Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 24

STEERING KNUCKLE BEARING RETAINING SNAP
PL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
FRONT WHEEL HUB BEARING
The front wheel hub bearing used on the Neon is a
Unit 1 type cartridge bearing (Fig. 6).
The wheel bearing is serviced separately from the
front steering knuckle and front hub assembly.
Installation and retention of the front wheel bearing
into the steering knuckle, is by means of an interfer-
ence press fit using a retaining compound and a
retaining snap ring (Fig. 6). Installation of the front
hub into the front wheel bearing, must be done after
wheel bearing and retaining snap ring is installed in
steering knuckle.
The unit 1 wheel bearing is serviced only as a com-
plete assembly less the wheel hub. If the front wheel
bearing requires replacement, the hub must be
removed from the original wheel bearing and trans-
ferred to the replacement bearing.
Fig. 6 Front Wheel Hub Bearing
COIL SPRING
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or
side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment
and type of vehicle service. During service procedures
when both springs are removed, mark springs to
ensure installation in original position. Each coil
spring comes with a plastic sleeve on the second coil
of the spring. This plastic sleeve is a noise insulator
for the coil spring. If coil springs require replace-
ment, be sure that the springs needing replace-
ment, are replaced with springs meeting the
correct load rating for the vehicle and its spe-
cific options.
BALL JOINT
The ball joint (Fig. 7) is pressed into the lower con-
trol arm and has a non-tapered stud with a notch for
steering knuckle clamp bolt clearance. The ball joint
stud is clamped and locked into the steering knuckle
leg using a pinch bolt. The ball joint used on this
vehicle is replaceable and if found defective can be
RING UNIT 1 TYPE CAR- TRIDGE BEARING BALL SEAL BOOT JOINT GREASE FITTING BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY
serviced as a separate component of the lower control
arm assembly.
Fig. 7 Ball Joint Assembly
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS
If wheel attaching studs need to be replaced in the
hub and bearing assembly the studs CAN NOT be
hammered out of the hub flange. If a stud is removed
by hammering it out of the bearing flange, damage to
the hub and bearing assembly will occur leading to
premature bearing failure.
Use the procedure and special tools shown in the
service procedures section for the wheel mounting
studs when replacing the wheel attaching studs.
The hub and bearing assembly does not require
removal from the steering knuckle or the rear
knuckle to replace the wheel attaching studs in the
hub and bearing assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLY
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 8).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 8).
(3) Lift dust boot (Fig. 9) and inspect strut assem-
bly for evidence of fluid running from the upper end
of fluid reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of
fluid running down the side and dripping off lower
end of unit). A slight amount of seepage between the
strut rod and strut shaft seal is not unusual and does
not affect performance of the strut assembly. Also
inspect jounce bumpers for signs of damage or dete-
rioration.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension steering knuckle is not a
repairable component of the front suspension. IT
MUST BE REPLACED IF FOUND TO BE DAM-
BALL JOINT STUD
SUSPENSION 2 - 13