Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible RHD Service Manual page 31

JX
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
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 front sus-
pension cradle is through 2 rubber-isolator bushings
and bushing retainers. The stabilizer bar to lower
control arm attachment is done utilizing a ball joint
type, stabilizer bar attaching link. All parts of the
stabilizer bar are replaceable as individual compo-
nents, and the stabilizer bar to crossmember bush-
ings are split for easy removal and installation.
HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY
The bearing used on the front hub of this vehicle is
the combined hub and bearing unit type assembly.
This unit assembly combines the front wheel mount-
ing hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
one piece unit. The hub/bearing assembly is mounted
to the steering knuckle and is retained by three
mounting bolts accessible from the back of the steer-
ing knuckle. The hub/bearing unit is not serviceable
and must be replaced as an assembly if the bearing
or the hub is determined to be defective. The wheel
mounting studs are the only replaceable component
of the hub/bearing assembly.
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. If the coil
springs require replacement, be sure that the
springs needing replacement, are replaced with
springs meeting the correct load rating and
spring rate for the vehicle and its specific
options.
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT
The ball joint used in the lower control arm of this
vehicle is a sealed for life ball joint. The ball joint
can not be replaced as a separate component of the
lower control arm assembly. If the ball joint is deter-
mined to be defective it will require replacement of
the complete lower control arm assembly.
. The lower ball joint connection to the steering
knuckle is achieved by an interference fit created by
the tapered stud of the ball joint and a tapered hole
in the steering knuckle. The ball joint stud is
retained in the steering knuckle using a castle nut
and a cotter pin. The cotter pin is used for positive
retention of the castle nut.
The lower ball joint is lubricated for life at the
time it is assembled in the lower control arm. The
ball joint does not require any type of addi-
tional lubrication for the life of the vehicle. No
attempt should be made to ever add any lubri-
cation to the lower ball joint.
UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT
The ball joint is pressed into the upper control arm
and has a tapered stud for attachment to the steer-
ing knuckle. The ball joint stud is attached and
locked into the steering knuckle using a castle nut
and cotter pin. The ball joint is not serviceable as a
separate component of the upper control arm. If the
ball joint is defective it will require replacement of
the entire upper control arm.
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
SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 2).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged shock absorber
dust boots (Fig. 2).
(3) Lift the dust boot and inspect the shock
absorber 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 shock absorber rod and the seal is not
unusual and does not affect performance of the shock
absorber. Also inspect jounce bumpers for signs of
damage or deterioration (Fig. 2).
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-
AGED IN ANY WAY. If it is determined that the
steering knuckle is bent when servicing the vehicle,
no attempt is to be made to straighten the steering
knuckle.
On this vehicle the steering knuckle must be
removed from the vehicle when servicing the front
hub bearing.
SUSPENSION 2 - 9