Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 31

DN
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
COIL SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION
The springs mount between the lower suspension
arms and frame rail spring seats. A rubber isolator
seats on top off the spring to help prevent noise.
OPERATION
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height.
STEERING KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
SUSPENSION ARMS
DESCRIPTION
The upper suspension arm bolts on frame brackets
through the arm pivot shaft. The frame brackets
have slotted holes which allow the arms to be
adjusted for caster and camber. Pivot shaft bushings
are not replaceable.
The lower suspension arms bolt to the lower frame
brackets and pivot through bushings, these bushings
are not replaceable.
The suspension arms have lube for life riveted ball
studs. The suspension arm travel (jounce) is limited
through the use of urethane bumpers. Rebound
travel is limited by the shock absorber.
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and mounts on the frame rails. Links con-
nected the bar to the lower suspension arms. Stabi-
lizer bar mounts are isolated by rubber bushings.
Links are isolated with rubber grommets.
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
sion.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOWER BALL JOINT
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower suspension arms as far out-
board as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the
stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
NOTE: The upper suspension arms must not con-
tact the rebound bumpers.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly under the lower
suspension arm.
(4) Position indicator plunger against the bottom
of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle lower ball joint boss (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Lower Ball Joint Boss
1 – BALL JOINT BOSS
2 – STEERING KNUCKLE
3 – DIAL INDICATOR
(5) Position a pry bar over the top of the upper
suspension arm and under the pivot bar of the upper
suspension arm. Pry down on the upper suspension
arm and then zero the dial indicator.
(6) Reposition the pry bar under the upper suspen-
sion arm and on top of the frame rail. Pry up on the
upper suspension arm and record the dial indicator
reading.
(7) If the travel exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in.),
replace the lower suspension arm.
SUSPENSION 2 - 7