Front Stabilizer Bar And Bushing-Removal And Installation; Front Shock Absorber-Removal And Installation - Jeep cherokee 1989 Owner's Manual

1 General information
I
Refer to illustrations I . and 1.2
suspended by t w o coil springs. Four control arms allow the axle to
move vertically, and lateral movement is prevented by a track bar. A
telescopic dual-action shock absorber is mounted on each side. The
steering knuckles pivot on balljoints and a stabilizer bar controls body
roll (see illustration).
The rear axle on all models is suspended by t w o semi-elliptic leaf
springs and t w o dual-action telescopic shock absorbers (see illustra-
tion). A stabilizer bar is installed on most models. As an option, some
Commanche models are equipped with an automatic load leveling
system.
Steering is either manual or power assisted. A recirculating ball type
steering gearbox transmits the turning force through the steering
linkage to the steering knuckle arms. A steering damper is mounted
between the frame and the center link to reduce unwanted bump steer.
An intermediate shaft connects the steering gear to the steering col-
umn. The steering column is designed to collapse in the event of an
accident.
Frequently, when working on the suspension or steering system com-
ponents, you may come across fasteners which seem impossible to
loosen. These fasteners on the underside of the vehicle are continually
subjected to water, road grime, mud, etc., and can become rusted or
"frozen," making them extremely difficult to remove. In order to
unscrew these stubborn fasteners without damaging them (or other
components), be sure t o use lots of penetrating oil and allow it to soak
in for a while. Using a wire brush to clean exposed threads will also
ease removal of the nut or bolt and prevent damage t o the threads.
Sometimes a sharp blow with a hammer and punch is effective in break-
ing the bond between a nut and bolt threads, but care must be taken
to prevent the punch from slipping off the fastener and ruining the
threads. Heating the stuck fastener and surrounding area with a torch
sometimes helps too, but isn't recommended because of the obvious
dangers associated with fire. Long breaker bars and extension, or
"cheater," pipes will increase leverage, but never use an extension
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pipe on a ratchet the ratcheting mechanism could be damaged.
Sometimes, turning the nut or bolt in the tightening (clockwise) direc-
tion first will help to break it loose. Fasteners that require drastic
measures to unscrew should always be replaced with new ones.
Since most of the procedures that are dealt with in this chapter in-
volve jacking up the vehicle and working underneath it, a good pair
of jackstands will be needed. A hydraulic floor jack is the preferred
type of jack to lift the vehicle, and it can also be used t o support cer-
tain components during various operation. Warning: Never, under any
circumstances, rely on a jack to support the vehicle while working on
2.2 Note the positions of the bushings and washers before
removing the stabilizer bar-to-link nuts
loosening the nut, hold it with a pair of locking pliers
The Motor Manual Guy
Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems
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if the link turns while
it. Whenever any of the suspension or steering fasteners are loosened
or removed they must be inspected and, if necessary, be replaced with
new ones of the same part number or of original equipment quality
and design. Torque specifications must be followed for proper reas-
sembly and component retention. Never attempt to heat or straighten
any suspension or steering components. Instead, replace any bent or
damaged part with a new one.
2 Front stabilizer bar and bushings
Refer to illustrations 2.2 and 2.3
Removal
1 Apply the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support
it securely on jackstands.
2
Remove the stabilizer bar-to-link nuts, noting how the spacers,
washers and bushings are positioned (see illustration). If it is necessary
to remove the links, simply unbolt them from the axle brackets.
3
Remove the stabilizer bar bracket bolts and detach the bar from
the vehicle (see illustration).
4 Pull the brackets off the stabilizer bar and inspect the bushings
for cracks, hardness and other signs of deterioration. If the bushings
are damaged, replace them.
lnstalla tion
5 Position the stabilizer bar bushings on the bar.
6 Push the brackets over the bushings and raise the bar up t o the
frame. Install the bracket bolts but don't tighten them completely at
this time.
7 Install the stabilizer bar-to-link nuts, washers, spacers and rubber
bushings and tighten the nuts securely.
8
Tighten the bracket bolts.
3
Front shock absorber removal and installation
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Refer to illustrations 3.2 and 3.3
Removal
1 Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely
on jackstands. Apply the parking brake. Remove the wheel.
2
Remove the upper shock absorber stem nut (see illustration). Use
an open end wrench to keep the stem from turning. If the nut won't
loosen because of rust, squirt some penetrating oil on the stem threads
and allow it to soak in for awhile. It may be necessary to keep the stem
2.3 The stabilizer bar is attached to the frame with t w o
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brackets like this remove the bolts (arrows) t o detach
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the bar from the frame
replaced if they are hard, cracked or otherwise deformed
removal and installation
the rubber bushings should be