Chrysler Concorde 2004 Service Manual page 1434

2 - 42 REAR SUSPENSION
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
wrench and torque wrench in place of the wrench on
the attaching nut.Be sure to use a wrench to hold
the link stud in place while tightening each
attaching nut.
(10) Lower vehicle to the ground.
STRUT
DESCRIPTION - STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around the
struts (Fig. 1). 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 the rubber isolated upper
mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
spindle. Strut attachment to the spindle is accom-
plished using a split collar on the rear spindle. The
collar uses a pinch bolt to retain the spindle to the
strut.
The rear coil springs are rated separately for each
corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. Coil springs
come in a various rates; be sure the correct spring is
in use.
The components of the strut assembly listed below
are serviceable if found to be defective (Fig. 19).
• Strut shaft retainer nut
• Upper mount
• Dust shield
• Jounce bumper
• Coil spring
• Upper spring isolator
• Lower spring isolator
• Strut (damper)
OPERATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle. They cushion the ride of the vehicle, con-
trolling vibration, jounce and rebound of the suspen-
sion.
The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact under full jounce.
The strut dampens jounce and rebound motions of
the coil spring and suspension.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STRUT ASSEMBLY
(REAR)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 19).
Fig. 19 Strut Assembly
1 - UPPER STRUT MOUNT
2 - UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
3 - DUST BOOT
4 - LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 - STRUT ASSEMBLY
6 - COIL SPRING
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 19).
(3) Inspect for damaged upper and lower spring
isolators (Fig. 19).
(4) Lift dust boot and inspect strut assembly 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 inside dust boot for signs of damage
or deterioration.
(5) Verify correct struts and coil springs are
installed on vehicle.
Coil springs are rated separately for each side of
vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of
service.
NOTE: If the coils springs require replacement, be
sure that the springs being replaced, are replaced
with springs meeting the correct load and spring
rate for the vehicle.
Replacement of the coil spring requires removal
and disassembly of the strut assembly. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/REAR/STRUT - REMOVAL)
LH