Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1075

13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 – NUT
2 – BOLT
3 – BALL JOINT
CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle
from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the
knuckle. Pulling the steering knuckle outward at
this point can separate the inner C/V joint on the
driveshaft. Refer to FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE area for further
information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate each ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 3).
(7) Remove the two screws securing the cooler to
the front suspension crossmember. They are located
behind the cooler and can be accessed from above.
Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(8) Using wire or a bungee cord, support and tie
off the power steering gear to the underbody of the
vehicle, so when the crossmember is lowered, the
gear does not fall away, being held to the vehicle by
only the steering column coupling and the fluid
hoses.
(9) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the
power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
Fig. 3 Pry Bar Usage
1 – STEERING KNUCKLE
2 – PRY BAR
3 – LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 – BALL JOINT STUD
member (Fig. 4). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
(10) Remove the pencil strut from the right front
corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle.
(Fig. 5). Remove the washer behind the strut from
the torque strut bolt.
(11) Remove the screws fastening the front fascia
to the reinforcement as necessary in order to access
the drive-belt splash shield forward fastener screw
(Fig. 6).
(12) Remove the drive-belt splash shield fasteners
(Fig. 6). Remove the shield.
(13) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Before removing
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the
crossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle. Do this so that the crossmember can be
relocated upon reinstallation against the body of
vehicle in the same location as before removal. If
the front suspension crossmember is not rein-
stalled in exactly the same location as before
removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
PT
the front suspension