Jeep 1997 Grand Cherokee Service Manual page 38

2 - 12 SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-
base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
(2) Remove the upper nut and retainer from the
frame rail stud (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove the lower nut and bolt from the axle
bracket. Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the shock absorber on the upper frame
rail stud. Install the shock absorber on the axle
bracket.
(2) Install the retainer and nut on the stud.
Tighten the upper nut to 70 N·m (52 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install lower bolt and nut finger tight.
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(5) Tighten the lower nut to 92 N·m (68 ft. lbs.).
COIL SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
COIL SPRING AXLE BRACKET
Fig. 2 Rear Coil Spring & Shock Absorber
(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock
absorber from the axle bracket.
(3) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail
bracket.
(4) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the
upper mount seat. Remove the coil spring retainer
bolt (Fig. 2) and remove the spring.
INSTALLATION
Inspect isolator for damage or wear. Replace the
isolator if necessary before installing spring.
(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad. Install
the spring retainer and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 22
N·m (16 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring
seats in the upper mount.
(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock
absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar
to the frame rail bracket.
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(5) Tighten the track bar and shock absorber to
specified torque.
CLIP VIEW IN SHOCK ABSORBER FRAME DIRECTION COIL SPRING RETAINER NUT ARROW Z STUD RAIL OF
ZG