1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO ABS

TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)
TRACK BARS
TRAILING ARMS
WHEEL BEARINGS, RACES AND SEALS
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheels and Tires
TIRES
VALVE STEMS
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
WHEELS (RIMS)
MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,
manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and 2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published. In addition to these, standards for
Drive Train and Transmissions have recently been promulgated.
Participating shops utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication
Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating
their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-

the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own
conclusions and make an informed decision about how to
proceed.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER VEHICLE
OPERATION
Steering and suspension are complex systems made up of a
variety of interdependent components. For proper vehicle handling,
ride, and tire wear, a thorough inspection is required whenever
suspension work is being performed.
Conditions listed assume that the problem has been isolated
to the specific component by proper testing procedures.
NOTE: When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check
and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM
specifications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use ride height altering or load compensating
components, such as variable rate springs and coil over
shocks, on vehicles with height or load sensing
proportioning valve-equipped braking systems, unless
these components are original equipment.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
NOTE: Depending on the air suspension design, there are some
aftermarket products available to eliminate the air ride
suspension on certain vehicles. If the system has been
eliminated with one of these products, then no service is
suggested or required.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the air spring portion of the
air shock or strut. For damping portion of shock
or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCK AND AIR STRUT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Inner fabric of air bag
damaged ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Outer covering of air bag
is cracked to the extent
that inner fabric of air
bag is visible ......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.









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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure

Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease seal missing ..... 2 ........ (5) Suggest replacement.
Grease seal torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 6) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 6)( 7) Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... ( 8) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 9) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Missing grease seal will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - 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.
( 7) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 8) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 9) - Check for damaged stud.









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ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCKS AND STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the electronic damping control portion
of the electronic shock or strut. For dampening portion of
shock or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCK AND STRUT INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Connector bent .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector loose ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Electronic valve control

Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) 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) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - 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.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.









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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. Follow OE
specifications for fluid type.
( 2) - Indicates internal wear.
( 3) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.









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STEERING KNUCKLES
STEERING KNUCKLE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt incorrect .... B ... Require replacement with bolt
that meets OE design.
Pinch bolt loose ........ B ................. Require repair.
Pinch bolt missing ...... B ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt tabs
deformed (pinched
together), .032"
or more before
clamping ............... B ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Steering knuckle deformation can cause pinch
bolt breakage.
( 2) - Check for damaged stud.

SUSPENSION - FRONT
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 SUSPENSION
Mitsubishi - Front - 4WD & RWD
Montero, Montero Sport
DESCRIPTION
Independent front suspension uses double wishbone
construction with torsion bar. Components used with this system
include upper control arm, lower control arm, shock absorber,
stabilizer bar and steering knuckle. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of 4WD Front Suspension (Montero Shown, Montero
Sport Similar)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

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