Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible RHD Service Manual page 32

SHOCK COILSPRING ABSORBER
2 - 10 SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Fig. 2 On Vehicle Shock Absorber Assembly
Inspection
LOWER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the lower control arm casting is ser-
viced only as a complete component. Inspect lower
control arm for signs of damage from contact with
the ground or road debris. If lower control arm shows
any sign of damage, inspect lower control arm for
distortion. Do not attempt to repair or straighten
a broken or bent lower control arm.
The replaceable components of the lower control
arm are: the ball joint grease seal and the control
arm bushings. Inspect both control arm bushings for
severe deterioration, and replace if required.
Inspect the lower ball joint for wear. Use the wear
inspection procedure in the diagnosis and testing sec-
tion in this group of service manual to determine if
the wear is excessive and ball joint (lower control
arm) replacement is required.
Service procedures to replace these components are
detailed in the specific component removal and
installation sections in this group of the service man-
ual.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the upper control arm is serviced only
as a complete component. Inspect the upper control
arm for any signs of damage. If control arm shows
any sign of damage the upper control arm must be
replaced. Do not attempt to repair or straighten
a broken or bent upper control arm.
The only serviceable component of the upper con-
trol arm is the ball joint grease seal. No other repair
or replacement procedure should be attempted on
UPPER SPRING DUST BOOT SEAT
any component of the upper control arm. Service pro-
cedures to replace the serviceable components are
detailed in the specific component sections of this
group.
LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WEAR
INSPECTION
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Install a dial indicator on the vehicle so it is
contacting the top surface of the steering knuckle
near the lower ball joint stud castle nut.
(3) Grab wheel and tire assembly and push it up
and down firmly.
(4) Record the amount of up and down movement
of the steering knuckle recorded on the dial indicator.
(5) Replace lower control arm if the movement in
the lower control arm exceeds 1.5 mm (.059 in.).
UPPER BALL JOINT WEAR INSPECTION
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels. Grasp the grease fitting and with no mechan-
ical assistance or added force attempt to move the
grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move
easily. If movement is noted, replacement of the
upper control arm is required.
STABILIZER BAR
Inspect for broken or distorted stabilizer bar bush-
ings, bushing retainers, and worn or damaged stabi-
lizer bar to control arm attaching links. If stabilizer
bar to front suspension cradle bushing replacement is
required, bushing can be removed from stabilizer bar
by opening slit and peeling bushing off stabilizer bar.
HUB/BEARING
The hub bearing is designed for the life of the vehi-
cle and requires no type of periodic maintenance. The
following procedure may be used for diagnosing the
condition of the hub bearing.
With the wheel, disc brake caliper, and brake rotor
removed, rotate the wheel hub. Any roughness or
resistance to rotation may indicate dirt intrusion or a
failed hub bearing. If the hub bearing exhibits any of
these conditions during diagnosis, the hub bearing
will require replacement, the bearing is not service-
able.
Damaged bearing seals and the resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease weapage from the hub bearing is
considered normal and should not require replace-
ment of the hub bearing.
JX