ngs, l ower control arm, and i nto the
upper retai ner/nut and bushi ng (Fi g. 1). Do not ful l y
ti ghten the l i nk assembl i es at thi s ti me.
(8) Lower the vehi cl e to ground l evel .
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(9) Ti ghten each stabi l i zer bar l i nk by hol di ng the
upper retai ner/nut wi th a wrench and turni ng the
l i nk bol t. Ti ghten each l i nk bol t to a torque of 23
Nm (200 i n. l bs.).
(10) I f previ ousl y l oosened, ti ghten the stabi l i zer
bar cushi on retai ner bol ts to a torque of 28 Nm (250
i n. l bs.).
section.
REMOVAL
(2) Remove both stabi l i zer bar l i nks from the vehi -
cl e (Fi g. 18). Remove each l i nk by hol di ng the upper
retai ner/nut wi th a wrench and turni ng the l i nk bol t.
(3) Remove the stabi l i zer bar cushi on retai ner
bol ts and retai ners (Fi g. 18), and remove the stabi -
l i zer bar wi th cushi ons attached from the vehi cl e.
(4) To remove the cushi ons from the stabi l i zer bar,
peel back each cushi on at the sl i t and rol l i t off the
bar.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before stabilizer bar installation, inspect the
cushions and links for excessive wear, cracks, dam-
age and distortion. Replace any pieces failing
inspection.
(1) I f removed, i nstal l the stabi l i zer bar cushi ons
on the stabi l i zer bar uti l i zi ng the sl i t i n each cush-
i on. Posi ti on the cushi ons at each end of the bars
strai ght beam, just before i t begi ns to curve.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 19).
(2) Fi rst, pl ace the stabi l i zer bar i n posi ti on on the
front suspensi on crossmember. The sl i ts i n each
cushi on must poi nt toward the front of the vehi cl e
and si t di rectl y on top of the rai sed beads formed
i nto the stampi ng on the crossmember. Next, i nstal l
the cushi on retai ners, matchi ng the rai sed beads
formed i nto the cushi on retai ners to the grooves
formed i nto the cushi ons. I nstal l the cushi on retai ner
bol ts, but do not compl etel y ti ghten them at thi s
ti me.
(3) I nstal l both stabi l i zer bar l i nks back on vehi cl e
(Fi g. 18). Start each stabi l i zer bar l i nk bol t wi th
bushi ng from the bottom, through the stabi l i zer bar,
i nner l i nk bushi ngs, l ower control arm, and i nto the
upper retai ner/nut and bushi ng (Fi g. 1). Do not ful l y
ti ghten the l i nk assembl i es at thi s ti me.
Fig. 18 Stabilizer Bar
1 STABLILIZER BAR CUSION RETAINERS
2 CUSHIONS
3 FRONT STABLIZER BAR
4 STABILIZER BAR LINKS
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(5) Ti ghten each stabi l i zer bar l i nk by hol di ng the
upper retai ner/nut wi th a wrench and turni ng the
l i nk bol t. Ti ghten each l i nk bol t to a torque of 23
Nm (200 i n. l bs.).
(6) Ti ghten the stabi l i zer bar cushi on retai ner
bol ts to a torque of 28 Nm (250 i n. l bs.).
WHEEL MOUNTING STUD (FRONT)
section.
Use the fol l owi ng procedure to remove and i nstal l
one of fi ve studs on one wheel hub.
REMOVAL
(3) Remove the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng the
20).
(4) Remove the di sc brake cal i per from the steer-
i ng knuckl e. The cal i per i s removed by fi rst ti ppi ng
ei ther the top (ri ght si de) or bottom (l eft si de) of the
cal i per away from the brake rotor, then pul l i ng the
cal i per off the opposi te ends cal i per sl i de (on the
knuckl e) and rotor.
(5) Hang the cal i per out of the way usi ng a wi re
(6) Remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs. Remove the brake rotor from the
front hub (Fi g. 20).
CAUTION: Do not hammer wheel mounting studs
out of the hub. Damage to the wheel bearing will
occur, leading to premature bearing failure.
(7) I nstal l a wheel mounti ng nut on the wheel
mounti ng stud bei ng removed from the hub far
enough so the threads on the stud are even wi th end
of l ug nut. Rotate the hub so the stud requi ri ng
removal i s al i gned wi th notch cast i nto front of the
steeri ng knuckl e. I nstal l Remover, Speci al Tool
C-4150, on hub fl ange and wheel stud (Fi g. 21).
(8) Ti ghten the remover, pushi ng the wheel mount-
i ng stud out the rear of the hub fl ange. When the
shoul der of the stud i s past the fl ange, remove the
remover from the hub. Remove the nut from the
stud, then remove the stud from the fl ange.
INSTALLATION
(1) I nstal l the wheel mounti ng stud i n the fl ange
of hub from the rear si de. I nstal l several washers
and a wheel mounti ng nut on the stud (Fi g. 22). The
wheel mounti ng nut must be i nstal l ed wi th the fl at
si de of the wheel mounti ng nut agai nst the washers
to el i mi nate bi ndi ng.
Fig. 19 Downward Curve
1 STABILIZER BAR
2 LINK
3 DOWNWARD CURVE
4 CUSHION RETAINER
Fig. 20 Brake Caliper And Rotor
1 RETAINER CLIP
2 BRAKE ROTOR
3 HUB
4 GUIDE PIN BOLTS
(2) Ti ghten the wheel mounti ng nut. Thi s wi l l pul l
the wheel mounti ng stud i nto the fl ange of the hub.
When the head of the stud i s ful l y seated agai nst the
rear of the hub fl ange, remove the wheel mounti ng
nut and washers from the stud.
(3) I nstal l the brake rotor on the hub (Fi g. 20).
(4) I nstal l the di sc brake cal i per (wi th pads) on the
brake rotor and steeri ng knuckl e. The l eft si de cal i -
per i s i nstal l ed by fi rst sl i di ng the top of the cal i per
past the top abutment on the steeri ng knuckl e to
hook the top edge of the cal i per, then pushi ng the
l ower end of the cal i per i nto pl ace agai nst the
knuckl e (Fi g. 23). The ri ght si de cal i per i s i nstal l ed
by fi rst sl i di ng the bottom edge of the cal i per past
the l ower abutment on the steeri ng knuckl e to hook
the l ower edge of the cal i per, then pushi ng the top of
the cal i per i nto pl ace agai nst the steeri ng knuckl e.
(5) I nstal l the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng the
20). Ti ghten the gui de pi n bol ts to a torque of 22 Nm
(192 i n. l bs.).
(6) I nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y. I nstal l the
wheel mounti ng nuts and ti ghten them to a torque of
135 Nm (100 ft. l bs.).
The Strut assembl y must be removed from the
vehi cl e for i t to be di sassembl ed and assembl ed.
Refer to REMOVAL AND I NSTALLATI ON i n thi s
secti on for the requi red procedure.
For the di sassembl y and assembl y of the strut
assembl y, use strut spri ng compressor, Pentastar Ser-
vi ce Equi pment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equi val ent,
to compress the coi l spri ng. Fol l ow the manufactur-
ers i nstructi ons cl osel y.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) I f both struts are bei ng servi ced at the same
ti me, mark the coi l spri ng and strut assembl y accord-
i ng to whi ch si de of the vehi cl e the strut was
Fig. 21 Wheel Stud Removal
1 SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
2 LUG NUT
3 HUB/BEARING
4 STEERING KNUCKLE
5 WHEEL STUD
Fig. 22 Installing Wheel Stud
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 WHEEL LUG NUT
3 WASHERS
4 HUB/BEARING
Fig. 23 Brake Caliper Installation
1 SLIDE TOP OF BRAKE CALIPER UNDER TOP ABUTMENT
OF STEERING KNUCKLE AS SHOWN
2 BRAKING DISC
4 STEERING KNUCKLE BRAKE ABUTMENT
removed from, and whi ch strut the coi l spri ng was
removed from.
(2) Posi ti on the strut assembl y i n the strut coi l
spri ng compressor fol l owi ng the manufacturers
i nstructi ons. Set the l ower hooks (Fi g. 24), then set
the upper hooks (Fi g. 25). Posi ti on the strut cl evi s
bracket strai ght outward away from the compressor.
Pl ace a cl amp on the l ower end of the coi l spri ng, so
the strut i s hel d i n pl ace once the strut shaft nut i s
removed (Fi g. 24).
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 coi l spri ng unti l al l coi l spri ng
tensi on i s removed from the upper mount.
(4) Once the spri ng i s suffi ci entl y compressed,
i nstal l Strut Nut Socket, Speci al Tool 6864, on the
strut shaft retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 26). Next, i nstal l a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whi l e
hol di ng the strut shaft from turni ng, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
Fig. 24 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)
1 LOWER HOOKS
2 CLAMP
3 STRUT ASSEMBLY
4 CLEVIS BRACKET
5 SPRING COMPRESSOR
Fig. 25 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)
1 NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT
2 UPPER MOUNT
3 UPPER HOOKS
4 CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 26 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 SPRING COMPRESSOR
2 SPECIAL TOOL 6864
3 UPPER MOUNT
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft
(Fi g. 27).
(6) Remove the upper spri ng seat and beari ng,
al ong wi th the upper spri ng i sol ator as an assembl y
from the top of the coi l spri ng by pul l i ng them
strai ght up (Fi g. 27). The upper spri ng i sol ator can
be separated from the spri ng seat and beari ng once
removed from vehi cl e.
(7) Remove the dust shi el d, then the jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pul l i ng each strai ght
up (Fi g. 27).
(8) Remove the cl amp from the bottom of the coi l
spri ng and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coi l spri ng.
(9) Remove the l ower spri ng i sol ator from the
l ower spri ng seat on the strut.
NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, pro-
ceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 11.
(10) Rel ease the tensi on from the coi l spri ng by
backi ng off the compressor dri ve compl etel y. Push
back the compressor hooks and remove the coi l
spri ng.
(11) I nspect the strut assembl y components for the
fol l owi ng and repl ace as necessary:
I nspect the strut for any condi ti on of shaft bi nd-
i ng over the ful l stroke of the shaft.
I nspect the jounce bumper for cracks and si gns
of deteri orati on.
Check the upper mount for cracks and di storti on
and i ts retai ni ng studs for any si gn of damage.
Check the upper spri ng seat and beari ng for
cracks and di storti on.
Check for bi ndi ng of the upper spri ng seat and
beari ng pi vot beari ng.
I nspect the dust shi el d for ri ps and deteri ora-
ti on.
I nspect the upper and l ower spri ng i sol ators for
materi al deteri orati on and di storti on.
I nspect the coi l spri ng for any si gn of damage to
the coati ng.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 3.
(1) Pl ace the coi l spri ng i n the compressor fol l ow-
i ng the manufacturers i nstructi ons. Before compress-
i ng the spri ng, rotate the spri ng so the end of the top
coi l i s di rectl y i n the back as shown (Fi g. 28).
(2) Sl owl y compress the coi l spri ng unti l enough
room i s avai l abl e for strut assembl y reassembl y.
(3) I nstal l the l ower spri ng i sol ator on the l ower
spri ng seat of the strut.
(4) I nstal l the strut through the bottom of the coi l
spri ng unti l the l ower spri ng seat contacts the l ower
end of the coi l spri ng. Rotate the strut as necessary
unti l the cl evi s bracket i s posi ti oned strai ght outward
away from the compressor (Fi g. 24). I nstal l the cl amp
on the l ower end of the coi l spri ng and strut, so the
strut i s hel d i n pl ace.
(5) I nstal l the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper i s to be i nstal l ed wi th the smal l er
end poi nti ng downward toward the l ower seat (Fi g.
27).
(6) I nstal l the dust shi el d on the strut shaft (Fi g.
27). The bottom of the dust shi el d wi l l snap past the
retai ner on top of the strut housi ng.
(7) I f di sassembl ed, rei nstal l the upper spri ng i so-
l ator on the upper spri ng seat and beari ng.
(8) I nstal l the upper spri ng seat and beari ng on
top of the coi l spri ng. Posi ti on the notch formed i nto
the edge of the upper seat strai ght out away from the
compressor (Fi g. 25).
Fig. 27 Strut Assembly Components
1 NUT
2 STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 STRUT
5 COIL SPRING
6 JOUNCE BUMPER
7 DUST SHIELD
8 SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)
9 UPPER MOUNT
(9) I nstal l the strut upper mount over the strut
shaft and onto the top of the upper spri ng seat and
beari ng.
(10) Loosel y i nstal l the retai ni ng nut on the strut
shaft. I nstal l Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a
torque wrench), Speci al Tool 6864, on the strut shaft
retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 26). Next, i nstal l a socket on the
hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whi l e hol di ng the
strut shaft from turni ng, ti ghten the strut shaft
retai ni ng nut to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.).
(11) Sl owl y rel ease the tensi on from the coi l spri ng
by backi ng off the compressor dri ve compl etel y. As
the tensi on i s rel i eved, make sure the upper mount
and seat and beari ng al i gn properl y. Veri fy the upper
mount does not bi nd.
(12) Remove the cl amp from the l ower end of the
coi l spri ng and strut. Push back the spri ng compres-
sor upper and l ower hooks, then remove the strut
assembl y from the spri ng compressor.
(13) I nstal l the strut assembl y on the vehi cl e.
STEERING KNUCKLE (WHEEL BEARING AND
HUB)
NOTE: The removal and installation of the wheel
bearing and hub from the steering knuckle is only
to be done with the steering knuckle removed from
the vehicle. Removal of the wheel bearing from the
steering knuckle must be done using the following
procedure.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove steeri ng knuckl e, hub, and wheel bear-
i ng as an assembl y from the vehi cl e. Refer to
STEERI NG KNUCKLE i n the REMOVAL AND
I NSTALLATI ON secti on i n thi s servi ce manual
group.
(2) Usi ng Remover, Speci al Tool 4150A, (Fi g. 29)
press one wheel mounti ng stud out of hub fl ange.
Rotate the hub to al i gn the removed wheel mounti ng
stud wi th the notch i n beari ng retai ner pl ate (Fi g.
30). Remove the wheel mounti ng stud from the hub.
(3) Rotate the hub so the hol e i n the hub that
wheel mounti ng stud was removed from i s faci ng
away from brake cal i per l ower rai l on steeri ng
knuckl e (Fi g. 31). I nstal l one hal f of the Beari ng
Spl i tter, Speci al Tool 1130, between the hub and the
beari ng retai ner pl ate (Fi g. 31).
NOTE: Align the threaded hole in this first half of
the bearing splitter with the caliper rail on the steer-
ing knuckle (Fig. 31).
Fig. 28 Coil Spring Positioning
1 UPPER END OF COIL
2 COIL SPRING
3 LOWER END OF COIL
4 SPRING COMPRESSOR
Fig. 29 Pressing Out Wheel Mounting Stud
1 SPECIAL TOOL 4150A
2 WHEEL MOUNTING STUD
3 HUB FLANGE
4 STEERING KNUCKLE
(4) I nstal l the remai ni ng pi eces of Beari ng Spl i tter,
Speci al Tool 1130, on the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 32).
Hand ti ghten the nuts to hol d beari ng spl i tter i n
pl ace on steeri ng knuckl e.
(5) Once the beari ng spl i tter i n ful l y i nstal l ed, be
sure the three bol ts attachi ng the beari ng retai ner
pl ate to steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 33) are contacti ng the
beari ng spl i tter (Fi g. 33). The beari ng retai ner pl ate
shoul d not support the steeri ng knuckl e or contact
the beari ng spl i tter.
Fig. 30 Stud Removal From Hub
1 BEARING RETAINER PLATE
2 HUB
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
5 NOTCH
Fig. 31 Bearing Splitter Half Installed
1 CALIPER RAIL
2 THREADED HOLE
3 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
4 STEERING KNUCKLE
5 HOLE FOR WHEEL MOUNTING STUD
6 HUB
Fig. 32 Bearing Splitter Installed
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 HUB
3 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
4 NUTS
Fig. 33 Correct Installation Of Bearing Splitter
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
3 BEARING RETAINER PLATE MOUNTING BOLTS
(6) Pl ace the steeri ng knuckl e i n an arbor press
supported by the beari ng spl i tter as shown (Fi g. 34).
(7) Posi ti on Dri ver, Speci al Tool 6644-2, on the
smal l end of the hub (Fi g. 35). Usi ng the arbor press,
remove the hub from the wheel beari ng. The outer
beari ng race wi l l normal l y come out of the wheel
beari ng when the hub i s pressed out of the beari ng.
(8) Remove the beari ng spl i tter from the steeri ng
knuckl e.
(9) Remove the three bol ts mounti ng the beari ng
retai ner pl ate to the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 36).
Remove the beari ng retai ner pl ate from the steeri ng
knuckl e.
(10) Pl ace the steeri ng knuckl e back i n the arbor
press supported by press bl ocks as shown (Fi g. 37).
The press bl ocks must not obstruct the bore i n the
steeri ng knuckl e so the wheel beari ng can be pressed
out of the steeri ng knuckl e. Pl ace Beari ng Dri ver,
Speci al Tool MB-990799 on the outer race of wheel
beari ng (Fi g. 37). Press the wheel beari ng out of the
steeri ng knuckl e.
(11) I nstal l Beari ng Spl i tter, Speci al Tool 1130, on
the hub. The beari ng spl i tter i s to be i nstal l ed on the
hub so i t i s between the fl ange of the hub and the
outer beari ng race on the hub (Fi g. 38). Pl ace the
hub, beari ng race and beari ng spl i tter i n an arbor
press as shown (Fi g. 38). Pl ace Dri ver, Speci al Tool
6644-2 on end of hub. Press the hub out of the outer
beari ng race.
Fig. 34 Steering Knuckle Supporting For Hub
Removal
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 WHEEL BEARING
3 HUB
4 ARBOR PRESS BLOCKS
5 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
Fig. 35 Pressing Hub Out Of Wheel Bearing
1 STEERING KNUCKLE
2 SPECIAL TOOL 66442
3 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
4 ARBOR PRESS BLOCKS
5 HUB
Fig. 36 Wheel Bearing Retainer Plate
1 MOUNTING BOLTS
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
ASSEMBLY
(1) Wi pe the bore of the steeri ng knuckl e cl ean of
any grease or di rt wi th a cl ean, dry shop towel .
(2) Pl ace the new wheel beari ng i nto the bore of
the steeri ng knuckl e. Be sure the wheel beari ng i s
pl aced squarel y i nto the bore. Pl ace the steeri ng
knuckl e i n an arbor press wi th Recei ver, Speci al Tool
C-4698-2, supporti ng the steeri ng knuckl e (Fi g. 39).
Pl ace Dri ver, Speci al Tool 5052, on the outer race of
the wheel beari ng. Press the wheel beari ng i nto the
steeri ng knuckl e unti l i t i s ful l y bottomed i n the bore
of the steeri ng knuckl e. Remove the knuckl e from the
press.
NOTE: Only the original or identical replacement
bolts are to be used to mount the bearing retainer
plate to the steering knuckle.
(3) I nstal l the beari ng retai ner pl ate on the steer-
i ng knuckl e (Fi g. 40). I nstal l the three beari ng
retai ner mounti ng bol ts. Ti ghten the beari ng retai ner
pl ate mounti ng bol ts to a torque of 28 Nm (250 i n.
l bs.).
Fig. 37 Wheel Bearing Removal From Steering
Knuckle
1 ARBOR PRESS
2 SPECIAL TOOL MB-990799
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
4 PRESS BLOCKS
Fig. 38 Removing Bearing Race From Hub
1 ARBOR PRESS
2 HUB
3 SPECIAL TOOL 1130
4 PRESS BLOCKS (2)
5 BEARING RACE
6 SPECIAL TOOL 66442
Fig. 39 Pressing Wheel Bearing Into Steering
Knuckle
1 ARBOR PRESS
2 SPECIAL TOOL 5052
3 SPECIAL TOOL C-46982
4 STEERING KNUCKLE
5 WHEEL BEARING
(4) Pl ace the previ ousl y removed wheel mounti ng
stud back i nto the hub fl ange. Pl ace the hub i n the
arbor press supported by Speci al Tool C-4698-1 (Fi g.
41). Press wheel mounti ng stud i nto hub fl ange unti l
i t i s ful l y seated agai nst the back si de on the hub
fl ange. Remove the hub from the press.
(5) Pl ace the steeri ng knuckl e wi th the wheel bear-
i ng i nstal l ed back i n the arbor press wi th Recei ver,
Speci al Tool MB-990799 supporti ng the i nner race of
the wheel beari ng as shown (Fi g. 42). Pl ace the hub
i n wheel beari ng maki ng sure i t i s square wi th the
beari ng i nner race. Press the hub i nto the wheel
beari ng unti l i t i s ful l y bottomed i n the wheel bear-
i ng. Remove the knuckl e from the press.
(6) I nstal l the steeri ng knuckl e assembl y on the
vehi cl e.
LOWER CONTROL ARM (BALL JOINT)
NOTE: The removal and installation of the lower
ball joint from the lower control arm is to be done
with the lower control arm removed from the vehi-
cle. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM in the
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION section.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Usi ng a screwdri ver or other sui tabl e tool , pry
the seal boot off of the bal l joi nt (Fi g. 43).
(2) Posi ti on the Recei ver, Speci al Tool 6908-2, on a
hydraul i c press to support the l ower control arm
(Fi g. 44). Pl ace the control arm on top of Tool 6908-2
so that the bottom of the bal l joi nt sets i nto the
Recei ver cup.
(3) Pl ace the l arger end of the Adapter, Speci al
Tool 6804, on top of the bal l joi nt as shown (Fi g. 44).
Fig. 40 Wheel Bearing Retainer Plate
1 WHEEL BEARINGS
2 MOUNTING BOLTS
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 41 Wheel Mounting Stud Installation
1 ARBOR PRESS RAM
2 HUB
3 SPECIAL TOOL C-46981
4 NO GAP IS ALLOWED BETWEEN STUD FLANGE AND HUB
HERE
Fig. 42 Pressing Hub Into Wheel Bearing
1 ARBOR PRESS RAM
2 HUB
3 STEERING KNUCKLE
4 SPECIAL TOOL MB-990799
6 WHEEL BEARING
(4) Usi ng the hydraul i c press, press the bal l joi nt
compl etel y out of the l ower control arm, i nto the
recei ver.
(5) Remove the tool s, bal l joi nt and arm from the
hydraul i c press.
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: When installing a ball joint in its mount-
ing hole in the lower control arm, position the ball
joint so the notch in the ball joint stud is facing the
lower control arm front isolator bushing (Fig. 45).
This will ease assembly of the ball joint to the
steering knuckle when the installation of the pinch
bolt is attempted.
(1) By hand, posi ti on bal l joi nt i nto i ts bore on the
l ower control arm (Fi g. 45). To avoi d bi ndi ng upon
i nstal l ati on, be sure the bal l joi nt i s not cocked i n the
bore.
(2) Posi ti on the I nstal l er, Speci al Tool 6758, on a
hydraul i c press to support the l ower control arm
(Fi g. 46). Pl ace the control arm on top of Tool 6758 i n
the upsi de-down posi ti on, al i gni ng the bal l joi nt stud
squarel y wi th the I nstal l ers cup.
(3) Pl ace the l arger end of the Adapter, Speci al
Tool 6804, on top of the bal l joi nt as shown (Fi g. 46).
(4) Usi ng the hydraul i c press, press the bal l joi nt
i nto the l ower control arm unti l the shoul der on the
Fig. 43 Seal Boot Removal
1 TOOL
2 SEAL BOOT
3 LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 44 Ball Joint Removal
1 PRESS
2 BALL JOINT
Fig. 45 Ball Joint Alignment
1 BALL JOINT STUD
2 NOTCH
3 LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 FRONT ISOLATOR BUSHING
Fig. 46 Ball Joint Installation
1 PRESS
2 BALL JOINT
bal l joi nt bottoms agai nst the l ower control arm bal l
joi nt bore. Do not appl y excessi ve pressure agai nst
bal l joi nt and l ower control arm once the bal l joi nt
bottoms.
(5) Remove the tool s and arm from the hydraul i c
press.
CAUTION: When installing the sealing boot on the
ball joint, position the upward lip on the outside
perimeter of the seal boot outward, away from the
control arm once installed (Fig. 47). It is there to
help shield heat from the sealing boot.
(6) Pl ace a new bal l joi nt seal boot over the bal l
joi nt stud. The upward l i p l ocated on the outsi de
peri meter of the seal boot must poi nt outward away
from the control arm once i nstal l ed (Fi g. 47). Start
the seal i ng boot over the si des of the bal l joi nt by
hand.
(7) Posi ti on the I nstal l er, Speci al Tool 6758, over
the seal i ng boot outer di ameter as shown (Fi g. 47).
By hand, appl y pressure to the top of the I nstal l er
unti l the seal boot i s pressed squarel y down agai nst
the top surface of l ower control arm.
(8) Remove the tool .
(9) I nstal l the l ower control arm on the vehi cl e.
Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM i n the REMOVAL
AND I NSTALLATI ON secti on.
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubeable
grease fitting, the joint will need to be lubricated
once the lower control arm installation is complete.
LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR ISOLATOR
BUSHING)
NOTE: The removal and installation of the rear iso-
lator bushing from the lower control arm is only to
be done with the lower control arm removed from
the vehicle. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM in the
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION section. The front
isolator bushing is not serviceable.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) I nstal l the Remover Recei ver, Speci al Tool
8373-1, i nto the cup of the Bal l Joi nt Press, Speci al
Tool C-4212F, and ti ghten the set screw. I nstal l the
Remover Dri ver, Speci al Tool 8373-2, on the ti p of the
Bal l Joi nt Press screw-dri ve.
(2) Pl ace the l ower control arm outer fl ange
agai nst the Recei ver as shown (Fi g. 48). Ti ghten the
screw-dri ve unti l the Dri ver contacts the outer ci r-
cumference of the bushi ng evenl y (Fi g. 48). Conti nue
to ti ghten the screw-dri ve unti l the bushi ng i s
pressed compl etel y out of the l ower control arm.
(3) Back off the screw-dri ve and remove the l ower
control arm and i sol ator bushi ng from the Recei ver.
(4) Remove the dri ver 8373-2 and recei ver 8373-1
from the bal l joi nt press C-4212F.
Fig. 47 Seal Boot Installation
1 SEAL BOOT UPWARD LIP
2 BALL JOINT
Fig. 48 Removing Bushing
1 CONTROL ARM ISOLATOR BUSHING
2 FLANGE
ASSEMBLY
(1) Back the bal l joi nt press C-4212F set screw
outward so i t does not extend out i nto the cup area
(Fi g. 49).
(2) Start the bushi ng i n the l ower control arm
bushi ng bore by hand. Posi ti on the bushi ng so the
voi ds i n the rubber are al i gned i n rel ati onshi p to the
bal l joi nt as shown (Fi g. 50).
(3) I nstal l the Recei ver, Speci al Tool 6760, on the
ti p of the Bal l Joi nt Press screw dri ve.
(4) Pl ace the l ower control arm fl ange agai nst the
cup area of the bal l joi nt press and ti ghten the screw-
dri ve unti l the Recei ver contacts the outer ci rcumfer-
ence of the bushi ng (Fi g. 51). Sl owl y ti ghten the
screw-dri ve unti l the bushi ng bottoms i n the l ower
control arm bushi ng bore.
(5) Back off the Bal l Joi nt Press screw-dri ve and
remove the power steeri ng gear from the press.
(6) I nstal l the l ower control arm on the vehi cl e.
Fig. 49 Set Screw Backed Outward
1 SET SCREW
2 CUP AREA
Fig. 50 Aligning Bushing With Ball Joint
1 BALL JOINT
2 VOIDS
3 REAR ISOLATOR BUSHING
Fig. 51 Installing Bushing
1 LOWER CONTROL ARM FLANGE
2 ISOLATOR BUSHING
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Tower Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Nm (300 i n. l bs.)
Steeri ng Knuckl e Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Nm
(40 ft. l bs.) + 90 Turn
Strut Shaft Nut . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.)
STEERING KNUCKLE:
Bal l Joi nt Stud Pi nch Bol t Nut . . . . . . . . 95 Nm
(70 ft. l bs.)
Di sc Brake Cal i per Gui de Bol ts . . . . . . . . 22 Nm
(192 i n. l bs.)
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB:
Beari ng Retai ner Pl ate Bol ts . . . . . . . . . . 28 Nm
(250 i n. l bs.)
Dri veshaft Hub Nut . . . . . . 244 Nm (180 ft. l bs.)
Wheel Mounti ng Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . 109-150 Nm
(80-110 ft. l bs.)
STEERING GEAR:
Crossmember Bol ts . . . . . . . . 68 Nm (50 ft. l bs.)
Ti e Rod Adjusti ng Jam Nut . . 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.)
Ti e Rod End Steeri ng Knuckl e Nut . . . . . 54 Nm
(40 ft. l bs.)
LOWER CONTROL ARM:
Front Pi vot Bol t . . . . . . . . . 163 Nm (120 ft. l bs.)
Rear Pi vot Bol t . . . . . . . . . 203 Nm (150 ft. l bs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Cushi on Retai ner Bol ts . . . . 28 Nm (250 i n. l bs.)
Li nk Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Nm (200 i n. l bs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Socket/Wrench Strut Nut 6864
Remover 6804
Installer 6758
Remover/Installer 6908 (2)
Installer 6760
Remover MB991113
Splitter Bearing 1130
Remover MB-990799
Remover/Installer 6644 (-2)
Installer Bearing 5052
Installer Adapter C-4698-2
Remover C-4150A
SPECIAL TOOLS (Continued)
REAR SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
KNUCKLE (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
LATERAL ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
TENSION STRUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
STABILIZER BAR (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
KNUCKLE (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
LATERAL ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
TENSION STRUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
STABILIZER BAR (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS . . . . . . . . 40
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
KNUCKLE (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
HUB AND BEARING (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
LATERAL ARMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
TENSION STRUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
STABILIZER BAR (REAR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The rear suspensi on system used on thi s vehi cl e i s
a ful l y i ndependent type rear suspensi on system (Fi g.
1). Thi s means that each si de of the rear suspensi on
acts i ndependentl y from the other.
The rear suspensi on i s supported by a strut assem-
bl y. The strut assembl y al so control s ri de qual i ty.
When the vehi cl e stri kes a bump, the force i s trans-
ferred through the hub, beari ng, and knuckl e, i nto
the strut assembl y to absorb the force and dampen i t.
Lateral movement of the rear knuckl e i s control l ed
by l ateral arms goi ng from the front and rear of the
knuckl e to the rear crossmember. Fore and aft move-
ment of the knuckl e i s control l ed by a tensi on strut.
Fig. 1 Rear Suspension System
For more i nformati on on the descri pti on and oper-
ati on of an i ndi vi dual component, refer to the appl i -
cabl e component headi ng i n thi s secti on.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The rear strut assembl i es support the wei ght of
the vehi cl e usi ng coi l spri ngs posi ti oned around
struts. The coi l spri ngs are contai ned between the
upper mount of the strut assembl y and a l ower
spri ng seat on the body of the strut.
The top of each strut assembl y i s bol ted to the top
of the i nner fender through a rubber i sol ated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembl y attaches to the rear
knuckl e usi ng 2 thru-bol ts wi th prevai l i ng torque
nuts.
The rear strut assembl y i ncl udes the fol l owi ng
components (Fi g. 1): A rubber i sol ated upper mount,
a dust shi el d, a jounce bumper, a coi l spri ng, a l ower
spri ng i sol ator, and a strut. Any component i n need
of servi ce requi res removal of the strut assembl y
from the vehi cl e and di sassembl y of i t.
COIL SPRING
Rear coi l spri ngs are rated separatel y for each cor-
ner or si de of the vehi cl e dependi ng on opti onal
equi pment and type of vehi cl e servi ce. I f a coi l spri ng
requi res repl acement, be sure the spri ng needi ng
repl acement i s repl aced wi th a spri ng meeti ng the
correct l oad rati ng for the vehi cl e wi th i ts speci fi c
opti ons.
KNUCKLE (REAR)
A forged rear knuckl e bol ts to each rear strut
assembl y (Fi g. 1). The rear knuckl es spi ndl e sup-
ports the rear hub and beari ng. Together they sup-
port the rear ti re and wheel . The movement of the
rear knuckl e i s control l ed l ateral l y usi ng two l ateral
arms attached to the knuckl e. Fore and aft move-
ment of the knuckl e i s control l ed by usi ng a tensi on
strut.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
The hub and beari ng i s mounted on the rear
knuckl es spi ndl e (Fi g. 1). The hub and beari ng
adapts the ti re and wheel assembl y to the knuckl e.
I ts beari ng al l ows the ti re and wheel assembl y to
rotate freel y on the vehi cl e.
Al l vehi cl es are equi pped wi th permanentl y l ubri -
cated and seal ed for l i fe rear wheel beari ngs. There
i s no peri odi c l ubri cati on or mai ntenance recom-
mended for these uni ts.
The onl y servi cabl e components of the hub and
beari ng are the wheel mounti ng studs.
I f a vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th anti l ock brakes, the
tone wheel s for the rear wheel speed sensors are
pressed onto the hub.
LATERAL ARMS
The l ateral arms control the l ateral movement of
the rear suspensi on, speci fi cal l y the knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
There are two l ateral arms per si de of the rear sus-
pensi on. One arm i s attached to the front end of the
knuckl e and the other i s attached to the rear of the
knuckl e. The other end of each l ateral arm attaches
to the rear crossmember.
Vi sual l y i t appears that the l eft rear arm i s
mounted backwards i n rel ati on to the other arms
(Fi g. 2). Al though the l eft rear arm l ooks l i ke i t i s
same as the ri ght rear arm, just reversed, i t i s not
the same; the arms are not i nterchangeabl e.
The front arms are i nterchangeabl e, but shoul d be
mounted wi th the si de di spl ayi ng the word FOR-
WARD stamped i nto i t toward the front of the vehi -
cl e. The tri mmed outer edge of the arms wi l l then be
faci ng the rear of the vehi cl e.
1 VEHICLE STRUT TOWER
2 STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 TENSION STRUT
4 LATERAL ARMS
5 KNUCKLE
6 HUB AND BEARING
7 WHEEL ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
8 STRUT
10 COIL SPRING
11 STABILIZER BAR
12 JOUNCE BUMPER
13 DUST SHIELD
14 UPPER MOUNT
16 STABILIZER BAR CUSHION AND RETAINER
The l ateral arms are made of stamped steel and
have rubber i sol ator bushi ngs at each end. The l at-
eral arms are attached to the rear crossmember and
knuckl e usi ng a uni que bol t and nut assembl y at
each end. The l ateral arm-to-rear crossmember
attachi ng bol ts are l onger than the l ateral arm-to-
knuckl e attachi ng bol ts. Each l ateral arm to knuckl e
attachi ng bol t and nut assembl y uses two fl at wash-
ers. Each l ateral arm to rear crossmember attachi ng
bol t uses one fl at washer and one adjustment cam to
provi de a means for rear wheel al i gnment toe adjust-
ment.
TENSION STRUT
The tensi on strut control s the fore-and-aft move-
ment of the rear knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
There i s one tensi on strut per si de of the rear sus-
pensi on. The l eadi ng end of the tensi on strut
attaches to the frame rai l whi l e the trai l i ng end of
the strut attaches to the l ower end of the rear
knuckl e. The tensi on strut i s i sol ated from the rest of
the rear suspensi on through the use of rubber bush-
i ngs l ocated at each end. The rear bushi ngs (bayonet
type) can be servi ced separatel y, the front bushi ngs
(spool type) cannot.
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)
The stabi l i zer bar i nterconnects both rear strut
assembl i es and i s attached to the rear frame rai l s of
the vehi cl e (Fi g. 3).
The rear stabi l i zer bar al l ows jounce and rebound
movements affecti ng one wheel to be parti al l y trans-
mi tted to the opposi te wheel of the vehi cl e to stabi -
l i ze body rol l .
Attachment of the stabi l i zer bar to the rear frame
rai l s of the vehi cl e i s through two rubber-i sol ator
cushi ons and retai ners (Fi g. 1). The stabi l i zer bar
attachment to each strut assembl y i s done uti l i zi ng a
rubber i sol ated stabi l i zer bar l i nk. Al l parts of the
stabi l i zer bar are servi ceabl e, and the stabi l i zer bar
to frame rai l i sol ator cushi ons are spl i t for easy
removal and i nstal l ati on.
I nspect the strut assembl y for the fol l owi ng condi -
ti ons (Fi g. 4):
I nspect for a damaged or broken coi l spri ng.
I nspect for a torn or damaged strut assembl y
dust shi el d.
Li ft the dust shi el d and i nspect the strut assem-
bl y for evi dence of fl ui d runni ng from the upper end
of the strut fl ui d reservoi r. (Actual l eakage wi l l be a
stream of fl ui d runni ng down the si de and dri ppi ng
off l ower end of uni t.) A sl i ght amount of seepage
between the strut shaft and strut shaft seal i s not
unusual and does not affect performance of the strut
assembl y.
Li ft the dust shi el d and i nspect the jounce
bumper for si gns of damage or deteri orati on.
Fig. 2 Lateral Arms
1 REAR STABILIZER BAR
2 REAR LATERAL ARMS
3 RIGHT FRONT LATERAL ARM
4 LEFT FRONT LATERAL ARM
Fig. 3 Rear Stabilizer Bar
2 REAR LATERAL ARMS
KNUCKLE (REAR)
The rear knuckl e i s not a repai rabl e component of
the rear suspensi on. Upon vi sual i nspecti on, i f i t i s
determi ned that the knuckl e i s cracked, bent or bro-
ken, no attempt i s to be made to repai r or to
strai ghten the knuckl e. The knuckl e must be
repl aced i f found to be damaged i n any way.
The hub and beari ng i s desi gned for the l i fe of the
vehi cl e and requi res no type of peri odi c mai ntenance
(Fi g. 1). The fol l owi ng procedure may be used for
di agnosi ng the condi ti on of the hub and beari ng.
Wi th the wheel , di sc brake rotor or brake drum
removed, rotate the hub. Any roughness or resi stance
to rotati on may i ndi cate di rt i ntrusi on or a fai l ed hub
beari ng. I f the beari ng exhi bi ts any of these condi -
ti ons duri ng di agnosi s, the hub and beari ng wi l l
requi re repl acement. The beari ng i s not servi ceabl e
al one.
Damaged beari ng seal s and the resul ti ng excessi ve
grease l oss may al so requi re hub and beari ng
repl acement. Moderate grease weapage from the
beari ng i s consi dered normal and shoul d not requi re
repl acement of the wheel beari ng.
To di agnose a bent hub, refer to BRAKE ROTOR i n
the DI AGNOSI S AND TESTI NG secti on i n the
BRAKES servi ce manual group for the procedure on
measuri ng hub runout.
LATERAL ARMS
I nspect each l ateral arm (Fi g. 1). Look for si gns of
contact wi th an object that has caused damage to the
l ateral arm. I f the l ateral arm i s bent or damaged,
the l ateral arm wi l l requi re repl acement. Do not
attempt to repai r or strai ghten a l ateral arm.
I nspect the l ateral arm i sol ator bushi ngs and thei r
sl eeves for si gns of damage or deteri orati on. I f dam-
age or deteri orati on i s present, repl acement of the
enti re l ateral arm wi l l be requi red. The i sol ator
bushi ngs cannot be servi ced separatel y from the l at-
eral arms.
TENSION STRUT
I nspect the tensi on strut (Fi g. 1). Look for si gns of
contact wi th any object that has bent or caused other
damage to the tensi on strut. I f the tensi on strut i s
bent or damaged, the tensi on strut wi l l requi re
repl acement. Do not attempt to repai r or strai ghten a
tensi on strut.
I nspect the tensi on strut front (spool type) bushi ng,
and rear (bayonet type) bushi ngs and retai ners for
si gns of deteri orati on or damage. I f the front bushi ng
i s damaged or shows si gns of deteri ati on, the tensi on
strut must be repl aced. The front bushi ng cannot be
repl aced separatel y. I f the rear bushi ngs are deteri o-
rated or damaged, or the retai ners are damaged,
repl acement i s necessary. The bushi ngs and retai ners
can be repl aced separatel y from the tensi on strut.
I nspect the stabi l i zer bar (Fi g. 1). Look for damage
or bendi ng. I f damage i s evi dent, the bar must be
repl aced.
I nspect for broken, cracked or di storted stabi l i zer
bar cushi ons and cushi on retai ners. The hori zontal
sl i t at the front of each cushi on i s supposed to be
there. I f damage i s evi dent, the cushi ons can be
repl aced separatel y from the stabi l i zer bar uti l i zi ng
the hori zontal sl i t.
I nspect the stabi l i zer bar l i nks that attach the sta-
bi l i zer bar to each rear strut. Look for damage or
deteri orati on of the bushi ngs on the ends of each
l i nk. I nspect the stabi l i zer bar l i nk to ensure i t i s not
bent or broken. I f any of these condi ti ons are present,
the stabi l i zer bar l i nk must be repl aced. The l i nks
can be repl aced separatel y from the stabi l i zer bar.
Fig. 4 Strut Assembly
1 STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 STRUT
4 COIL SPRING
5 JOUNCE BUMPER
6 DUST SHIELD
7 UPPER MOUNT
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
NUT WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COM-
PRESSED WITH A COMPRESSION TOOL. THE
SPRING IS HELD UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
CAUTION: Only frame contact or wheel lift hoisting
equipment can be used on vehicles having a fully
independent rear suspension. Vehicles with inde-
pendent 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 dam-
age 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 it with a
new component.
section.
REMOVAL
(2) Remove the rear wheel and ti re assembl y from
the vehi cl e.
(3) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear drum
brakes, remove the screw securi ng the brake hose
bracket to the rear of the strut assembl y (Fi g. 5).
(4) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th the anti l ock
brake system (ABS), remove the screw securi ng the
ABS wheel speed sensor bracket to the rear of the
strut assembl y (Fi g. 6).
(5) Remove the nut from the end of the rear stabi -
l i zer bar l i nk bol t (Fi g. 5). Pul l the bol t out through
the top of the l i nk and remove the l i nk.
(6) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear di sc brakes
(Fi g. 7), perform the fol l owi ng:
Remove the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng the
front di sc brake cal i per to the steeri ng knuckl e.
Remove the di sc brake cal i per from the knuckl e
and brake rotor.
Hang the cal i per out of the way usi ng a wi re
Fig. 5 Rear of Strut Assembly
1 BRAKE HOSE BRACKET SCREW
3 NUT
4 STRUT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 6 Rear of Strut Assembly with ABS
1 ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR BRACKET SCREW
3 NUT
4 STRUT ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: The strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts are
serrated and must not be turned during removal.
Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle
while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out
using a pin punch.
(7) Remove the two nuts and bol ts attachi ng the
strut to the rear knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
(8) Lower the vehi cl e just enough to access the
l uggage compartment wi thout l etti ng the ti res touch
the fl oor. Access to rear upper strut mount attachi ng
bol ts i s through the l uggage compartment.
(9) Open the deck l i d.
(10) I f equi pped, remove the carpet from the top of
the strut tower.
(11) Loosen, but do not compl etel y remove the 3
nuts securi ng the strut assembl y to the strut tower
(Fi g. 8).
Grasp the strut assembl y to keep i t from movi ng,
then remove the 3 mounti ng nuts at the strut tower.
(12) Remove the strut assembl y from the knuckl e
by sl i di ng i t away from the knuckl e, l oweri ng i t
between the two l ateral arms, then ti ppi ng the top
outward and removi ng i t out through the wel l open-
i ng.
(13) For di sassembl y and assembl y procedures of
the strut assembl y, refer to STRUT ASSEMBLY i n
the DI SASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY secti on i n thi s
secti on of thi s servi ce manual group.
INSTALLATION
(1) To pl ace the strut assembl y i nto mounti ng posi -
ti on, start the l ower end of the strut over the top of
the knuckl e and down the back between the two l at-
eral arms. Next, l i ft the top of the strut assembl y up
i nto the strut tower al i gni ng the studs on top of the
upper mount wi th the three mounti ng hol es i n the
strut tower. Whi l e hol di ng the strut assembl y i n
pl ace, i nstal l the three mounti ng nuts on the upper
mount studs i nsi de the l uggage compartment (Fi g. 8).
Ti ghten the 3 mounti ng nuts to a torque of 34 Nm
(300 i n. l bs).
(2) I nstal l the carpeti ng back on top of the rear
strut tower.
(3) Cl ose the deck l i d.
(4) Rai se the vehi cl e.
serrated and must not be turned during installation.
Once installed, hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while installing and tightening the
nuts.
(5) Al i gn the hol es i n the strut cl evi s bracket on
the l ower end of the strut wi th the mounti ng hol es i n
the knuckl e. I nstal l the two bol ts attachi ng the strut
to the rear knuckl e (Fi g. 1). I nstal l the nuts. Ti ghten
the two nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. l bs.).
(6) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th di sc brakes (Fi g.
7), i nstal l the brake rotor and di sc brake cal i per on
the knuckl e. I nstal l the two gui de pi n bol ts securi ng
the front di sc brake cal i per to the steeri ng knuckl e.
Ti ghten the gui de pi n bol ts to a torque of 22 Nm
(192 i n. l bs.).
(7) Rei nstal l the stabi l i zer bar l i nk (Fi g. 1):
Fig. 7 Rear Disc Brakes
2 DISC BRAKE ADAPTER
3 GUIDE PIN BOLTS
4 HUB AND BEARING
5 BRAKE ROTOR
6 RETAINER CLIP
7 DUST CAP
8 NUT
Fig. 8 Mounting At Strut Tower
1 UPPER MOUNT
2 MOUNTING NUTS
3 STRUT TOWER
Pl ace the l i nk center sl eeve and bushi ngs
between the eye i n the end of the stabi l i zer bar and
the l i nk mounti ng bracket on the strut.
Start the stabi l i zer bar l i nk bol t wi th bushi ng
from the top, down through the stabi l i zer bar, i nner
l i nk bushi ngs and sl eeve, and strut l i nk mounti ng
bracket.
I nstal l a l ower bushi ng, then the nut. Do not
ti ghten the nut at thi s ti me.
brake system (ABS), i nstal l the screw securi ng the
strut assembl y (Fi g. 6). Ti ghten the mounti ng screw
to a torque of 13 Nm (120 i n. l bs.).
brakes, i nstal l the screw securi ng the brake hose
Ti ghten the screw to a torque of 31 Nm (275 i n. l bs.).
(10) I nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y on vehi cl e.
Ti ghten the wheel mounti ng stud nuts i n proper
sequence unti l al l nuts are torqued to hal f speci fi ca-
ti on. Repeat the ti ghteni ng sequence, thi s ti me, to
ful l speci fi ed torque of 135 Nm (100 ft. l bs.).
(12) Ti ghten the stabi l i zer bar l i nk nut to a torque
of 23 Nm (200 i n. l bs.).
(13) Set the rear toe on the vehi cl e to the requi red
speci fi cati on i f necessary. Refer to WHEEL ALI GN-
MENT i n thi s servi ce manual group.
KNUCKLE (REAR)
section.
REMOVAL
the vehi cl e.
brakes, remove the screw securi ng the brake hose
brake system (ABS), remove the screw securi ng the
strut assembl y (Fi g. 6).
brakes, remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs, then pul l the brake drum off the
hub and beari ng.
and brake rotor.
Remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs, then pul l the brake rotor off the hub
and beari ng.
(7) Remove the dust cap from the hub and beari ng
assembl y (Fi g. 7).
(8) Remove the retai ni ng nut, then the hub and
beari ng from the knuckl es spi ndl e (Fi g. 7).
(9) I f vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear drum brakes,
remove the four bol ts attachi ng the rear brake sup-
port pl ate to the knuckl e (Fi g. 9). Next, remove the
brake support pl ate, brake shoes and wheel cyl i nder
as an assembl y from the rear knuckl e, then hang i t
out of the way usi ng a wi re hanger or cord. Do not
overextend the brake hose when bei ng hung. I t i s not
necessary to remove the brake hose from the wheel
cyl i nder when removi ng the support pl ate.
(10) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear di sc
brakes, remove the four bol ts mounti ng the di sc
brake adapter to the rear knuckl e (Fi g. 10). Next,
remove the adapter, rotor shi el d, parki ng brake shoes
and parki ng brake cabl e as an assembl y from the
knuckl e, then hang i t out of the way usi ng a wi re
hanger or cord.
Fig. 9 Support Plate Mounting
1 BRAKE SHOES
2 WHEEL CYLINDER
3 KNUCKLE
4 BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTING BOLTS
5 BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE
serrated and must not be turned during removal.
Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle
while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out
using a pin punch.
(11) Loosen, but do not compl etel y remove the two
nuts and bol ts attachi ng the rear knuckl e to the
strut (Fi g. 11).
(12) Remove the nuts and bol t attachi ng the rear
knuckl e to the l ateral arms (Fi g. 11).
(13) Di sconnect the tensi on strut from the knuckl e.
To do thi s, fi rst hol d the tensi on strut from turni ng
by usi ng a wrench on the fl at on the tensi on strut
and then remove the nut from the rear of the tensi on
strut (Fi g. 12). Next, remove the tensi on strut
retai ner, then the rear tensi on strut bayonet bushi ng
from the tensi on strut.
(14) Remove the two nuts and bol ts attachi ng the
rear knuckl e to the strut (Fi g. 11). Tap the bol ts from
the knuckl e usi ng a pi n punch.
(15) Remove the knuckl e.
INSTALLATION
(1) To i nstal l the knuckl e on the vehi cl e, fi rst al i gn
the hol e i n the l ower end of the rear knuckl e wi th
the forward bayonet bushi ng on the tensi on strut. Be
sure the stepped area of the bushi ng i s squarel y
seated i nto the hol e i n the knuckl e. Next, Rotate the
knuckl e unti l the upper mounti ng hol es i n the
knuckl e i s al i gned wi th the hol es i n the struts cl evi s
bracket.
serrated and must not be turned during installation.
Once installed, hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while installing and tightening the
nuts.
(2) I nstal l the two bol ts attachi ng the strut to the
rear knuckl e from the front si de. I nstal l the nuts on
the bol ts (Fi g. 11). Ti ghten the two nuts to a torque
of 88 Nm (65 ft. l bs.).
(3) Al i gn the l ateral arms wi th the hol e i n the cen-
ter of the knuckl e. I nstal l the bol t attachi ng the arms
to the knuckl e. When i nstal l i ng the bol t, start i t from
Fig. 10 Disc Brake Adapter Mounting
1 DISC BRAKE ADAPTER
2 KNUCKLE
3 MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 11 Rear Knuckle Mounting
1 STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 KNUCKLE
3 LATERAL ARMS
4 NUT
5 NUTS
Fig. 12 Tension Strut Nut Removal/Installation
1 KNUCKLE
2 TENSION STRUT
3 FLAT
the front si de. I nstal l the nut, but do not compl etel y
ti ghten i t at thi s ti me. The nut wi l l need to be ti ght-
ened when the vehi cl e i s at curb hei ght.
(4) I nstal l the rear bayonet bushi ng on the tensi on
strut. Be sure the stepped area of the bushi ng i s
squarel y seated i nto the hol e i n the knuckl e.
(5) I nstal l the rear tensi on strut retai ner, then the
nut. To compl etel y i nstal l the nut, pl ace a wrench on
the fl at formed i nto the tensi on strut and ti ghten the
nut (Fi g. 12). Ti ghten the nut to a torque of 95 Nm
(70 ft. l bs.).
(6) I f vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear drum brakes,
i nstal l the brake support pl ate on the knuckl e and
attach i t usi ng i ts four mounti ng bol ts (Fi g. 9).
Ti ghten the mounti ng bol ts to a torque of 75 Nm (55
ft. l bs.).
(7) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear di sc brakes,
i nstal l the di sc brake adapter on the knuckl e and
attach i t usi ng i ts four mounti ng bol ts (Fi g. 10).
Ti ghten the mounti ng bol ts to a torque of 75 Nm (55
ft. l bs.).
(8) I nstal l the hub and beari ng on the knuckl es
spi ndl e, then i nstal l a new retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 7). Do
not reuse the ori gi nal nut. Ti ghten the nut to a
(9) I nstal l the dust cap on the end of the hub and
beari ng (Fi g. 7).
(10) I f the vehi cl e i s equi pped wi th rear di sc
brakes (Fi g. 7), i nstal l the brake rotor and di sc brake
cal i per on the knuckl e. I nstal l the two gui de pi n bol ts
securi ng the front di sc brake cal i per to the steeri ng
knuckl e. Ti ghten the gui de pi n bol ts to a torque of 22
Nm (192 i n. l bs.).
brakes, i nstal l the screw securi ng the brake hose
Ti ghten the screw to a torque of 31 Nm (275 i n. l bs.).
brake system (ABS), i nstal l the screw securi ng the
strut assembl y (Fi g. 6). Ti ghten the mounti ng screw
(13) I nstal l the ti re and wheel assembl y. Ti ghten
the wheel mounti ng nuts i n proper sequence unti l al l
nuts are torqued to hal f speci fi cati on. Repeat the
ti ghteni ng sequence, thi s ti me, to ful l speci fi ed
(15) Ti ghten the l ateral arm-to-knuckl e mounti ng
bol t nut to a torque of 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.).
section.
REMOVAL
the vehi cl e.
brakes, remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs, then pul l the brake drum off the
hub and beari ng.
and brake rotor.
Remove any retai ner cl i ps from the wheel
mounti ng studs, then pul l the brake rotor off the hub
and beari ng.
(5) Remove the dust cap from the hub and beari ng
assembl y (Fi g. 7).
(6) Remove the retai ni ng nut, then the hub and
beari ng from the knuckl es spi ndl e (Fi g. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) I nstal l the hub and beari ng on the knuckl es
spi ndl e, then i nstal l a new retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 7). Do
not reuse the ori gi nal nut. Ti ghten the nut to a
(2) I nstal l the dust cap on the end of the hub and
beari ng (Fi g. 7).
(Fi g. 7), i nstal l the brake rotor and di sc brake cal i per
on the knuckl e. I nstal l the two gui de pi n bol ts secur-
i ng the front di sc brake cal i per to the steeri ng
knuckl e. Ti ghten the gui de pi n bol ts to a torque of 22
Nm (192 i n. l bs.).
LATERAL ARMS
section.
Use the fol l owi ng procedure for removal and i nstal -
l ati on of one or both l ateral arms on one si de of the
vehi cl es rear suspensi on.
REMOVAL
(2) Remove the rear ti re and wheel assembl y.
(3) Remove the nut, bol t and washers attachi ng
both l ateral arms to the knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
(4) Remove nut, washer, bol t and wheel al i gnment
cam attachi ng the l ateral arms to the rear crossmem-
ber (Fi g. 1).
(5) Remove the l ateral arms from vehi cl e.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Both lateral arms when being installed,
must be specifically positioned and orientated on
the vehicle. The lateral arm that has the same size
bushing sleeves on both ends must be mounted on
the forward side of the crossmember and knuckle
with the trimmed outer edge facing rearward. This
front arm is also marked with the word FOR-
WARD. The side of the arm displaying this must
face forward.
The lateral arm with two different size bushing
sleeves must be mounted on the rearward side of
the crossmember and knuckle. Position the smaller
bushing sleeve end at the knuckle and the larger
bushing sleeve end at the rear crossmember (the
larger bushing sleeve is necessary to accommodate
the rear wheel alignment adjustment cam). If the
rear arm is to be mounted on the right side, the
trimmed outer edge must face rearward. If the rear
arm is to be mounted on the left side, the trimmed
outer edge must face forward.
(1) Fol l owi ng the note above, pl ace the forward l at-
eral arm agai nst the l eadi ng end of the knuckl e, and
then i nstal l the short l ateral arm mounti ng bol t wi th
a washer through the l ateral arm and knuckl e and
out the trai l i ng end of the knuckl e (Fi g. 1).
(2) Fol l owi ng the note above, i nstal l the smal l
bushi ng sl eeved end of the rear l ateral arm onto the
end of the bol t just i nstal l ed through the knuckl e
(Fi g. 1). I nstal l a washer and nut onto the end of the
mounti ng bol t, but do not compl etel y ti ghten the bol t
at thi s ti me.
(3) I nstal l a wheel al i gnment adjustment cam on
the l ong arm mounti ng bol t.
(4) Hol d the rear l ateral arm up agai nst the cross-
member and i nstal l the l ong mounti ng bol t wi th the
adjustment cam through the l ateral arm bushi ng and
rear crossmember (Fi g. 1). The bol t must be i nstal l ed
wi th the notch i n the adjustment cam poi nti ng
strai ght up.
(5) Posi ti on the forward l ateral arm agai nst the
rear crossmember hol e. Pass the l ong mounti ng bol t
through the l ateral arm bushi ng sl eeve.
(6) I nstal l a washer and nut onto the end of l ateral
arm mounti ng bol t at the rear crossmember, but do
not compl etel y ti ghten the bol t at thi s ti me.
NOTE: Once installed, each lateral arm should have
the bow in its length facing downward. Both right
side arms should have the trimmed outer edge fac-
ing toward the rear of the car. Left side arms should
have the trimmed outer edge facing each other. The
mounting bolt at the knuckle should have the nut at
the rear and the mounting bolt at the crossmember
should have the nut at the front (Fig. 13).
(7) I nstal l ti re and wheel assembl y on the vehi cl e.
Ti ghten the wheel mounti ng nuts i n proper sequence
unti l al l nuts are torqued to hal f speci fi cati on.
Repeat the ti ghteni ng sequence to the ful l speci fi ed
(8) Lower the vehi cl e to the ground.
(9) Wi th suspensi on at curb hei ght, ti ghten the l at-
eral arm mounti ng bol t nut at the knuckl e to 95 Nm
(70 ft. l bs.).
Fig. 13 Lateral Arms
2 REAR LATERAL ARMS
(10) Wi th suspensi on at curb hei ght, ti ghten the
l ateral arm mounti ng bol t nut at the crossmember to
88 Nm (65 ft. l bs.).
speci fi cati on as necessary. Refer to WHEEL ALI GN-
TENSION STRUT
section.
REMOVAL
the vehi cl e.
(3) Di sconnect the tensi on strut from the knuckl e.
To do thi s, fi rst hol d the tensi on strut from turni ng
by usi ng a wrench on the fl at on the tensi on strut
and then remove the nut from the rear of the tensi on
strut (Fi g. 14). Next, remove the tensi on strut
retai ner, then the rear tensi on strut bayonet bushi ng
from the tensi on strut.
(4) Remove the nut attachi ng the parki ng brake
cabl e to the stud on the i nboard tensi on strut mount-
i ng bol t at the frame (Fi g. 15). Remove the parki ng
brake cabl e from the stud.
(5) Remove the two mounti ng bol ts hol di ng the
tensi on bol ts to the frame, then remove the tensi on
strut from the vehi cl e.
(6) Remove the forward bayonet bushi ng and
retai ner from the tensi on strut.
INSTALLATION
(1) I nstal l the forward retai ner and a bayonet
bushi ng on the tensi on strut trai l i ng end. Be sure the
stepped area of the bushi ng i s i nstal l ed to face the
knuckl e.
(2) To i nstal l the knuckl e on the tensi on, fi rst sti ck
the trai l i ng end through the hol e i n the l ower end of
the knuckl e, seati ng the bayonet bushi ng squarel y
agai nst the hol e. Next, rai se the end of the tensi on
strut wi th the spool bushi ng i nto i ts mounti ng posi -
ti on on the frame (Fi g. 15). I nstal l the mounti ng
bol ts securi ng the tensi on strut to the frame.
Remember, the mounti ng bol t wi th the stud on the
head i s i nstal l ed on the i nboard si de.
(3) Ti ghten the two mounti ng bol ts at the frame to
a torque of 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.).
(4) Pl ace the parki ng brake cabl e routi ng bracket
on the stud of the i nboard mounti ng bol t and i nstal l
the nut securi ng i t i n pl ace (Fi g. 15). Ti ghten the nut
(5) I nstal l the rear bayonet bushi ng on the tensi on
strut. Be sure the stepped area of the bushi ng i s
squarel y seated i nto the hol e i n the knuckl e.
(6) I nstal l the rear tensi on strut retai ner, then the
nut. To compl etel y i nstal l the nut, pl ace a wrench on
the fl at formed i nto the tensi on strut and ti ghten the
nut (Fi g. 14). Ti ghten the nut to a torque of 95 Nm
(70 ft. l bs.).
Fig. 14 Tension Strut Nut Removal/Installation
1 KNUCKLE
2 TENSION STRUT
3 FLAT
Fig. 15 Tension Strut Mounting At Frame
1 TENSION STRUT MOUNTING BOLTS
2 TENSION STRUT
3 SPOOL BUSHING
4 NUT
5 PARKING BRAKE CABLE
section.
REMOVAL
(2) Remove both rear wheel and ti re assembl i es
from the vehi cl e.
(3) Remove the nut from the end of each rear sta-
bi l i zer bar l i nk bol t (Fi g. 16). Pul l the bol t out
through the top of the l i nk and remove the l i nk from
each end of the stabi l i zer bar.
(4) Remove the two bol ts securi ng each of the two
cushi on retai ners to the frame rai l s (Fi g. 1), then
remove the cushi on retai ners, cushi ons and stabi l i zer
bar from the vehi cl e as an assembl y.
(5) Pul l the cushi on retai ners off the cushi ons.
(6) The cushi ons can be removed from the bar by
uti l i zi ng the pre-formed sl i t i n each cushi on and peel -
i ng i t off the bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) I nstal l the cushi ons on the stabi l i zer bar by
openi ng the sl i t i n the cushi on and wrappi ng the
cushi on around the bar. When i nstal l ed properl y, the
sl i t i n the cushi on shoul d face i n the same di recti on
as the ends of the stabi l i zer bar, or toward the front
of the car once the bar i s i nstal l ed. The fl at si de of
each cushi on shoul d face upward.
(2) I nstal l the retai ners on the cushi ons, matchi ng
the contour of each retai ner wi th i ts cushi on.
(3) I nstal l the stabi l i zer bar, cushi ons and retai n-
ers on the car as an assembl y. The di pped area i n the
center of the bar must face down to cl ear the wel l i n
the l uggage compartment.
(4) I nstal l two bol ts i n each cushi on retai ner and
secure the stabi l i zer bar to the frame of the vehi cl e
(Fi g. 1). Do not compl etel y i nstal l the bol ts at thi s
ti me.
(5) Rei nstal l each stabi l i zer bar l i nk (Fi g. 1):
Pl ace the l i nk center sl eeve and bushi ngs
between the eye i n the end of the stabi l i zer bar and
the l i nk mounti ng bracket on the strut.
Start the stabi l i zer bar l i nk bol t wi th bushi ng
from the top, down through the stabi l i zer bar, i nner
l i nk bushi ngs and sl eeve, and strut l i nk mounti ng
bracket.
I nstal l a l ower bushi ng, then the nut. Do not
ti ghten the nut at thi s ti me.
(6) I nstal l both ti re and wheel assembl i es on the
vehi cl e. Ti ghten the wheel mounti ng stud nuts i n
proper sequence unti l al l nuts are torqued to hal f
speci fi cati on. Repeat the ti ghteni ng sequence, thi s
ti me, to ful l speci fi ed torque of 135 Nm (100 ft. l bs.).
(7) Lower the vehi cl e to ground l evel or curb
hei ght.
(8) Ti ghten the rear stabi l i zer bar cushi on retai ner
bol ts to a torque of 34 Nm (300 i n. l bs.).
(9) Ti ghten the stabi l i zer bar l i nk nuts to a torque
of 23 Nm (200 i n. l bs.).
The strut assembl y must be removed from the
vehi cl e for i t to be di sassembl ed and assembl ed.
For the di sassembl y and assembl y of the strut
assembl y, use strut spri ng compressor, Pentastar Ser-
vi ce Equi pment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equi val ent,
to compress the coi l spri ng. Fol l ow the manufactur-
ers i nstructi ons cl osel y.
Fig. 16 Stabilizer Bar Link
1 BRAKE HOSE BRACKET SCREW
3 NUT
4 STRUT ASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
(1) I f both struts are bei ng servi ced at the same
ti me, mark the coi l spri ng and strut assembl y accord-
i ng to whi ch si de of the vehi cl e the strut was
removed from, and whi ch strut the coi l spri ng was
removed from.
(2) Posi ti on the strut assembl y i n the strut coi l
spri ng compressor fol l owi ng the manufacturers
i nstructi ons. Set the l ower, then upper hooks on the
coi l spri ng (Fi g. 17). Posi ti on the strut cl evi s bracket
strai ght i nward toward the compressor. Pl ace a
cl amp on the l ower end of the coi l spri ng, so the strut
i s hel d i n pl ace once the strut shaft nut i s removed.
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 coi l spri ng unti l al l coi l spri ng
tensi on i s removed from the upper mount.
(4) Once the spri ng i s suffi ci entl y compressed,
i nstal l Strut Nut Socket, Speci al Tool 6864, on the
strut shaft retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 18). Next, i nstal l a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whi l e
hol di ng the strut shaft from turni ng, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft
(Fi g. 19).
(6) Remove the cl amp from the bottom of the coi l
spri ng and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coi l spri ng.
(7) Remove the dust shi el d, then the jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pul l i ng each strai ght
up (Fi g. 19).
(8) Remove the l ower spri ng i sol ator from the
l ower spri ng seat l ocated on the strut.
NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, pro-
ceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 10.
NOTE: Before removing the coil spring from the
compressor, make not of its position in the com-
pressor, for easy reassembly.
(9) Rel ease the tensi on from the coi l spri ng by
backi ng off the compressor dri ve compl etel y. Push
back the compressor hooks and remove the coi l
spri ng.
(10) I nspect the strut assembl y components for the
fol l owi ng and repl ace as necessary:
I nspect the strut for any condi ti on of shaft bi nd-
i ng over the ful l stroke of the shaft.
I nspect the jounce bumper for cracks and si gns
of deteri orati on.
Fig. 17 Strut Assembly In Compressor
1 UPPER HOOKS
2 COIL SPRING
3 CLEVIS BRACKET
4 CLAMP
5 LOWER HOOKS
Fig. 18 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 UPPER MOUNT
2 FRONT HOOK
Check the upper mount for cracks and di storti on
and i ts retai ni ng studs for any si gn of damage.
I nspect the dust shi el d for ri ps and deteri ora-
ti on.
I nspect the upper and l ower spri ng i sol ators for
materi al deteri orati on and di storti on.
I nspect the coi l spri ng for any si gn of damage to
the coati ng.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 3.
(1) Pl ace the coi l spri ng i n the compressor fol l ow-
i ng the manufacturers i nstructi ons. Before compress-
i ng the spri ng, rotate the spri ng to the posi ti on
determi ned i n the note pri or to step 9 i n di sassembl y.
(2) Sl owl y compress the coi l spri ng unti l enough
room i s avai l abl e for strut assembl y reassembl y.
(3) I nstal l the l ower spri ng i sol ator on the l ower
spri ng seat of the strut matchi ng the step bui l t i nto
the i sol ator wi th the step i n the l ower spri ng seat on
the strut (Fi g. 19).
(4) I nstal l the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper i s to be i nstal l ed wi th the poi nted
end poi nti ng downward toward the l ower seat.
(5) I nstal l the dust shi el d on the strut shaft (Fi g.
19). The bottom of the dust shi el d wi l l snap past the
retai ner on top of the strut housi ng.
(6) I nstal l the strut through the bottom of the coi l
spri ng unti l the l ower spri ng seat contacts the l ower
end of the coi l spri ng. Rotate the strut unti l the end
of the coi l spri ng fi ts agai nst the step i n the l ower
spri ng seat (Fi g. 17). I f done correctl y, the cl evi s on
the bottom of the strut shoul d face toward the com-
pressor.
(7) I nstal l the cl amp on the l ower end of the coi l
spri ng and strut, so the strut i s hel d i n pl ace wi th
the coi l spri ng.
NOTE: Before installing the upper mount, check to
make sure the correct side mount is being installed.
Left and right upper mounts are different. A left
mount will be marked with the letter L while a
right mount will be marked with the letter R (Fig.
20).
(8) I nstal l the upper mount over the strut shaft
and onto the top of the upper spri ng. Near the center
on the top of the mount i s the word OUT and an
arrow (Fi g. 20). Poi nt the arrow on the mount i n the
same di recti on that the cl evi s bracket on the l ower
end of the strut i s poi nted i n. Thi s di recti on shoul d
be strai ght toward the compressor.
(9) Loosel y i nstal l the retai ni ng nut on the strut
shaft. I nstal l Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a
torque wrench), Speci al Tool 6864, on the strut shaft
retai ni ng nut (Fi g. 18). Next, i nstal l a socket on the
Fig. 19 Strut Assembly Components
1 STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 STRUT
4 COIL SPRING
5 JOUNCE BUMPER
6 DUST SHIELD
7 UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 20 Upper Mount Markings
1 SIDE INDICATING LETTER
2 DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR
3 UPPER MOUNT
hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whi l e hol di ng the
strut shaft from turni ng, ti ghten the strut shaft
retai ni ng nut to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.).
(10) Sl owl y rel ease the tensi on from the coi l spri ng
by backi ng off the compressor dri ve compl etel y. As
the tensi on i s rel i eved, make sure the upper mounts
seat al i gns properl y wi th the coi l spri ng.
(11) Veri fy the arrow on the upper mount i s poi nt-
i ng i n the same di recti on as the strut cl evi s bracket
as menti oned i n step 9.
(12) Remove the cl amp from the l ower end of the
coi l spri ng and strut. Push back the spri ng compres-
sor upper and l ower hooks, then remove the strut
assembl y from the spri ng compressor.
(13) I nstal l the strut assembl y on the vehi cl e.
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Tower Attachi ng Nuts . . . . . 34 Nm (300 i n. l bs.)
Knuckl e Attachi ng Bol ts . . . . 88 Nm (65 ft. l bs.)
Strut Assembl y Shaft Nut . . . 75 Nm (55 ft. l bs.)
Brake Hose Bracket Mounti ng Bol t . . . . . 31 Nm
(275 i n. l bs.)
KNUCKLE:
Brake Support Pl ate Mounti ng Bol ts . . . . 75 Nm
(55 ft. l bs.)
Di sc Brake Adapter Mounti ng Bol ts . . . . 75 Nm
(55 ft. l bs.)
HUB AND BEARING:
To Knuckl e Retai ni ng Nut . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Nm
(160 ft. l bs.)
Wheel Mounti ng Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . 109-150 Nm
(80-110 ft. l bs.)
LATERAL ARM:
Nut At Crossmember . . . . . . . 88 Nm (65 ft. l bs.)
Nut At Knuckl e . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.)
TENSION STRUT:
Rear Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.)
Frame Rai l Bol ts . . . . . . . . . . 95 Nm (70 ft. l bs.)
Parki ng Brake Cabl e Nut . . 28 Nm (250 i n. l bs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Cushi on Retai ner Bol ts . . . . 34 Nm (300 i n. l bs.)
Li nk Bol t Nut . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Nm (200 i n. l bs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
Socket/Wrench Strut Rod Nut 6864

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