Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual page 38

AN
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
Fig. 7 Lower Suspension Arm
1 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - FRAME MOUNTS
(3) Install the shock absorber. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install stabilizer bar link to the lower suspen-
sion arm and tighten nut to 47 N·m (35 ft. lbs.)
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER
BAR - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install brake rotor and caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(7) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(8) Tighten the front suspension arm mounting
nut to 175 N·m (130 ft. lbs.) and the rear nut to 108
N·m (80 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION
The top of the low-pressure gas charged shock are
bolted to the frame. The bottom of the shock are
bolted to the lower suspension arm.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
of the vehicle over various road conditions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK
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
(1) Remove the upper shock nut, retainer and
grommet from the shock absorber stud (Fig. 8) .
-
Fig. 8 Front Shock Absorber
1 - RETAINER
2 - GROMMET
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the lower mounting bolts and remove
shock absorber through the lower suspension arm
(Fig. 8) .
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Upper shock nut must be replaced or use
Mopar Lock 'N Seal or Loctite 242 on existing nut.
(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.
FRONT - 2WD 2 - 11