Chrysler Vehicle User Manual page 55

2 - 18 REAR
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The lower suspension arms are steel and use bush-
ings at each end of the arm. The arms are mounted
from the frame to the axle brackets.
OPERATION
The bushings isolation axle and road noise. The
arm and bushings provide location and react to loads
from the axle.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the lower suspension arm nut and bolt
at the axle bracket (Fig. 1) .
(3) Remove the nut and bolt at the frame rail
mount (Fig. 2) and remove the lower suspension arm.
Fig. 1 Upper & Lower Suspension Arms
1 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - REAR AXLE
3 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm in the axle
bracket and frame rail mount.
(2) Install the mounting bolts and finger tighten
the nuts.
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts to 177
N·m (130 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 2 Upper & Lower Suspension Arms
1 - FRAME MOUNT
2 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
3 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION
The top of the shock absorbers are bolted to the
frame. The bottom of the shocks are bolted to the
axle brackets.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
motion of the vehicle over various road conditions
and limit suspension rebound travel.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK
ABSORBER
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
TJ