1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM steering wheel

FRONT SUSPENSION SERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Ball Joints .............................. 13
Hub and Bearing Assembly ................. 20
Knuckle (Front Suspension) ................. 16
Lower Control Arm ....................... 10
Lower Control Arm Pivot Bushings ........... 11 Shock Absorbers (Strut Damper)
............. 10
Strut Damper Assembly ..................... 7
Suspension Coil Springs .................... 9
Sway Bar .............................. 14
Wheel Alignment .......................... 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Front wheel alignment is the proper adjustment of
all interrelated front suspension angles. These angles
are what affects the running and steering of the
front wheels of the vehicle. The method of checking front alignment will vary
depending on the type of equipment being used. The
instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the
equipment should always be followed. With the ex-
ception that the alignment specifications recom-
mended by Chrysler Corporation be used. There are six basic factors which are the founda-
tion to front wheel alignment. These are height,
caster, camber, toe-in, steering axis inclination and
toe-out on turns. Of the six basic factors only camber
and toe in are mechanically adjustable (Fig. 1)
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering components by heating or bending
of the component.
Wheel alignment adjustments and checks should be
made in the following sequence. (1) Camber
(2) Toe
Camber is the number of degrees the top of the
wheel is tilted inward or outward from true vertical.
Inward tilt is negative camber. Outward tilt is posi-
tive camber. Excessive camber is a tire wear factor: negative
camber causes wear on the inside of the tire, while
positive camber causes wear to the outside. Toe
is measured in degrees or inches and is the
distance the front edges of the tires are closer (or far-
ther apart) than the rear edges. See Front Wheel
Drive Specifications for Toesettings.
PRE-ALIGNMENT
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment factors. The following inspection
and necessary corrections must be made on those
parts which influence the steering of the vehicle. (1) Check and inflate tires to recommended pres-
sure. All tires should be the same size and in good
condition and have approximately the same wear.
Note type of tread wear which will aid in diagnosing,
see Wheels and Tires, Group 22. (2) Check front wheel and tire assembly for radial
runout. (3) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness. (4) Check for broken or sagged front and rear
springs. Front suspension must only be checked after the
vehicle has had the following checked or adjusted.
Tires set to recommended pressures, full tank of fuel,
no passenger or luggage compartment load and is on
a level floor or alignment rack. Just prior to each alignment reading. The vehicle
should be bounced (rear first, then front) by grasping
bumper at center and jouncing each end an equal
number of times. Always release bumpers at bottom
of down cycle.
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 5

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SERVICE PROCEDURE
CAMBER AA, AJ BODIES (1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Loosen cam and knuckle bolts (each side) (Fig.
2). (3) Rotate cam bolt (Fig. 2) to move top of wheel in
or out to specified camber. (4) Tighten the cam bolts and nuts to 100 N Im (75
ft. lbs.) plus1/4 turn beyond specified torque.
CAMBER AC, AG, AP, AY BODIES (1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Position vehicle on alignment equipment and
read camber as instructed by equipment manufactur-
er's procedure. (3) Using extensions and appropriate tools. Re-
move the strut assembly to steering knuckle attach-
ing bolts from vehicle (Fig. 2). Replace the original
attaching bolts with the bolts provided in the align-
ment, Cam And Bolt Service Package. (4) Rotate the alignment adjusting cam bolt, (Fig.
2) to obtain the specified camber setting for the ve-
hicle. See the Specifications Section at the end of this
group for the camber setting for the vehicle being
serviced. (5) Using the appropriate extensions and tools.
Carefully reach around the tire and tighten the
knuckle bolts enough to hold the camber setting.
Finish by tightening the bolts to 100 N Im (75 ft.lbs.)
plus 1/4 turn beyond specified torque.
TOE
(1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment procedure. (2) Center steering wheel and hold with steering
wheel clamp. (3) Loosen tie rod locknuts. Rotate rods to align toe
to specifications (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Do not twist tie rod to steering gear rub-
ber boots during adjustment. (4) Tighten tie rod locknuts to 75 N Im (55 ft.lbs.)
torque. (5) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rod.
(6) Remove steering wheel clamp.
STRUT DAMPER ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen wheel nuts.
(2) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance, Group 0. (3) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Where service procedure includes assembly of
original strut (shock absorber) to original
knuckle. Mark cam adjusting bolt (Fig. 4), on
AA, and AJ bodies only. Mark outline of strut
on knuckle as shown in (Fig. 1). on AC, AG, AP
and AY bodies. (4) Remove cam bolt, knuckle bolt(s), washer
plate(s) and brake hose to damper bracket retaining
screw (Fig. 4). (5) Remove strut damper to fender shield mount-
ing nut washer assemblies.
Fig. 2 Alignment Adjustment Locations
Fig. 3 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 7

INSPECTION
Inspect for evidence of fluid running from the up-
per end of the reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a
stream of fluid running down the side and dripping
off lower end of unit). A slight amount of seepage be-
tween the strut rod and strut shaft seal is not un-
usual and does not affect performance of the strut
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install unit into fender reinforcement and in-
stall retaining nuts and washer assemblies (Fig. 1).
Tighten the 3 nuts to 27 N Im (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Position steering knuckle neck into strut as-
sembly. Position washer plate and install cam and
knuckle bolts (Fig. 4). (3) Attach brake hose retainer to damper, tighten
the screw to 13 N Im (10 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 4).
(4) Index strut to original outline on the knuckle
neck, or align mark on cam bolt with the mark that
was put on the strut to steering knuckle bracket
(Fig. 4). (5) Plac e a 4 inch (or larger) C clamp on the strut
and knuckle as shown in (Fig. 5). Tighten the clamp
just enough to eliminate any looseness between the
knuckle and the strut. Check alignment of the index marks and tighten the bolts to 100 N
Im (75 ft. lbs.)
plus 1/4 turn beyond specified torque. Remove the
(C) clamp.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly. Tighten the
wheel nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque.
DISASSEMBLY (STRUT DAMPER)
(1) Compress front coil spring with Spring Com-
pressor, Special Tool C-4838 (Fig. 6).
(2) Hold end of strut shaft from rotating with
wrench, while loosening strut shaft nut. Remove nut
from shaft (Fig. 7). (3) Remove the upper strut mount from the strut
assembly. (4) Remove coil spring from the strut assembly.
Mark spring for installation back on the same
side of the vehicle (Fig. 11).
CAUTION: see Suspension Coil Springs before re-
leasing coil from Tool C-4838.
(5) Inspect strut damper, mount assembly (Fig. 8)
for:
Fig. 4 Strut Damper Removal
Fig. 5 Strut Damper Installation
Fig. 6 Compressing Coil Spring
2 - 8 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

control arm. Be sure that the flanges of the bushing
are fully expanded around the control arm bushing
holes. (5) If the position of the large lower control arm
pivot bushing (Fig. 11) moved during bushing instal-
lation. Install a nut and bolt through the bushing
sleeve and tighten it down (Fig. 11). Using a wrench
rotate the bolt until the bushing is in the correct po-
sition (Fig. 10)
BALL JOINTS
The lower front suspension ball joints operate with
no free play. See Inspection Ball Joint Wear to deter-
mine if the ball joint is worn and requires replace-
ment. The ball joints are replaceable as an assembly, do
not attempt any type of repair on the ball joint as-
sembly. The replacement procedure for the ball joint
assembly is detailed in this section. The ball joint housing is a pressed fit into the
lower control arm with the joint stud retained in the
steering knuckle by a (clamp) bolt.
INSPECTION BALL JOINT WEAR
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels. Grasp the grease fitting as shown in (Fig. 12)
and with no mechanical assistance or added force at-
tempt to move the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move
easily. If movement is noted,replacement of the ball
joint is recommended.
BALL JOINT REMOVAL
(1) Pry off seal.
(2) Position Receiving Cup Special Tool C-4699-2
to support lower control arm while receiving ball
joint assembly (Fig. 13). (3) Install Remover/Installer Special Tool,
C-4699-1 (Fig. 13) over ball joint stud and against
the ball joint upper housing. (4) Press down against the ball joint upper hous-
ing, to remove ball joint assembly from lower control
arm.
Fig. 9 Bushing Installer Tools
Fig. 10 Bushing And Tool Position For Installation In Control Arm
Fig. 11 Positioning Control Arm Bushing
Fig. 12 Checking Ball Joint Wear
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 13

the lower clamps and bolts. The center offset in the
sway bar should be oriented toward the front of the
vehicle (Fig. 16)(3) Position bushing retainers on lower control arms
and install bolts (Fig. 16). (4) With lower control arms raised to design height,
tighten all retainer attaching bolts to 70 N Im (50 ft.
lbs.) torque. (5) Lower vehicle.
KNUCKLE (FRONT SUSPENSION)
The front suspension knuckle (Fig. 1) provides for
steering control of the vehicle. Supports the brake
caliper and absorbs the loads exerted during vehicle
braking. It also supports the front (driving) hub and
bearing and stub axle assembly. The front suspension knuckle also provides the abil-
ity to align the front wheels of the vehicle. This is done
by allowing for front wheel camber adjustment and the
ability for front tire Toe adjustments The front suspension knuckle is not a serviceable
component. Do not attempt to straighten or repair the
front suspension knuckle in any way. Service repair or replacement of the front (drive) hub
and bearing, can be done with the front suspension
knuckle remaining on the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cotter pin, hub nut lock and spring
washer from the front axle (Fig. 2). (2) Loosen hub nut while the vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 3). The hub and drive-
shaft are splined together through the knuckle
(bearing) and retained by the hub nut. (3) Raise and support the vehicle. See Hoisting in
Lubrication and Maintenance, Group 0. (4) Remove the wheel lug nuts, front tire and
wheel assembly and hub nut and washer. (5) Remove the brake caliper adapter to steering
knuckle attaching bolts and washers (Fig. 1). Re-
move the brake caliper and adapter from the steering
knuckle and braking disc. Support brake caliper/
adapter assembly using a wire hook and not by hy-
draulic hose (Fig. 4). (6) Remove the braking disc from the front hub/
bearing assembly (Fig. 5). (7) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod
end. Remove the tie rod end from the steering
knuckle arm using Puller, Special Tool C-3894-A
(Fig. 6). (8) Remove the clamp nut and bolt (Fig. 7) secur-
ing the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. (9) Separate ball joint stud from knuckle assembly
by prying down on lower control arm. Pull knuckle
assembly out and away from driveshaft (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 Remove Cotter Pin, Hub Nut Lock, & Spring Washer
Fig. 3 Loosen Hub Nut
Fig. 1 Front Knuckle Assembly (Typical)
2 - 16 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

(7) Install the tie rod end into the arm of the steer-
ing knuckle. Install the tie rod end to steering
knuckle attaching nut, and torque to 47 N
Im (35 ft. lbs.). Install a new cotter pin into
the tie rod end (Fig. 15).
(8) Install the braking disk back on the hub and
bearing assembly (Fig. 5). (9) Install the front brake caliper and adapter back
over the braking disc and align with the adapter
mounting holes on steering knuckle (Fig. 1). Install
the caliper adapter to steering knuckle attaching
bolts and torque to 217 N Im (160 ft. lbs.).
(10) Clean all foreign matter from the threads of
the stub axle (Fig. 16). Install the washer and hub
nut onto the threads of the stub axle and tighten
nut. (11) With the vehicles brakes applied to keep front
braking disc and hub from turning. Tighten the hub
nut to a torque of 244 N Im (180 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 17).
(12) Install the spring washer, hub nut lock, and
new cotter pin. Wrap the cotter pin prongs tightly
around the hub nut lock (Fig. 18). (13) Install the front wheel and tire assembly. In-
stall the front wheel lug nuts and torque to 129 N Im
(95 ft.lbs.).
Fig. 13 Installing Knuckle Assembly
Fig. 12 Seal and Wear Sleeve Lubrication
Fig. 14 Tighten Steering Knuckle Clamp Bolt
Fig. 15 Install Tie Rod End
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 19

(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Align the front wheels of the vehicle. Use the
procedure listed under Wheel Alignment, in the
Front Suspension Service Procedures section of this
service manual.
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The Unit III Front Hub and Bearing (Fig. 1) is used
on all Front Wheel Drive Applications. All hub and bearing assemblies mount to the steer-
ing knuckle the same way, but very by the wheel size
on the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with 14 inch wheels
have a 4 inch wheel mounting stud pattern. Vehicles
equipped with 15 inch wheels hav e a 4 1/2 inch wheel
mounting stud pattern. If a hub and bearing assembly
needs to be replaced, be sure that the replacement
assembly has the same size wheel mounting stud
pattern as the original part.
This unit is serviced only as a complete assembly
(Fig. 1). It is mounted to the steering knuckle by four
mounting bolts that are removed from the rear of the
steering knuckle (Fig. 2).
REMOVAL
Replacement of the front (drive) hub and bearing
assembly can be done without having to remove the
steering knuckle from the vehicle. (1) Remove cotter pin, hub nut lock, and spring
washer (Fig. 3). (2) Loosen hub nut while the vehicle is on the floor
with the brakes applied (Fig. 4). The hub and drive-
shaft are splined together through the knuckle
(bearing assembly) and retained by the hub nut. (3) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting Recommendations in
Group 0 of this service manual. (4) Remove the hub nut and the washer from the
stub axle (Fig. 3). (5) Remove the wheel lug nuts, and tire and wheel
assembly from the vehicle.
Fig. 16 Install Washer and Hub Nut
Fig. 17 Tighten Hub Nut
Fig. 18 Install Spring Washer, Nut Lock, & Cotter Pin
Fig. 1 Unit III Front Hub And Bearing Assembly
2 - 20 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

DRIVESHAFT IDENTIFICATION
Driveshafts are identified by the manufacturer. Vehi-
cles can be equipped with any of these driveshaft as-
semblies. Each assembly can be identified as shown in
(Fig. 2).
SERVICE PROCEDURES
Procedures for the removal and installation of the
driveshafts are essentially the same for all front
wheel drive vehicles. Each driveshaft has a spring
within the inboard Tripod C/V joint that maintains
constant engagement with the transaxle. This allows
the drive shaft to be removed without dismantling
part of the transaxle.
CAUTION: Boot sealing is vital to retain special lu-
bricants and to prevent foreign contaminants from
entering the C/V joint. Mishandling, such as allow-
ing the assemblies to dangle unsupported, pulling
or pushing the ends can cut boots or damage C/V
joints. During removal and installation procedures
always support both ends of the driveshaft to pre-
vent damage.
DRIVESHAFTS, REMOVE INSTALL
HUB NUT REMOVAL
Hub nut removal and installation is the same for
all front wheel drive vehicles. For installation see
Hub Nut Assemblies Install. (1) Remove cotter pin, lock and spring washer (Fig.
3).
(2) Loosen hub nut and wheel nuts while vehicle is
on floor and brakes applied (Fig. 4). (3) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance, Group 0 of this service manual. (4) Remove hub nut, washer, wheel and tire as-
sembly (Fig. 5).
DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES REMOVE
Inboard C/V joints have stub shafts splined into the
differential side gears, or splined into the intermedi-
ate shaft on the right side of an equal length system.
Driveshafts are retained in the side gears by a con-
stant spring force provided by a spring contained
within the inboard C/V joints. (1) For removal of right driveshaft, the speedome-
ter pinion must be removed BEFORE shaft removal
(Fig. 6). (2) Remove clamp bolt securing ball joint stud into
steering knuckle (Fig. 7). (3) Separate ball joint stud from steering knuckle
by prying against knuckle leg and control arm.
CAUTION: Do not damage ball joint or C/V joint
boots (Fig. 8). (4) Separate outer C/V joint splined shaft from hub
by holding C/V housing while moving knuckle(hub)
assembly away (Fig. 9).
Fig. 3 Remove Cotter Pin, Nut Lock, & Spring Washer
Fig. 4 Loosen Hub Nut & Wheel Nuts
Fig. 5 Remove Hub Nut & Washer Loosen Shaft
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 27