Chrysler 300M 2002 Service Manual page 36

LH
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
CAUTION: When lower control arm is separated
from steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit
up against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits
steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball
joint seal becomes torn, replace seal before assem-
bling lower control arm to knuckle.
(4) Carefully insert a pry bar between lower con-
trol arm and steering knuckle (Fig. 25). Push down
on pry bar to separate ball joint stud from steering
knuckle (Fig. 25).
Fig. 25 Separating Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - BALL JOINT STUD
3 - PRY BAR
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(5) Remove tension strut to cradle attaching nut
and washer from end of tension strut (Fig. 26). When
removing tension strut nut, keep strut from turning
by holding tension strut at flat using an open end
wrench (Fig. 26). Discard tension strut to cradle
retaining nut. A NEW tension strut to cradle
nut must be used when installing tension strut.
(6) Loosen and remove lower control arm pivot
bushing to cradle assembly pivot bolt (Fig. 27).
(7) Remove lower control arm and tension strut
from the cradle as an assembly. Remove them from
cradle by first removing pivot bushing end from cra-
dle and then sliding tension strut out of isolator
bushing (Fig. 28) (Fig. 29).
(8) Remove tension strut to control arm retaining
nut and washer from end of tension strut (Fig. 29).
While removing nut, keep strut from turning by hold-
ing tension strut at flat using an open end wrench.
Discard the retaining nut. A NEW nut must be
used when installing tension strut.
(9) Separate the tension strut from the lower con-
trol arm.
Fig. 26 Tension Strut To Cradle Mounting
1 - NUT
2 - WASHER
3 - TENSION STRUT
4 - CRADLE ASSEMBLY
5 - ISOLATOR BUSHING
6 - FLAT
Fig. 27 Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt
1 - CRADLE ASSEMBLY
2 - PIVOT BOLT
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(PIVOT BUSHING)
(1) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle.
(2) Separate the tension strut from the lower con-
trol arm assembly.
FRONT SUSPENSION 2 - 13