Dodge Neon / Neon SRT-4. Manual - part 10
FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT SUSPENSION
This vehicle has a gas pressurized MacPherson
strut type front suspension design (Fig. 1).
The front suspension includes the following compo-
nents:
• Hub
• Bearing
• Lower control arm
• Stabilizer bar
• Steering knuckle
• Strut assembly
For more information on the description and oper-
ation of an individual component, refer to the appli-
cable component.
OPERATION - FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension allows each front wheel on a
vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and condi-
tions without greatly affecting the opposite wheel
and the ability to control the vehicle. Each side of the
front suspension is allowed to pivot so the vehicle can
be steered in the direction preferred.
When a vehicle strikes a bump, the force is trans-
ferred through the hub, bearing, and knuckle, into
the strut assembly to absorb the force and dampen it.
During steering maneuvers, the strut assembly
(through a pivot bearing in the upper strut mount)
and steering knuckle (through the lower ball joint
mounted on the lower control arm) turn as an assem-
bly.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
There are no serviceable lubrication points on the
front suspension. The front lower ball joints have
grease fittings which have had the head snapped off
by the manufacturer after they have been filled. This
has been done to eliminate the possibility of damag-
ing the non-vented seals. Grease will not leak from
the broken grease fittings. The ball joints are sealed
for life and require no maintenance.
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting with a new fitting, then
filling the ball joint with grease. Damage to the
grease seal can result.
2 - 2
FRONT SUSPENSION
PL/SRT-4