DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACH-
MENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR
LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER, OR BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER
UNITS.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not attach towing device to front or rear sus-
pension components.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects
from a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations
before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a flat bed towing device or wheel lift (Fig. 2) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4
in.) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance
cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed
device is used, the approach angle should not exceed
15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels
removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or
rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of
the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
NS vehicles can be tied to a flat bed device using
the reinforced loops located under the front and rear
bumpers on the drivers side of the vehicle. There are
also four reinforced elongated holes for T or R-hooks
located on the bottom of the front frame rail torque
Fig. 2 Recommended Towing Devices
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCENS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
boxes behind the front wheels and forward of the
rear wheels inboard of the rocker panel weld seam.
TOWINGÐFRONT WHEEL LIFT
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
towed with the front end lifted, whenever possible. A
90 cm (36 in.) length of 4x4 wood beam can be placed
between the wheel lift device and the bottom of the
fascia to prevent damage to vehicle during the lifting
operation. The beam can removed after lifting the
front of the vehicle.
TOWINGÐREAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²On AWD vehicles, all four wheels must be free to
rotate. Use towing dollies at unlifted end of vehicle.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to Owner's Manual provided with vehicle for
proper emergency jacking procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN THE ENGINE OR REAR SUSPENSION
IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING
CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT ORSECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
CAUTION: Do not position hoisting device on sus-
pension components or front crossmember, dam-
age to vehicle can result.
TO HOIST OR JACK VEHICLE SEE(Fig. 3).
Vehicles with factory installed ground effects are
equipped with front and rear hoisting pads. These
pads are stamped, ªHoist Pointº.
Fig. 3 HOISTING AND JACKING POINTS
NSLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
JUMP STARTING, HOISTING AND TOWING
INDEX
page
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS............. 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACH-
MENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR
LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER, OR BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER
UNITS.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not attach towing device to front or rear sus-
pension components.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects
from a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations
before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a flat bed towing device or wheel lift (Fig. 1) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4
in.) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance
cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed
device is used, the approach angle should not exceed
15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels
removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or
rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of
the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
Fig. 1 Recommended Towing Devices
NS/GSLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
NS vehicles can be tied to a flat bed device using
the reinforced loops located under the front and rear
bumpers on the drivers side of the vehicle. There are
also four reinforced elongated holes for T or R-hooks
located on the bottom of the front frame rail torque
boxes behind the front wheels and forward of the
rear wheels inboard of the rocker panel weld seam.
TOWINGÐFRONT WHEEL LIFT
Chrysler International recommends that a vehicle
be towed with the front end lifted, whenever possible.
A 90 cm (36 in.) length of 4x4 wood beam can be
placed between the wheel lift device and the bottom
of the fascia to prevent damage to vehicle during the
lifting operation. The beam can removed after lifting
the front of the vehicle.
TOWINGÐREAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²On AWD vehicles, all four wheels must be free to
rotate. Use towing dollies at unlifted end of vehicle.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
²4-speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles
can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 km/h (44
mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The
steering column must be unlocked and gear selector
in neutral.
TOWINGÐTOW HOOKS
WARNING: Do not use the tow hook to lift the vehi-
cle off the ground.
A tow-hook bolt, located in the rear interior trim
storage compartment (with jack), is provided with
your vehicle. The tow hook is used for towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground only. It
can be attached to the vehicle through an opening in
the lower front fascia. The tow hook must be fully
seated to the attach bracket through the lower front
fascia as shown. If the tow hook is not fully seated to
the attach bracket the vehicle should not be towed.
NOTE: The tow hook bolt protective plug must be
removed from the tow hook bracket prior to bolt
attachment. The tow hook is used ONLY for towing
the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Fig. 2
0 - 6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCENS/GS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(11) When vehicle is at correct camber setting
torque both front strut to steering knuckle attaching
bolts to 90 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 1/4
turn after required torque is met.
(12) If Toe readings obtained are not within the
required specification range, adjust Toe to meet the
preferred specification setting. Toe is adjustable
using the following Toe setting procedure.
FRONT TOE SETTING PROCEDURE
(1) Prepare vehicle as described in the Pre-Align-
ment Vehicle Inspection procedure.
(2) Center steering wheel and lock in place using a
steering wheel clamp.
CAUTION: Do not twist front inner tie rod to steer-
ing gear rubber boots during front wheel Toe
adjustment.(3) Loosen front inner to outer tie rod end jam
nuts (Fig. 7). Grasp inner tie rods at serrations and
rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 7) to set
front Toe to the preferred Toe specification. See
Alignment Specifications in this group of the service
manual for preferred specification.
(4) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 7) to 75 N´m (55
ft.lbs.) torque.
(5) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rod.
(6) Remove steering wheel clamp.
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
All alignment specifications are to be checked and
adjusted with the vehicle at its correct ride height.
Refer to the ride height specifications listed in the
following alignment specifications chart.
Fig. 6 Camber Adjustment Cam Bolt
Fig. 7 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Mc PHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLY
The front suspension of the vehicle is supported by
coil springs positioned around the strut assembly.
The springs are contained between an upper seat,
located just below the top strut mount assembly and
a lower spring seat on the strut fluid reservoir.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the
upper fender reinforcement (strut tower) through a
rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the
steering knuckle with two through bolts. Caster is a
fixed setting on all vehicles and is not adjustable
when an alignment is performed. In the event the
camber setting on a vehicle requires adjustment, a
service strut is available which will provide a method
by which the camber can be adjusted.
The strut assemblies on this vehicle are inter-con-
nected by the front stabilizer bar through 2 link
assemblies attaching the struts to the stabilizer bar.
STEERING KNUCKLE
The steering knuckle (Fig. 1) is a single casting
with legs machined for attachment of the strut
damper, steering linkage, disc brake caliper, and
lower control arm ball joint. The steering knuckle
also has the front hub/bearing assembly mounted to
it. The hub is positioned through the bearing and
knuckle, with the constant velocity stub shaft splined
through the hub.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
The lower control arm is an iron casting. The lower
control arm is mounted to and isolated from the body
of the vehicle using 2 types of rubber bushings. The
front lower control arm bushing is the spool type and
is pressed into the lower control arm, while the rear
uses a bushing that is pushed over a stem on the
lower control arm. The front and rear of the lower
control arm is mounted to the cast crossmemberusing a pivot bolt through the center of the front
pivot bushing, and a retainer which traps the rear
bushing in the crossmember.
The ball joint is pressed into the control arm and
has a non-tapered stud with a notch for clamp bolt
clearance. The stud is clamped and locked into the
steering knuckle leg with a clamp bolt.
The ball joint is lubricated for the life of the vehi-
cle and does not require any periodic lubrication.
STABILIZER BAR
The stabilizer bar interconnects both Mc Pherson
strut assemblies of the vehicle and is attached
through rubber isolator bushings to the front suspen-
sion cradle
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
to stabilize body roll.
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front sus-
pension cradle is through 2 rubber-isolator bushings
and bushing retainers. The stabilizer bar to Mc Pher-
son strut assembly attachment is done utilizing a
sway bar attaching link. All parts of the stabilizer
bar are serviceable, and the stabilizer bar to cross-
member bushings are split for easy removal and
installation. The split in the stabilizer bar to cross-
member bushing should be positioned toward the
rear of the vehicle, with the square corner down
toward the ground, when the stabilizer bar is
installed in the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINK
The stabilizer bar attaching links are used to
attach each end of the stabilizer bar to the front
strut assemblies. This reduces the fore-and-aft rate of
the stabilizer bar from the rest of the vehicle's front
suspension.
HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The Unit III Front Hub and Bearing Assembly is
used on all front wheel drive vans.
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 have 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.
It is mounted to the steering knuckle by four mount-
ing bolts that are removed from the rear of the steer-
ing knuckle.
Fig. 1 Front Steering Knuckle
2 - 10 SUSPENSIONNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
COIL SPRING
Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or
side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment
and type of vehicle service. During service procedures
when both springs are removed, mark springs to
ensure installation in original position. Each coil
spring comes with a plastic sleeve on the second coil
of the spring. This plastic sleeve is a noise insulator
for the coil spring.
NOTE: If coil springs require replacement, be sure
that the springs needing replacement, are replaced
with springs meeting the correct load rating for the
vehicle and its specific options.
BALL JOINT
The ball joint (Fig. 2) is pressed into the lower con-
trol arm. The ball joint has a non-tapered stud with
a notch (Fig. 2) to provide clearance for the steering
knuckle clamp bolt and to provide retention of the
ball stud in the steering knuckle. The ball joint stud
is clamped and locked into the steering knuckle leg
using a pinch bolt. The ball joint used on this vehicle
is replaceable and if found defective can be serviced
as a separate component of the lower control arm
assembly.
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS
If wheel attaching studs need to be replaced in the
hub and bearing assembly the studsCAN NOTbe
hammered out of the hub flange. If a stud is removed
by hammering it out of the bearing flange, damage to
the hub and bearing assembly will occur leading to
premature bearing failure.
Use the procedure and special tools shown in the
service procedures section for the wheel mounting
studs when replacing the wheel attaching studs.
The hub and bearing assembly does not require
removal from the steering knuckle or the rearknuckle to replace the wheel attaching studs in the
hub and bearing assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Mc PHERSON STRUT
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs (Fig. 3).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 3).
(3) Inspect the coil spring isolator on the lower
spring seat, (Fig. 3) for any signs of damage or dete-
rioration.
(4) Lift dust boot (Fig. 4) and inspect strut assembly for
evidence of fluid running from the upper end of fluid res-
ervoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of fluid running
down the side and dripping off lower end of unit). A slight
amount of seepage between the strut rod and strut shaft
seal is not unusual and does not affect performance of the
strut assembly (Fig. 4). Also inspect jounce bumpers for
signs of damage or deterioration.
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Assembly
Fig. 3 Mc Pherson Strut Assembly Inspection
Fig. 4 Strut Assembly Leakage Inspection
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during installation. Install nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(2) Align strut assembly with steering knuckle.
Position arm of steering knuckle into strut assembly
clevis bracket. Align the strut assembly clevis
bracket mounting holes with the steering knuckle
mounting holes. Install the 2 strut assembly to steer-
ing knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 8).If strut assem-
bly is attached to steering knuckle using a cam
bolt, the cam bolt must be installed in the lower
slotted hole on strut clevis bracket. Also,
attaching bolts should be installed with the
nuts facing the front of the vehicle (Fig. 8).
Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts to a torque of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.)
plus an additional 1/4 turn after specified
torque is met.(3) Install stabilizer bar attaching link (Fig. 7) on
bracket of strut assembly. Install stabilizer bar
attaching link to strut bracket attaching nut.
NOTE: When torquing nut on stud of stabilizer bar
attaching link, do not allow stud to rotate. Hold stud
from rotating by inserting a Torx Plus 40IP bit in the
end of the stud as shown in (Fig. 10).
(4) Tighten the stabilizer bar link to strut attach-
ing nut using a Torx Plus 40IP bit and crowfoot as
shown in (Fig. 10) to a torque of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install hydraulic brake hose and speed sensor
cable routing brackets on the strut assembly brackets
(Fig. 6). Tighten the routing bracket attaching bolts
to a torque of 13 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the wheel/tire assembly on the vehicle.
(7) Install and tighten the wheel mounting stud
nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to
half specification. Then repeat the tightening
sequence to the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
STEERING KNUCKLE
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation And Maintenance Section of this manual for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the cotter pin and nut lock (Fig. 11)
from the end of the stub axle.
(3) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle.
(4) Remove the wave washer (Fig. 12) from the
end of the stub axle
Fig. 8 Strut Damper Attachment To Steering
Knuckle
Fig. 9 Strut Assembly To Strut Tower Attaching
Nuts
Fig. 10 Torquing Stabilizer Bar Link To Strut
Attaching Nut
2 - 14 SUSPENSIONNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)