1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO ball joint

Grease seal torn ........ 2 ......... (5) Suggest replacement
of seal.
Greaseable tie rod end
won't take grease ...... 2 ...... ( 6) Suggest replacement of
grease fitting.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 7) Suggest replacement.
Looseness exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 7)( 8) Require replacement.
Nut on stud loose ....... A ........... ( 9) Require repair or
replacement of nut.
Seized .................. A ............. Require replacement
Stud bent ............... B ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
( 1) - Only required if toe needs to be adjusted.
( 2) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 3) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint
and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - If greaseable tie rod end will not take grease after
replacing the grease fitting, suggest replacement of
tie rod end.
( 7) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and socket
movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 8) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant enough
to affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.
( 9) - Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.
( 10 ) - Check for damaged taper hole.









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TRACK BARS
TRACK BAR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace track bar.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace track bar.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace track bar.
Attaching hardware

threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace track bar.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
track bar.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ (1) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Holes distorted ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 4)( 5) Require replacement.
Nut on stud loose ....... A ........... ( 6) Require repair or
replacement of nut.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 2) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint
and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and socket
movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 5) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.
( 6) - Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.









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TRAILING ARMS
TRAILING ARM INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace trailing arm.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
NOTE: See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
WHEEL BEARING
Preload
1) Using Socket (MB990954) and torque wrench, tighten axle
lock nut to 119 ft. lbs. (162 N.m) on Montero, 94-145 ft. lbs. (127-
196 N.m) on Montero Sport. Loosen nut to 0 ft. lbs. (0 N.m). Retighte\
n
nut to 18 ft. lbs. (25 N.m).
2) Loosen nut 30-40 degrees on Montero, 30 degrees on Montero
Sport. Install lock washer. If lock washer hole is not aligned with
lock nut hole, lock nut may be rotated up to 20 degrees to obtain
alignment. After setting preload, check hub turning resistance and
axial play (4WD only).
Hub Turning Resistance & Axial Play (4WD Only)
1) Using dial indicator, check front hub axial play. Axial
play should be 0.002" (0.05 mm) or less. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench
or spring scale attached to wheel stud, measure hub turning
resistance. Turning resistance should be 1.1-4.0 lbs. (5-18 N) on
Montero or 0.9-4.3 lbs. (4-19 N) on Montero Sport if measured using
spring scale, or 2.6-11.3 INCH lbs. (0.3-1.3 N.m) on both models if
measured using torque wrench.
2) Adjust wheel bearing so turning resistance and axial play
are within specification. If turning resistance and axial play cannot
be adjusted to specification, check wheel bearing condition and
installation.
Drive Axle End Play (4WD Only)
Install drive axle shim and snap ring. Push drive shaft in
toward knuckle. Measure clearance between drive flange and shim with a
feeler gauge. If clearance is not 0.016-0.028" (0.4-0.7 mm) replace
shim to bring clearance into specification.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Lower Ball Joint
Place ball joint in soft-jawed vise. Install dial indicator
with stem resting on end of ball joint stud. Measure ball joint stud
end play. Replace ball joint if end play exceeds 0.012" (0.3 mm). For
ball joint replacement, see LOWER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Upper Ball Joint
1) Disconnect ball joint from steering knuckle. Place nut on
ball joint stud. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure starting torque
required to rotate ball joint stud.
2) Starting torque should be 7-30 INCH lbs. (0.8-3.5 N.m).
Replace ball joint if starting torque is not within specification. For
ball joint replacement, see UPPER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY

Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove hub
cap. Remove snap ring and shim. Remove drive flange. Remove brake
caliper and suspend with wire. On vehicles with ABS, remove ABS speed
sensor. On all models, remove lock washer. Remove lock nut using
Socket (MB990954). See Fig. 2. Remove front rotor and hub assembly.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing
preload and check drive shaft endplay. See ADJUSTMENTS.
Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Hub Assembly (Montero Sport Shown, Montero
Similar)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
brake caliper. Remove axle hub assembly. See AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Remove brake dust cover from steering knuckle.
If equipped with ABS, remove ABS speed sensor.
2) On all models, disconnect tie rod end from steering
knuckle. Mark torsion bar adjusting nut for installation reference.
Loosen torsion bar anchor arm assembly adjusting nut. Loosen, but DO
NOT remove, ball joint-to-steering knuckle nuts.
3) Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406), separate ball
joints from steering knuckle. Detach upper and lower ball joints from
steering knuckle. Remove steering knuckle from axle shaft. Remove oil

seal and spacer from steering knuckle.
Inspection
Inspect steering knuckle for cracks. Inspect spindle for wear
and heat damage.
Installation
1) If needle bearing needs replacement, drive bearing from
steering knuckle. Use Bearing Driver (MB990956-01) and Handle
(MB9909938-01) to install NEW needle bearing until it is even with
steering knuckle end face.
NOTE: DO NOT reuse steering knuckle needle bearing if it is
removed.
2) Lubricate bearing roller surface and spacer-to-steering
knuckle contact areas. Install spacer with chamfered side toward
inside of vehicle. Using Seal Installer (MB990985-01) and handle,
install seal in steering knuckle until seal is even with steering
knuckle end face. Apply grease to seal lip area and inside of seal. To
complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
LOWER BALL JOINT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove skid plate (if
equipped). Remove wheel assembly. Mark torsion bar adjusting nut for
reassembly reference. Release torsion bar tension.
2) Loosen, but DO NOT remove, lower ball joint stud nut.
Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406), separate ball joint from
steering knuckle. Remove ball joint stud nut. Remove ball joint-to-
lower control arm bolts. Remove ball joint.
Installation
Lubricate ball joint. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
front skid plate and undercover (if equipped). Remove bump stop and
bump stop bracket. Remove heat shield (if equipped). Remove torsion
bar. See TORSION BAR . Loosen, but DO NOT remove, lower ball joint-to-
steering knuckle nut. Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406),
separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle. Support with cord
tied to nearby part.
2) Remove stabilizer bar bolt from control arm. Remove shock
absorber mounting bolts. Remove ball joint stud nut from steering
knuckle. Remove control arm shaft. See Fig. 1. Remove torque arm.
Remove bump stopper and lower control arm. Remove lower ball joint
from lower control arm.
Inspection
1) Inspect control arm for cracks and deformation. Check ball
joints. See BALL JOINT CHECKING under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION.
2) Inspect ball joint dust covers for damage. Replace damaged
dust covers. Inspect control arm bushing and frame bracket bushing for
damage. Replace bushings if necessary.
NOTE: Differential carrier may require detachment in order to

FINAL ANCHOR ARM BOLT PROTRUSION








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Application/ Right Bolt Left Bolt
Model In. (mm) In. (mm\
)
Montero ................... 3.15 (80.0) .............. 3.15 (80.0\
)









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4) To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Check
riding height and front wheel alignment. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
UPPER BALL JOINT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Mark
torsion bar adjusting nut for reassembly reference. Release torsion
bar tension. Loosen, but DO NOT remove, upper ball joint-to-steering
knuckle nut.
2) Using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991406), separate ball
joint from steering knuckle. Remove ball joint nut from steering
knuckle. Remove ball joint-to-upper control arm bolts. Remove ball
joint.
Installation
Lubricate ball joint. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
SHOCK ABSORBER & UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal
1) Disconnect actuator on vehicles with Variable Shock
Absorbers. On all models, raise and support vehicle. Support lower
control arm using jackstand. Remove front wheels. Remove lower shock
absorber bolt. Remove nut from top of shock absorber and remove shock
assembly from vehicle.
2) Remove the bump stop from the bump stop bracket. Mark
anchor arm bolt for reassembly reference. Loosen anchor arm bolt to
release torsion bar tension. Disconnect and plug brake hose at frame
mount bracket.
3) Remove cotter pin from upper ball joint stud. Loosen, but
DO NOT remove, ball joint stud nut. Using Steering Linkage Puller
(MB991406), loosen ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove brake hose\
clip and rebound stopper. Remove rebound stopper and brake hose
support from control arm.
4) Remove ABS sensor bracket (if equipped) and rebound
stoppers. Remove upper control arm mounting bolts and shim(s). Note
direction of bolt installation and locations of camber adjustment
shims. Remove control arm. Remove upper ball joint from control arm.
Inspection
Inspect control arm for cracks and deformation. Check ball
joints. See BALL JOINT CHECKING under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION.
Inspect ball joint dust cover for damage, and replace cover as
necessary.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Install control arm
bolts from outside of frame, with nuts against control arm. Install
the upper control with the marking "OUT" on shaft facing outside of
vehicle.

2) Ensure alignment shims are placed in original locations.
Tighten shock absorber upper nut to end of threads, and install lock
nut. Tighten shock absorber upper nut until distance from end of
threads to nut is 0.04-0.08" (1.0-2.0 mm) on vehicles with standard
shock absorbers, and 0.06-0.10" (1.5-2.5 mm) on vehicles with Variable\
Shock Absorbers. Install lock nut.
3) Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Bleed brakes. Adjust anchor arm bolt to proper torsion bar setting.
See TORSION BAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Check wheel alignment,
and adjust it if necessary. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle
hub. See AXLE HUB under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Clean any grease from
the inside surface of the front hub. Drive out the inner and outer
bearing races by tapping them uniformly using brass drift and hammer.
Installation
Lubricate bearing races. Install bearing races in hub using
Handle and Bearing Installer (MB990938 and MB990935). Ensure bearing
races are fully seated. To complete installation, reverse removal
procedure. Adjust wheel bearing preload. See WHEEL BEARING under
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION .
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MONTERO)








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Anchor Arm Bolt Lock Nut ................................... 33 (44)\
Anchor Collar Vertical Bolt ................................ 33 (44)\
Ball Joint Nut
Lower .................................................. 108 (147)\
Upper .................................................... 54 (74)\
Bump Stop .................................................. 18 (25)\
Drive Flange ......................................... 36-43 (49-59)\
Ball Joint-To-Lower Control Arm Bolt ....................... 60 (81)\
Ball Joint-To-Upper Control Arm Bolt ....................... 19 (25)\
Caliper Bolt ............................................... 65 (88)\
Control Arm-To-Frame Bolt/Nut
Lower ................................................. 108 (147)\
Upper ................................................... 80 (108)\
Shock Absorber Shaft Nut .................................... 1 (15)\
Skid Plate ................................................. 17 (24)\
Stabilizer Bar Brackets .................................... 17 (24)\
Stabilizer Bar Lower Link .................................. 25 (33)\
Stabilizer Bar Upper Link .................................. 69 (93)\
Torque Arm Nut ............................................ 78 (106)\









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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MONTERO SPORT)








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Anchor Arm Adjusting Nut ................................... 32 (44)\
Anchor Arm Nut ............................................ 78 (106)\
Ball Joint Nut
Lower ........................................... 87-131 (118-177)\

Upper .............................................. 44-65 (59-88)\
Ball Joint-To-Lower Control Arm Bolt ....................... 60 (81)\
Ball Joint-To-Upper Control Arm Bolt ....................... 18 (25)\
Bump Stop .................................................. 18 (25)\
Caliper Bolt ............................................... 65 (88)\
Control Arm-To-Frame Bolt/Nut
Lower ......................................... 101-116 (137-157)\
Upper ............................................. 72-87 (98-118)\
Drive Flange ......................................... 36-44 (49-59)\
Shock Absorber Lower Mount Bolt ..................... 65-76 (88-103)\
Shock Absorber Upper Nut ................................... 11 (15)\
Torque Arm Nut ............................................ 78 (106)\
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Stabilizer Bar Clamp Bolt ................................. 106 (12)\









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