Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1276

PL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER . . . . . . 3
SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
WARNING: IF SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER IS
REPLACED DUE TO COLLISION DAMAGE, INSPECT
THE STEERING COLUMN TO STEERING GEAR
COUPLING FOR DAMAGE. REFER TO GROUP 19,
STEERING FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Before removing front suspension crossmem-
ber, index mark location of crossmember on
frame to aid installation .
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension
and Driveshaft for additional information.
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Using a suitable marking device, mark the out-
line of the suspension crossmember on the frame
torque box around the rear mounting location.
LOWER CON- TROL ARM
FRAMES
INDEX
page
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(3) Remove front wheels from vehicle.
(4) Remove pinch bolts holding front ball joints to
spindles.
(5) Separate ball joints from spindles.
(6) Position a suitable lifting device under the
crossmember.
(7) Remove bolts holding suspension crossmember
to frame rails above lower control arms (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove bolts holding crossmember to frame
torque boxes and allow front of crossmember to
swing down.
(9) Remove bolts holding steering gear to cross-
member.
(10) Separate steering gear from crossmember.
(11) Tie steering gear to a suitable structure above
to support gear after crossmember is removed.
(12) Separate front suspension crossmember from
vehicle.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension Crossmember
INSTALLATION
If a new crossmember is to be installed, transfer
stabilizer bar and lower control arms from original
crossmember. Refer to Group 2, Suspension and
Driveshaft for proper procedures.
(1) Place front suspension crossmember in position
on vehicle.
(2) Remove tie device supporting steering gear.
STABILIZER BAR FRONT MOUNT SUSPENSION TIE
FRAME AND BUMPERS
ROD END MEMBER CROSS- REAR MOUNT
13 - 3
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