Stabilizer Bar Description; Operation; Removal; Inspection - Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual

PT
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
(11) If previously loosened, tighten the stabilizer
bar cushion retainer bolts to a torque of 28 N·m (250
in. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front lower
control arms of the vehicle and is attached to the
front suspension crossmember (Fig. 1) .
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front sus-
pension crossmember is through 2 rubber-isolator
cushion and retainers (Fig. 1) . The stabilizer bar
attachment to the lower control arm is done by uti-
lizing an isolated stabilizer bar link at each arm. All
components of the stabilizer bar are serviceable.

OPERATION

The stabilizer bar helps control vehicle body roll.
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one wheel
are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel of the
vehicle through the stabilizer bar.

REMOVAL

NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT - WARNING).
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 35). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
Fig. 35 Stabilizer Bar (Typical)
1 - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 - CUSHIONS
3 - FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 - STABILIZER BAR LINKS
FRONT SUSPENSION
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 35), and remove the stabi-
lizer bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(4) To remove the cushions from the stabilizer bar,
peel back each cushion at the slit and roll it off the
bar.

INSPECTION

Inspect for broken, cracked or distorted stabilizer
bar cushions and retainers. Inspect for worn or dam-
aged stabilizer bar links (Fig. 1).

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Before stabilizer bar installation, inspect the
cushions and links for excessive wear, cracks, dam-
age and distortion. Replace any pieces failing
inspection.
(1) If removed, install the stabilizer bar cushions
on the stabilizer bar utilizing the slit in each cush-
ion. Position the cushions at each end of the bar's
straight beam, just before it begins to curve.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 36).
Fig. 36 Downward Curve
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - LINK
3 - DOWNWARD CURVE
4 - CUSHION RETAINER
(2) First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each
cushion must point toward the front of the vehicle
and sit directly on top of the raised beads formed
into the stamping on the crossmember. Next, install
the cushion retainers, matching the raised beads
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