Watts Link Removal; Installation; Watts Link Assembly - Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual

PT
WATTS LINK
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/REAR - WARNING).
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) If the lower watts link is being removed, per-
form the following first, otherwise proceed to the
next step.
(a) Remove the nut securing the bell crank pivot
bolt in the center of the axle (Fig. 37).
(b) With the bolt still installed, slide the bell
crank away from the axle just enough to remove
the nut securing the lower link to the bell crank
(Fig. 37).
(3) Remove the nut securing the ball joint to the
bell crank (Fig. 37).
(4) Install the Remover, Special Tool MB991113, on
the link ball joint at the bell crank and release ball
joint from the bell crank.
(5) Remove the bolt securing the link to the
bracket on the body of the vehicle. Remove the link.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: When installing the link, DO NOT attempt
to turn the ball joint end of the link independently.
(1) Making sure the ball joint end is positioned
properly for mounting to the bell crank (Fig. 37),
install the link into the bracket on the body of the
vehicle.
(2) Install the bolt (and flag nut for upper link)
securing the link to the bracket, but do not fully
tighten it at this time. It must be tightened when the
vehicle is at curb height.
NOTE: The upper link extends from the right side of
the vehicle to the upper end of the bell crank while
the lower link extends from the left side of the vehi-
cle to the lower end of the bell crank.
(3) Install the upper or lower link to the bell crank
(Fig. 37). Install the nut on the ball joint stud and
tighten it to a torque of 14 N·m (10 ft. lbs.) plus an
additional 180° turn after torque is met.
(4) If the lower link is the link being installed, per-
form the following, otherwise proceed to the next
step.
(a) Slide the bell crank pivot bolt all the way
through the axle.
(b) Place the washer and nut on the end of the
pivot bolt and tighten it to a torque of 149 N·m
(110 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Although both ends of the bell crank
appear to be the same, they are not. When install-
ing the watts links or bell crank, make sure the bell
crank is properly positioned. When mounted prop-
erly, the words "BACK UP" should be able to be
read from the rear over the top of the axle (Fig. 38).
(5) Verify the words "BACK UP" can be read on
the bell crank from the rear over the top of the axle
(Fig. 38). If they cannot be read at this position, the
link or bell crank is not installed properly and must
be removed and reinstalled so that the words "BACK
UP" can be read on the upper rear of the bell crank
once installed.
(6) Lower the vehicle to the ground.
(7) Place the vehicle on an alignment rack or
drive-on hoist.
(8) With the suspension at curb height, tighten the
link mounting bolt at the body bracket to a torque of
92 N·m (68 ft. lbs.).
REAR SUSPENSION 2 - 51