Tension Strut; Stabilizer Bar (Front) - Chrysler 2000 LHS Owner's Manual

LH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

TENSION STRUT

DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a steel tension strut on each side
of the vehicle's front suspension, between the lower
control arm and front suspension cradle/crossmember
(Fig. 1). The strut has rubber isolator bushings,
retainer washers and nuts at each end where it
mounts.
OPERATION
The tension strut controls longitudinal (fore-and-
aft) movement of each front wheel and the front sus-
pension. Controlling the longitudinal movement helps
reduce harshness when the wheel hits sudden irreg-
ularities in the road surface.
The tension strut's rubber isolator bushings isolate
suspension noise from the body of the vehicle.

STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)

DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front cradle/cross-
member (Fig. 1).
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cradle/
crossmember is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion
bushings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabi-
lizer bar link is used to attach each end of the stabi-
lizer bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of
the stabilizer bar are replaceable as individual com-
ponents.
The stabilizer bar to front cradle cushion bushings
are slit for easy removal and installation. The slit
must be positioned toward the front of the vehicle
when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helps
to minimize the body roll of the vehicle during sus-
pension movement.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs.
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots.
(3) 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 for signs of damage or deterioration.
(4) Inspect the upper strut mount assembly. Make
sure the correct mount is on the correct side of the
vehicle. Looking down at the top of the upper mount,
2 tabs can be seen, (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4), down inside
the mount center well. The positioning of these tabs
is critical to vehicle ride and sound. DO NOT install
a right mount on the left front strut or a left
mount on a right front strut.
(4) If the strut is off the vehicle, a rectangular hole
can be seen on the edge of the mount mounting sur-
face (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4). This is always in the 10
o'clock position when observing rubber tab position-
ing, whether a left or right mount is being observed.
Fig. 3 Left Front Strut Upper Mount
1 – NOTCH
2 – RUBBER TABS
3 – OUTBOARD STRUT COIL SPRING SEAT
4 – STEERING ARM
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or
side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment
and type of vehicle service. Be sure that the springs
meet the correct load rating for the vehicle and its
specific options.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension knuckle (Fig. 5) is not a ser-
viceable component. Do not attempt to straighten or
repair the front suspension knuckle in any way.
Service repair or replacement of the front (drive)
hub and bearing, (Fig. 5) can be done with the front
suspension knuckle remaining on the vehicle.
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT)
The front hub bearing is designed for the life of the
vehicle and requires no type of periodic maintenance.
SUSPENSION 2 - 13