Removal And Installation - Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual

2 - 8 SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
UPPER BALL JOINT
(1) Position a floor jack under the lower suspen-
sion arm. Raise the wheel and allow the tire to
lightly contact the floor (vehicle weight relieved from
the tire).
(2) Mount a dial indicator solidly on the upper sus-
pension arm.
(3) Position the indicator plunger against the
upper ball joint boss of the steering knuckle.
(4) Grasp the top of the tire and apply force in and
out. Look for movement at the ball joint between the
upper suspension arm and steering knuckle.
(5) If lateral movement is greater than 1.52 mm
(0.060 in.), replace upper suspension arm.
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) Remove the upper shock nut, retainer and
grommet from the shock absorber stud (Fig. 3).
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the lower mounting bolts and remove
shock absorber through the lower suspension arm
(Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Upper shock nut must be replaced or use
Mopar Lock 'N Seal or Loctite 242 on existing nut.
Fig. 3 Front Shock Absorber
1 – RETAINER
2 – GROMMET
3 – SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) Install the lower retainer (lower retainer is
stamped with a L) and grommet on the shock
absorber stud and extend the shock. Insert the shock
absorber through the lower suspension arm and
upper mounting hole.
(2) Install the lower mounting bolts and tighten to
28 N·m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(4) Install the upper grommet and retainer (upper
retainer is stamped with a U) on the shock
absorber stud. Install a new nut or use Mopar Lock
'N Seal or Loctite 242 on existing nut and tighten to
26 N·m (19 ft. lbs.).
COIL SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar link from the lower
suspension arm.
(4) Remove the shock absorber.
(5) Install Spring Compressor DD-1278 up through
the lower suspension arm, coil spring and upper
shock mounting hole (Fig. 4).
(6) Tighten the tool lower nut to compress the coil
spring.
(7) Remove the lower ball joint nut and separate
the ball joint from the knuckle with Remover
C-4150A (Fig. 5).
(8) Loosen the spring compressor lower nut to
relieve spring tension.
(9) Remove the tool and pull down on the lower
suspension arm to remove the spring.
DN