Chrysler Stratus RHD 1999 Electronic Service Manual page 23

2 - 12 SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
cedures to replace the serviceable components are
detailed in the specific component sections of this
group.
BALL JOINT (FRONT UPPER)
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the grease fitting and with no mechan-
ical assistance or added force, attempt to move the
grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move
easily. If movement is noted, replacement of the
upper control arm is required.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the lower control arm casting is ser-
viced only as a complete component. Inspect lower
control arm for signs of damage from contact with
the ground or road debris. If lower control arm shows
any sign of damage, inspect lower control arm for
distortion. Do not attempt to repair or straighten
a broken or bent lower control arm.
The replaceable components of the lower control
arm are: the ball joint grease seal and the control
arm bushings. Inspect both control arm bushings for
severe deterioration, and replace if required.
Inspect the lower ball joint for wear. Use the wear
inspection procedure in the diagnosis and testing sec-
tion in this group of service manual to determine if
the wear is excessive and ball joint (lower control
arm) replacement is required.
Service procedures to replace these components are
detailed in the specific component removal and
installation sections in this group of the service man-
ual.
BALL JOINT (LOWER)
(1) Raise the vehicle on jack stands or centered on
a frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Install a dial indicator on the vehicle so it is
contacting the top surface of the steering knuckle
near the lower ball joint stud castle nut.
(3) Grab wheel and tire assembly and push it up
and down firmly.
(4) Record the amount of up and down movement
of the steering knuckle recorded on the dial indicator.
(5) Replace lower control arm if the movement in
the lower control arm exceeds 1.5 mm (.059 in.).
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
Inspect for broken or distorted stabilizer bar bush-
ings, bushing retainers, and worn or damaged stabi-
lizer bar to control arm attaching links.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
LUBRICATION
The only serviceable lubrication points on the sus-
pension are the upper ball joints (Fig. 2). All other
joints are sealed for life. Lubricate the upper ball
joints until a slight swelling is noticed in the ball
joint seal boots. Do not overfill the seal boots. Follow
the vehicles maintenance schedule.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE A SHOCK ROD NUT
WHILE THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY
SPRING IS COMPRESSED.
CAUTION: Only frame contact hoisting equipment
can be used on this vehicle. All vehicles have a
fully independent rear suspension. The vehicles can
not be hoisted using equipment designed to lift a
vehicle by the rear axle. If this type of hoisting
equipment is used, damage to rear suspension
components will occur.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle, can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. Also, NO holes can be drilled
into the front shock tower in the area shown in (Fig.
3), for the installation of any metal fasteners into
the shock tower. Because of the minimum clear-
ance in this area installation of metal fasteners
could damage the coil spring coating and lead to a
corrosion failure of the spring.
NOTE: If a suspension component becomes bent,
damaged or fails, no attempt should be made to
straighten or repair it. Always replace it with a new
component.
SHOCK ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
NOTE: Before proceeding, review SERVICE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen wheel nuts.
(2) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
JA