Assembly - Strut Assembly - Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual

RS
STRUT (Continued)
Fig. 45 Retaining Nut Removal/Installation (Typical)
1 - UPPER MOUNT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864
(11) Remove the jounce bumper from the dust
shield. The jounce bumper is removed from the dust
shield by collapsing the dust shield until the jounce
bumper can be pulled free from the dust boot.
(12) Remove the spring isolator from the lower
spring seat on the strut (Fig. 38).
(13) Inspect the strut assembly components (Fig.
38) for the following and replace as necessary:
• Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
• Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
• Check the upper seat for stress cracks and wear.
• Check the upper spring isolator for severe dete-
rioration.
• Check for binding of the strut assembly pivot
bearing.
• Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
• Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.

ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY

For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
FRONT SUSPENSION
NOTE: Coil Springs on this vehicle are side-ori-
ented. Springs on the left side of the vehicle have a
left-hand wind top-to-bottom while springs on the
right side have a right-hand wind top-to-bottom.
Left and right springs must not be interchanged.
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 5.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor lower
hooks following the manufacturers instructions.
Proper orientation of the spring to the strut (once
installed) is necessary. Consider the following when
placing the coil spring in the compressor: From
above, the compressor back is at the 12 o'clock posi-
tion, and you, standing in the front of the machine,
are at the 6 o'clock position. Place the lower coil
spring end at the 6 o'clock position for both left and
right springs. (Fig. 46).
Fig. 46 Spring Positioned In Compressor (Right
Spring Shown)
1 - COMPRESSOR LOWER HOOKS
2 - COIL SPRING END
(2) Install the upper seat and upper isolator on top
of the coil spring. Position the notch in the perimeter
of the upper seat toward the front of the compressor
(same 6 o'clock position as in step 1).
(3) Position the upper hooks on top of the coil
spring upper seat so the upper hooks span approxi-
mately 1 inch past outside diameter of upper seat
(Fig. 47). This will allow proper clearance for upper
mount installation without pinching the hooks in-be-
tween the two pieces. Do not allow hooks to be
placed closer to edge.
(4) Compress the coil spring far enough to allow
strut installation.
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