Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 49

2 - 38 SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
STRUT ASSEMBLY
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around the
struts. The coil springs are contained between the
upper mount of the strut assembly and a lower
spring seat on the body of the strut assembly.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the top
of the inner fender through a rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
rear knuckle using 2 thru-bolts and prevailing torque
nuts. Rear Caster and camber on this vehicle is a
fixed setting (net build) and is not required to be
adjusfted as a normal procedure when performing an
alignment on this vehicle.
COIL SPRING
Rear coil springs are rated separately for each cor-
ner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. During service
procedures when both rear coil springs are removed,
mark the coil springs to ensure installation of the
springs in their original position. If coil springs
require replacement, be sure the springs need-
ing replacement, are replaced with springs
meeting the correct load rating for the vehicle
and its specific options.
STABILIZER BAR
The stabilizer bar interconnects both rear strut
assemblies and is attached to the rear frame rails of
the vehicle.
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle to stabilize body roll.
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the rear frame
rails of the vehicle is through 2 rubber-isolator bush-
ings and bushing retainers. The stabilizer bar to
strut assembly attachment is done utilizing a rubber
isolated stabilizer bar attaching link. All parts of the
stabilizer bar are serviceable, and the stabilizer bar
to frame rail isolator bushings are split for easy
removal and installation. The split in the stabilizer
bar to crossmember bushing must be positioned
toward the rear of the vehicle, when the stabilizer
bar is installed on the vehicle.
KNUCKLE
A forged rear knuckle bolts to each rear strut
assembly. The movement of the rear knuckle is con-
trolled laterally using two lateral arms attached to
the knuckle. The outboard ends of the two lateral
arms are mounted forward and rearward of the spin-
dle centerline, and inboard ends are mounted to the
rear crossmember. Fore and aft movement of the
knuckle is controlled by using a tension strut.
LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR DUST BOOT
LATERAL LINKS AND TENSION STRUTS
The lateral arms and tension strut have rubber
isolator bushings at each end. The lateral arms are
attached to the rear crossmember and knuckle, using
a unique bolt and nut assembly at each end. The lat-
eral arm to rear crossmember attaching bolts are
longer than the lateral arm to knuckle attaching
bolts. Each lateral arm to knuckle attaching bolt and
nut assembly uses 2 flat washers. Each lateral arm
to rear crossmember attaching bolt uses 1 flat
washer and 1 adjustment cam to provide a means for
rear wheel Toe adjustment. The tension strut assem-
bly attaches to a bracket on the frame rail and to the
bottom of the knuckle.
Lateral arms, tension struts and knuckles are nor-
mally replaced only when the part has been damaged
or when the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
If a suspension part has been damaged, be sure to
check the underbody dimensions of the car. If under-
body dimensions of the vehicle are not correct, the
frame must be straightened before replacement sus-
pension components are installed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT INSPECTION (ON VEHICLE)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 2).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 2).
(3) Inspect for damaged lower spring isolator (Fig.
2).
Fig. 2 On Vehicle Strut Assembly Inspection
STRUT ASSEMBLY COIL SPRING
PL