Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes. Manual - part 28

 

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Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes. Manual - part 28

 

 

9-12

Chapter 9 Brakes

13 Installation is the reverse of removal. Fit

the metal line to the proportioning valve

before attaching the brake hose bracket to

the upper frame rail.

14

Bleed the brakes (see Section 11). Care-

fully test brake operation before resuming

normal operation.

10 Brake hoses and lines -

inspection and replacement

1

Whenever the vehicle is raised and sup-

ported securely on jackstands, the rubber
hoses which connect the steel brake lines with
the front and rear brake assemblies should be
inspected for cracks, chafing of the outer
cover, leaks, blisters and other damage. These
are important and vulnerable parts of the
brake system and inspection should be thor-
ough. A light and mirror will be helpful for a
complete check. If a hose exhibits any of the
above conditions, renew it immediately.

Flexible hose replacement

Refer to illustration 10.3
2

Clean all dirt away from the hose fit-

tings.
3

Using a flare-nut wrench, disconnect the

metal brake line from the hose fitting (see
illustration). 
Be careful not to bend the frame
bracket or line. If the threaded fitting is cor-
roded, spray it with penetrating oil and allow
it to soak in for about 10 minutes, then try
again. If you try to break loose a fitting nut
that's frozen, you will kink the metal line,
which will then have to be replaced.
4

Remove the brake hose from the

bracket (some are secured to a bracket with
a retaining

clip,

others have an integral

bracket/fitting). Detach the brake hose from
the bracket or bracket from the vehicle as
applicable. Immediately plug the metal line to
prevent excessive leakage and contamina-
tion. Note: On 1998 and later models with

ABS, see Section 9 for rear brake hose-to-
proportioning valve separation.

5

On the rear brake hose(s), use a flare-

nut wrench to loosen the hose fitting at the
wheel cylinder and remove the hose.
6

On the front brake hose(s), unscrew the

banjo bolt at the caliper and remove the
hose, discarding the sealing washers on
either side of the fitting.
7

Attach the new brake hose to the caliper

or wheel cylinder as applicable. Note: When
replacing the front brake 
hoses, always use
new sealing 
washers. Tighten the banjo bolt
or tube nut to the torque listed this Chapter's
Specification Section.
8

Insert the other end of the new hose

through the bracket or loosely attach the fit-
ting/bracket to the vehicle as applicable mak-
ing sure the hose isn't kinked or twisted.
Then fit the metal line to the hose (or hose fit-
ting), tighten the hose bracket (if applicable)
and tighten the brake tube fitting nut to the
torque listed this Chapter's Specifications.

10.3 Disconnecting the front brake hose

from the metal brake line using a

flare-nut wrench

9

Carefully check to make sure the sus-

pension or steering components don't make

contact with the hose. Have an assistant

push down on the vehicle while you watch to

see whether the hose interferes with suspen-
sion operation. If you're replacing a front
hose, have your assistant turn the steering
wheel lock-to-lock while you make sure the
hose doesn't interfere with the steering link-
age or the steering knuckle.
10

After installation, check the master

cylinder fluid level and add fluid as neces-
sary. Bleed the brakes (see Section 11).
Carefully test brake operation before resum-
ing normal operation.

Metal brake lines

11

When replacing brake lines, be sure to

use the correct parts. Do not use copper tub-
ing for any brake system components. Pur-
chase steel brake lines from a dealer parts
department or auto parts store.
12

Prefabricated brake line, with the tube

ends already flared and fittings installed, is
available at auto parts stores and dealer parts
departments. These lines are also sometimes
bent to the proper shapes. If it is necessary to
bend a line, use a tubing bender to prevent
kinking the line.
13

When installing the new line make sure

it's well supported in the brackets and has
plenty of clearance between moving or hot
components. Make sure you tighten the fit-
tings securely.
14

After installation, check the master

cylinder fluid level and add fluid as neces-
sary. Bleed the brakes (see Section 11).
Carefully test brake operation before resum-
ing normal operation.

11

Brake system - bleeding

Refer to illustration 11.9
Warning: Wear eye protection when bleeding
the brake system. If the fluid 
comes in con -

11.9 When bleeding the brakes, a hose is

connected to the bleed screw at the

caliper or wheel cylinder and then

submerged in clean brake fluid - air

will be seen as bubbles exiting

the tube (all air must be expelled

before moving to the next wheel)

tact with your eyes, i mmediately rinse them
with water and 
seek medical attention.
Note: Bleeding the brake system is necessary
to remove any air 
that's trapped in the system
when it's opened during removal and installa-
tion of a hose, line, caliper, wheel cylinder or

master cylinder.

1

If a brake line was disconnected only at

a wheel, then only that caliper or wheel cylin-
der must be bled.

2

On conventional (non-ABS) brake sys-

tems, if air has entered the system due to low
fluid level or master cylinder replacement, all
four brakes must be bled. Warning: If this
has occurred on a model with an Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS), or if the lines to the
Hydraulic Control Unit or Integrated Control
Unit 
(1998 models) have been disconnected,
the vehicle must 
be towed to a dealer service
department or other repair 
shop equipped
with a DRB Il 
scan tool to have the system
properly bled.
3

If a brake line is disconnected at a fitting

located between the master cylinder and any
of the brakes, that part of the system served
by the disconnected line must be bled.
4

Remove any residual vacuum from the

brake power booster by applying the brake
several times with the engine OFF.
5

Raise the vehicle and support it securely

on jackstands. Note: The wheels do not have
to be removed for this process.
6

Remove the master cylinder reservoir

cover and fill the reservoir with brake fluid.
Reinstall the cover. Note: Check the fluid
level often during the bleeding operation and
add fluid as necessary to prevent the fluid
level from falling low enough to allow air bub-
bles into the master cylinder.
7

Have an assistant on hand, as well as a

supply of new brake fluid, an empty clear
container, a length of clear plastic or vinyl
tubing to fit over the bleed screw and a box-

Chapter 9 Brakes

9-13

12.16 Power brake booster mounting details

(as viewed from under the dash)

1

Brake pedal-to-booster pushrod retaining clip (DO NOT reuse)

2

Power brake booster mounting nuts (the lower left nut is hidden
behind steering intermediate shaft)

PURGE\

SOLENOID

ELECTRICAL

CONNECTOR

12.9 The purge solenoid is located on the left shock tower

end wrench to open and close the bleed
screw.
8

Beginning at the left rear wheel, remove

the bleed screw dust cap. Loosen the bleed
screw slightly, then tighten it to a point where
it's snug but can still be loosened quickly and
easily. Use the box-end wrench to avoid
rounding off the bleed screw wrenching flats.
9

With the wrench in place on the bleed

screw, attach one end of the tubing over the
bleed screw fitting and submerge the other
end in a clear container filled with about 1
inch of new brake fluid (see illustration).
10

Have the assistant slowly push down on

the brake pedal and hold it firmly depressed.
11

While the pedal is held depressed, open

the bleed screw just enough to allow a flow of
fluid to leave the valve. Watch for air bubbles
to exit the submerged end of the tube. When
the fluid flow slows after a couple of seconds,
tighten the screw and have your assistant
slowly release the pedal.
12

Repeat Steps 10 and 11 until no more

air is seen leaving the tube, then tighten the
bleed screw securely and proceed to the
right front wheel, the right rear wheel and the
left front wheel, in that order, and perform the
same procedure. Be sure to check the fluid in

the master cylinder reservoir frequently.

13

NEVER use old brake fluid. Brake fluid

absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.
When moisture is present in the hydraulic
system, it will deteriorate the brake system
components and lower the boiling point of
the fluid which could lead to brake failure.

14

After bleeding the system, top up the

brake fluid reservoir and reinstall the bleed
screw dust caps.
15

Check the operation of the brakes. The

pedal should feel solid when depressed, with
no sponginess. If necessary, repeat the
bleeding process. Check for leakage. Warn-
ing: 
Do not operate the vehicle if the pedal
feels low or spongy, if the ABS light on the
dash won't go off, or if you are in doubt about
the effectiveness of the brake system.

12 Power brake booster - check,

removal and installation

Operating check

1

Depress the brake pedal several times

with the engine off and make sure that there

is no change in the pedal reserve distance.

2

Depress the pedal and start the engine.

If the pedal goes down slightly, operation is
normal.

Airtightness check

3

Start the engine and turn it off after one

or two minutes. Depress the brake pedal sev-
eral times slowly. If the pedal goes down far-
ther the first time but gradually rises after the
second or third depression, the booster is air-
tight.
4

Depress the brake pedal while the

engine is running, then stop the engine with
the pedal depressed. If there is no change in
the pedal reserve travel after holding the
pedal for 30 seconds, the booster is airtight.

Removal

Refer to illustrations 12.9 and 12.16
5

The power brake booster unit requires

no special maintenance apart from periodic
inspection of the vacuum hoses and the
case. The booster is not serviceable. If a
problem develops, it must be replaced with a
new one.

6

Disconnect the negative battery cable

from the ground stud on the left shock tower
(see Chapter 5, Section 1). Remove the air

intake resonator and the related ducting
between the throttle body and the air cleaner

(see Chapter 4).
7

If equipped, unplug the cruise control

servo electrical connector. Detach the unit
from the shock tower and position it out of
the way (see illustration 8.2).

8

On models with a V6 engine, remove the

throttle body from the intake manifold (see
Chapter 4). Detach the accelerator cable
bracket from the intake manifold and position
it out of the way (the cable(s) may remain
attached to bracket).
9

Label and detach the electrical connec-

tor and vacuum hose from the purge solenoid
(see illustration).

Remove the purge

solenoid from the vehicle.
10

Disconnect the vacuum hose(s) from the

power brake booster vacuum fitting.
11

Label and disconnect the vacuum hoses

and electrical connector from the EGR valve
transducer (see Chapter 6). Remove the EGR
valve transducer.
12

Disconnect the fluid level sensor con-

nector from the master cylinder reservoir (see
illustration 8.6).
13

On models with a four-cylinder engine, it

is not necessary to disconnect the brake lines

from the master cylinder; simply remove the

mounting nuts (see illustration 8.8) and slide

the master cylinder off the studs and let it rest
on the top of the transaxle (just make sure
you don't kink the metal brake lines).

14

On models with a V6 engine, remove the

master cylinder from the vehicle (see Section
8).

15

On V6 models equipped with an auto

-

matic transaxle, remove the transaxle fluid
dipstick tube. Cover the dipstick tube hole in
the transaxle with duct tape to prevent the
entry of foreign debris.
16

Working inside the vehicle under the

dash, disconnect the power brake pushrod
from the top of the brake pedal by prying off
the retaining clip (see illustration). For safety
reasons, discard the old pushrod retaining
clip and buy a new clip for reassembly.
17

Remove the nuts attaching the booster

to the firewall (see illustration 12.16).

18

Working inside the engine compart-

ment, carefully withdraw the power brake
booster unit from the firewall and out of the
engine compartment.

9

9-14

Chapter Brakes

Installation

19

To install the booster, place it into posi-

tion on the firewall and tighten the retaining
nuts to the torque listed in this Chapter's
Specifications. Connect the pushrod to the
brake pedal. Warning: Use a new retainer
clip. DO NOT 
reuse the old clip.
20

The remaining installation steps are the

reverse of removal.
21

If the master cylinder was removed from

the vehicle, bleed the brake hydraulic system
(see Section 11).
22

Carefully test the operation of the

brakes before placing the vehicle in normal
operation.

13.3 Parking brake lever

details

1

Output cable
adjusting nut

2

Output cable
retaining clip
(DO NOT reuse)

3

Rear cable tension
equalizer

13 Parking brake lever assembly -

removal, installation and

adjustment

Removal

Refer to illustrations 13.3 and 13.6

1

Remove the center console (see Chap-

ter 11).
2

Place the parking brake lever in the fully

released position (down).

3

Loosen the adjusting nut on the output

cable (see illustration).
4

Using a screwdriver, pry the output

cable retaining clip (see illustration 13.3)
from the rear cable tension equalizer and
detach the output cable. Discard the old clip,
it is not to be reused. Note: If the parking
brake lever assembly is going 
to be replaced,
ignore this step.
5

Disconnect both rear brake cables from

the cable tension equalizer (see illustration
13.3).
6

Unplug the electrical connector from the

parking brake warning light switch (see illus-
tration).
7

Remove the fasteners attaching the

parking brake lever assembly to the center
console bracket.
8

Remove the parking brake lever and the

front output cable as an assembly.

Installation

9

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Install a new cable tension equalizer and out-
put cable retaining clip. Be sure the output
cable retaining clip is firmly attached after
installation. Before installing the center con-
sole, perform the parking brake cable adjust-
ment procedure below.

Adjustment

Refer to illustration 13.12
Note: Anytime the parking brake cable
requires adjustment, the cable tension equal-

izer must be replaced to ensure proper
adjustment.

10

Remove the center console (see Chap-

ter 11).

11

Place the parking brake lever in the fully

released position (down).

12

Tighten the output cable adjusting nut

until 12 mm (approximately 7/16 to 1/2 inch)
of threads are protruding from the nut (see
illustration).
13

Pull the lever back as far as it will travel -

one time only. Fully actuating the lever in this
manner stretches the portion of the cable

tensioner which automatically provides the

correct tension on the cables.
14

After adjustment, verify that the rear

brakes are not dragging on the drums and

the parking brake lever does not exhibit any
freeplay. If either condition exists, tighten or

loosen the output cable adjusting nut as
required.
15 Install the center console (see Chapter
11).

14 Parking brake cables -

replacement

Front cable

Note: Anytime the parking brake cables are

replaced or require adjustment, the cable ten-
sion equalizer must 
be replaced to ensure
proper adjustment.

Replacement

1

The front output cable is an integral part

of the parking brake lever assembly and

13.6 Parking brake warning light

electrical connector

cannot be replaced separately. If the output
cable requires replacement, replace the park-

ing brake lever assembly (see Section 13).

Rear cables

Removal

Refer to illustrations 14.8, 14.10, 14.11,

14.13, 14.14 and 14.15

2

Remove the center console (see Chap-

ter 11).
3

Place the parking brake lever in the fully

released position (down).
4

Loosen the adjusting nut on the output

cable (see illustration 13.3).
5

Using a screwdriver, pry the output

cable retaining clip (see illustration 13.3)
from the rear cable tension equalizer and
detach the output cable. Discard the old clip
- it is not to be reused.
6

Disconnect both rear brake cables from

the cable tension equalizer (see illustration
13.3).
7

Remove the rear seat assembly (see

Chapter 11).
8

Remove the rear door sill scuff plate on

each side (see illustration).
9

Fold the rear carpeting forward to

expose the parking brake cables.
10

Remove the parking brake cable routing

clip from the floor pan (see illustration).
11

Compress the retaining tabs of the

13.12 Tighten the output cable adjusting

nut onto the cable until 12 mm of

threads are exposed as shown

Chapter 9 Brakes

9-15

REAR PARK

BRAKE CABLES

14.8 Carefully pry off the rear door sill plates from

each rear door jam

14.10 Parking brake cable routing clip

14.11 Sliding a 1/2 inch box-end wrench over the parking brake

cable as shown will compress the retaining clip tabs so

you can remove the cable from the bracket

14.13 If a 1/2 inch box-end wrench isn't available, use a small

hose clamp to compress the parking brake cable

retaining clip tabs

cable housing with a 1/2-inch box-end
wrench or a small hose clamp (see illustra-
tion). 
Pull the cable through the opening in
the center console bracket. Note: On some
models, the center console rear bracket may
have to be removed.

12

Remove the rear drum brake shoes (see

Section 6).

13

Compress the retaining tabs of the

cable housing with a 1/2-inch box-end
wrench or a small hose clamp and pull the
cable through the brake backing plate (see

illustration).
14

Remove the cable brackets from the

frame rail (see illustration).

15

Remove the cable sealing grommet

from the floor pan (see illustration).

16

Remove the cable assembly from the

vehicle.

Installation

17 Insert the front end of the cable through

the hole in the floor pan and guide the cable
grommet into place.

18 Insert the rear of the cable through the
hole in the brake assembly backing plate.
Make sure the cable is pulled through the

hole far enough to allow the retaining tabs to
expand all the way, locking the cable to the

backing plate.
19 Install the cable brackets onto the

appropriate cable (brackets are unique for left
hand and right hand applications). Install the
brackets onto the frame rail and tighten the
bolts securely.
20

Connect the cable end to the parking

brake lever on the trailing brake shoe and
reassemble the rear brake assembly (see

14.14 Parking brake cable brackets (left

side shown)

14.15 Parking brake cable sealing

grommet as viewed from under

the vehicle

9

9-16

Chapter 9 Brakes

Section 6). Note: If the wheel hub/bearing

assembly was removed, a new hub nut must
be installed.
21

Working inside the vehicle, grasp the

parking brake cable grommet at the floor pan

and pull hard to make sure the grommet is
fully seated to the floor pan. Note: If you're
concerned about the quality of the

grommet-to-floor pan seal, apply some RTV sealant

around the grommet sealing areas.
22 Install the cable into its appropriate

position in the center console bracket and

make sure the cable retainers have expanded
to hold the cable firmly in place. If removed,
install the center console rear bracket.
23

Secure the cables to the floor pan with

the routing clip.
24

Place the carpet back into position and

install both rear door opening sill scuff plates.
25 Install the rear seat assembly (see
Chapter 11).
26

Connect both rear brake cables to the

new cable tension equalizer (see illustration
13.3).
27 Install the parking brake lever output
cable into the cable tension equalizer and
secure with a new retaining clip (see illustra-
tion 13.3). 
DO NOT reuse the old output
cable retaining clip!
28

Before attempting to adjust the parking

brake cables, start the engine and fully
depress the brake pedal two or three times to
adjust the rear brakes.
29

Adjust the parking brake cable (see

Section 13).

15 Brake light switch - check,

replacement and adjustment

Description

1

The brake light switch is a normally

open switch that controls the operation of the

brake lights. The switch is located near the

top of the brake pedal and is attached to a

bracket. When the brake pedal is applied, the
pedal arm moves away from the switch and a
spring-loaded plunger closes the circuit to

the brake lights.

2

Models equipped with cruise control

use a dual purpose brake light switch that
also deactivates the cruise control system
when the brake pedal is depressed.

Check

3

Check the brake light fuse (see Chap-

ter 12). If the fuse has blown, replace it. If it

blows again, look for a short in the brake light

circuit.
4

If the fuse is okay, use a test light or

voltmeter to verify that there's voltage to the
switch. If there's no voltage to the switch,

look for an open or short in the power wire to

the switch. Repair as necessary.
5

If the brake lights still don't come on

when the brake pedal is applied, unplug the
electrical connector from the brake light
switch and, using an ohmmeter, verify that
there is continuity between the switch termi-
nals when the brake pedal is applied, i.e.
when the switch is closed. If continuity is not
detected, replace the switch.
6

If there is continuity between the switch

terminals when the brake is applied (it closes
the circuit), but the brake lights don't come
on when the brake pedal is applied, check for
power to the brake light bulb sockets when
the pedal is depressed. If voltage is present,
replace the bulbs (it isn't very likely that all of
them would fail simultaneously, but it is pos-
sible that they could be burned out). If volt-
age is not available, check the wiring
between the switch and the brake lights for
an open circuit and repair as necessary.

Replacement and adjustment

Refer to illustration 15.7

7

Depress and hold the brake pedal,

then rotate the brake light switch about

30-degrees in a counterclockwise direction

15.7 The brake light switch (arrow) is

located under the dash and mounted

on a bracket near the brake pedal arm

(dual-purpose brake light/cruise

control switch shown)

(see illustration) and remove it from the
mounting bracket.
8

Unplug the electrical connector from the

switch and remove it from the vehicle.
9

Grasp the switch plunger and pull it out-

ward until it has ratcheted to it's fully
extended position.

10

Depress the brake pedal as far as it will

go, then install the switch in the bracket by
aligning the index key on the switch with the
slot at the top of the square hole in the
mounting bracket. When the switch is fully
installed in the bracket, rotate the switch
clockwise about 30-degrees to lock the
switch into the bracket.

11

Gently pull back on the brake pedal until

the pedal stops moving. The switch plunger
will ratchet backward to the correct position.
Caution: Don't use excessive force when

pulling back on the brake pedal to adjust the

switch. If you use too much force, you will
damage the switch or the striker.

.12

Plug the electrical connector into the

switch.

10-1

Chapter 10

Suspension and steering systems

Contents

Section

Balljoints (front) - check......................................................................... 7
General information................................................................................1
Hub and bearing assembly (front) - removal and

installation.........................................................................................8

Hub and bearing assembly (rear) - removal and

installation.......................................................................................17

Knuckle/spindle (rear) - removal

and installation ................................................................................18

Lateral links (rear) - removal and installation ........................................13

Lower control arm - removal and installation.........................................6
Power steering fluid level check ....................................... See Chapter 1
Power steering pump - removal and installation .................................23
Power steering system - bleeding ....................................................... 24
Rear suspension crossmember - removal and installation ..................14
Shock absorber/coil spring assembly (front) -

removal, inspection and installation ................................................. 3

Shock absorber/coil spring - replacement ............................................ 4
Shock absorber/coil spring assembly (rear) - removal,

inspection, component replacement and installation .....................11

Section

Stabilizer bar and bushings (front) - removal, inspection

and installation ..................................................................................2

Stabilizer bar and bushings (rear) - removal, inspection

and installation ................................................................................10

Steering and suspension check ....................................... See Chapter 1
Steering gear and pressure switch - removal and installation .............22
Steering knuckle - removal and installation ........................................... 9
Steering system - general information................................................. 19
Steering wheel - removal and installation ............................................20

Tie-rod ends - removal and installation............................................... 21
Tire and tire pressure checks ........................................... See Chapter 1
Tire rotation.......................................................................See Chapter 1
Trailing link (rear) - removal and installation .........................................12

Upper balljoint (rear) - replacement ..................................................... 16
Upper control arm (front) - removal, inspection, and

installation.........................................................................................5

Upper control arm (rear) - removal and installation ............................. 15

Wheel alignment - general information ................................................26
Wheels and tires - general information ................................................25

Specifications

Torque specifications

Ft-lbs (unless otherwise indicated)

Front suspension
Driveaxle/hub nut............................................................................................. 180
Lower control arm front pivot bolt

1995 ............................................................................................................ 120
1996 ............................................................................................................ 85
1997 on ....................................................................................................... 135

Lower control arm-to-crossmember rear bolt

1995............................................................................................................ 120
1996 on....................................................................................................... 85

Shock absorber-to-shock tower bolts

1995............................................................................................................23
1996............................................................................................................68
1997 on .......................................................................................................70

Shock absorber damper rod nut

1995............................................................................................................55
1996 on.......................................................................................................40

Shock absorber-to-clevis pinch bolt

1995 through 1999......................................................................................70

2000............................................................................................................52

Shock absorber clevis-to-control arm bolt

1995 ............................................................................................................ 120
1996 ............................................................................................................ 135
1997 on ....................................................................................................... 68

Stabilizer bar attaching link nuts

1995............................................................................................................21
1996............................................................................................................ 78
1997 on ....................................................................................................... 75

Stabilizer bar bushing clamp bolts

1995, 1996 ..................................................................................................21
1997 on .......................................................................................................45

Lower balljoint-to-steering knuckle castle nut

1995............................................................................................................70
1996 on.......................................................................................................55

10

10-2

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

Torque specifications

Ft-lbs (unless otherwise indicated)

Front suspension (continued)

Upper balljoint-to-steering knuckle castle nut

1995............................................................................................................ 70
1996............................................................................................................45
1997 on.......................................................................................................40

Upper control arm-to-shock mount bolts........................................................68
Wheel lug nuts................................................................................................. See Chapter 1

Rear suspension

Balljoint-to-knuckle castle nut

1995............................................................................................................63
1996 on .......................................................................................................50

Brake support plate mounting bolts ................................................................ 45
Crossmember-to-body bolts........................................................................... 70
Control arm pivot bar-to-crossmember ...........................................................79
Hub and bearing assembly-to-knuckle retaining nut .......................................185
Lateral link-to-knuckle bolts/nuts.................................................................... 70
Lateral link jam nuts.........................................................................................70
Lateral link-to-crossmember bolts ...................................................................70
Shock absorber mounting bracket-to-body nuts

1995 models...............................................................................................25
1996 and later models ................................................................................40

Shock absorber-to-knuckle bolts/nuts ............................................................ 70
Shock absorber rod-to-upper mount nut

1995 models...............................................................................................55
1996 and later models ................................................................................40

Stabilizer bar bushing clamp bolts...................................................................20
Stabilizer-to-lateral link nuts ............................................................................ 24

Trailing link shaft nuts - both ends ...................................................................70
Trailing bracket-to-body bolts

1995 models ...............................................................................................70
1996 and later models................................................................................21

Steering system

Airbag module retaining nuts........................................................................... 90 in-lbs

Power steering pump mounting bolts ..............................................................40
Power steering fluid pressure and return line fitting nuts ................................ 23
Power steering fluid pressure banjo

fitting bolt (alternate-to-pressure fitting nut)...............................................25

Steering gear mounting bolts ...........................................................................50

Power steering fluid line tube fittings ...............................................................23

Tie-rod (outer)-to-inner jam lock nut ................................................................ 55
Tie-rod balljoint stud-to-steering knuckle nut ..................................................45
Steering column flex coupler pinch bolt .......................................................... 20
Steering wheel nut ........................................................................................... 45

1

General information

Refer

to

illustrations

1.1a,

1.1a b, 1.2a

and

1.2b

The front suspension (see illustrations)

uses coil-over shock absorber assemblies
and unequal length control arms. The upper
end of the shock absorber/coil spring assem-
bly is attached to an aluminum housing in the
inside of the shock tower. The bottom of the
shock absorber is attached to the lower con-
trol arm. The front and rear ends of the lower
control arm are bolted to the front cross-
member. The inner end of the upper control
arm is attached to the aluminum housing in
the shock tower. The steering knuckle is con-
nected to both the upper and lower control
arms through balljoints. The stabilizer bar is
bolted to the suspension cradle and the
underbody of the vehicle and attached to

both lower control arms, which reduces body
roll during cornering.

The rear suspension (see illustrations)

also uses coil-over shock absorber assem-

blies. The coil spring is mounted on the

shock absorber, and the upper end of the
shock is attached to the vehicle body. The
lower end of the shock is attached to the rear
knuckle. The knuckle is located by a pair of
lateral links on each side, and an upper con-
trol arm, plus a longitudinally mounted trailing
li nk between the body and each knuckle.

The power-assisted rack-and-pinion

steering gear is located on the front suspen-
sion crossmember, behind the engine and in
front of the firewall. The steering gear actu-
ates the tie-rods. The tie-rod ends are con-
nected to steering arms on the steering
knuckles. The steering column actuates the
steering gear and is designed to collapse in

the event of an accident.

When working on the suspension or

steering system components, you may come
across fasteners which seem impossible to
loosen. Fasteners on the underside of the
vehicle are continually subjected to water,
road grime, mud, etc., and can become
rusted or "frozen," making them extremely
difficult to remove. To unscrew these fasten-
ers without damaging them (or other compo-
nents), be sure to use lots of penetrating oil
and allow it to soak in for a while. Use a wire
brush to clean exposed threads and ease
removal of the nut or bolt and prevent dam-

age to the threads. A sharp blow with a ham-

mer and punch will sometimes break the
bond between nut and bolt threads, but be

careful to keep the punch from slipping off
the fastener and ruining the threads. Heating
the stuck fastener and surrounding area with

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

10-3

1.1a Front suspension and steering components

1

Stabilizer bar

4

Brake caliper

7

Steering knuckle

2

Lower control arm

5

Heat shield

8

Tie-rod

3

Brake disc

6

Stabilizer bar bushing retainers

9

Tie-rod end

1.1b Front suspension

and steering details

1

Upper control arm

2

Coil spring

3

Steering knuckle

4

Shock absorber

5

Shock absorber
clevis

6

Tie-rod end

7

Lower control arm

8

Steering gear boot

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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