Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1074

PT
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER . . . . . . . . 5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Front Suspension for addi-
tional information.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
CAUTION: If the front suspension crossmember is
being replaced due to collision damage, inspect the
steering column lower coupling for damage. Refer
to STEERING COLUMN in the STEERING section for
the procedure.
FRAMES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE area in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(2) Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
1 – STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 – CUSHIONS
3 – FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 – STABILIZER BAR LINKS
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 1), and remove the stabilizer
bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(5) Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping each
ball joint stud to the steering knuckle (Fig. 2).
FRAME AND BUMPERS
Fig. 1 Stabilizer Bar
13 - 5
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