1999 DODGE NEON sensor

nent removal and installation sections in this group
of the service manual.
BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels. Grasp the grease fitting as shown in (Fig. 11)
and with no mechanical assistance or added force
attempt 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.
STABILIZER BAR
Inspect for broken or distorted sway bar bushings,
bushing retainers, and worn or damaged sway bar to
strut attaching links. If sway bar to front suspension
cradle bushing replacement is required, bushing can
be removed from sway bar by opening slit and peel-
ing bushing off sway bar.
HUB/BEARING
The hub bearing is designed for the life of the vehi-
cle and requires no type of periodic maintenance. The
following procedure may be used for diagnosing the
condition of the hub bearing.
With the wheel, disc brake caliper, and brake rotor
removed, rotate the wheel hub. Any roughness or
resistance to rotation may indicate dirt intrusion or a
failed hub bearing. If the hub bearing exhibits any of
these conditions during diagnosis, the hub bearing
will require replacement, the bearing is not service-
able.
Damaged bearing seals and the resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease weapage from the hub bearing is
considered normal and should not require replace-
ment of the hub bearing.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
MCPHERSON STRUT
REMOVE
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE STRUT ROD NUT
WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN VEHI-
CLE, OR BEFORE STRUT ASSEMBLY SPRING IS
COMPRESSED.
(1) Loosen wheel nuts.
(2) 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.
(3) Remove wheel and tire assembly from location
on front of vehicle requiring strut removal.
(4) If both strut assemblies are removed, mark the
strut assemblies right or left according to which side
of the vehicle they were removed from.
(5) Remove hydraulic brake hose routing bracket
and attaching screw from strut damper bracket. If
vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, hydraulic
hose routing bracket is combined with speed sensor
cable routing bracket (Fig. 12).
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(6) Remove the 2 bolts (Fig. 13) attaching the strut
to the steering knuckle.
(7) Remove the 3 nuts attaching the upper mount
of the strut (Fig. 14) to the strut tower of the vehicle
.
INSTALL
(1) Install strut assembly into strut tower, aligning
the 3 studs on the upper strut mount into the holes
in shock tower. Install the 3 upper strut mount
retaining nut and washer assemblies (Fig. 14).
Torque the 3 nuts to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
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,
aligning the strut assembly to steering knuckle
mounting holes. Install the 2 strut assembly to steer-
ing knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 13). Attaching bolts
should be installed with the nuts facing the front of
the vehicle. Torque both attaching bolts to 53 N´m
Fig. 11 Checking Ball Joint Wear
2 - 16 SUSPENSIONPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(40 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 1/4 turn after specified
torque is met.
(3) Install hydraulic brake hose routing bracket
and attaching screw onto strut damper bracket. Ifvehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, hydraulic
hose routing bracket is combined with speed sensor
cable routing bracket (Fig. 12). Torque bracket
attaching bolts (Fig. 12) to 13 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
(4) 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) Remove cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer
(Fig. 15).
CAUTION: Wheel bearing damage will result if
after loosening hub nut, vehicle is rolled on the
ground or the weight of the vehicle is allowed to be
supported by the tires.
Fig. 12 Brake Hose And Speed Sensor Cable
Routing Brackets
Fig. 13 Strut To Steering Knuckle Attaching Bolts
Fig. 14 Strut To Shock Tower Mounting
Fig. 15 Cotter Pin, Nut Lock, And Spring Washer
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Inspect the tension strut for signs of contact with
the ground or road debris which has bent or caused
other damage to the tension strut. If the tension
strut is bent or damaged the tension strut will
require replacement.Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a tension strut.
STABILIZER BAR AND BUSHINGS
Inspect the stabilizer bar for damage or bending.
Inspect for broken or distorted stabilizer bar bush-
ings, bushing retainers, and worn or damaged stabi-
lizer bar to strut attaching links. If stabiizer bar to
rear frame rail bushing replacement is required,
bushings can be removed from sway bar by opening
slit and peeling bushing off sway bar.
STABILIZER BAR ATTACHING LINKS
Inspect the bushings and sleeves in the stabilizer
bar attaching links for damage or deterioration.
Inspect the stabilizer bar attaching link to ensure it
is not bent or broken. If any of these conditions are
present when inspecting the attaching links, replace-
ment of the attaching link is required.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Refer to Front And Rear Wheel Toe Setting Proce-
dures in the Wheel Alignment Check And Adjustment
section in this group of the service manual for the
required rear wheel Toe setting procedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STRUT ASSEMBLY
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) Remove hydraulic flex hose bracket, from
bracket on rear strut assembly (Fig. 6). If vehicle is
equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, the wheel speed
sensor cable routing clip is also attached to the strut
assembly bracket.
(4) Support rear knuckle, suspension and brake
components of vehicle before removing clevis bracket
to knuckle attaching bolts.Do not let weight of
rear knuckle and assembled components hang
unsupported when strut is removed.CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts station-
ary in knuckle.
(5) Remove the 2 clevis bracket bolts (Fig. 7)
attaching strut assembly to rear knuckle.
(6) Lower vehicle. Access to rear upper strut
mount to strut tower attaching bolts, is through the
trunk of the vehicle.
Fig. 6 Hydraulic Flex Hose Bracket Attachment To
Strut
Fig. 7 Knuckle To Clevis Bracket Bolts
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 43
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(7) Remove carpet (if required) from top of strut
tower. Then remove rubber dust shield (Fig. 8) from
top of strut tower, this will allow easier access to
upper strut mount attaching nuts.
(8) Loosen but do not remove the 4 upper strut
mount to strut tower attaching nuts (Fig. 9). Then
while supporting the strut assembly fully remove the
4 strut mount attaching nuts.
(9) Remove strut assembly from knuckle, by slid-
ing knuckle out of clevis bracket on strut assembly.
Then remove strut assembly from vehicle.
INSTALL
(1) Position strut assembly back into vehicle with
the 4 studs on strut mount assembly through holes
in strut tower of vehicle. Install the 4 strut mount to
body attaching nuts (Fig. 9) onto mount studs.
Torque the 4 strut mount to body attaching nuts to
34 N´m (300 in. lbs).(2) Install dust shield into hole on top of strut
tower (Fig. 8). Install carpeting back on top of rear
strut tower.
(3) Raise vehicle.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
installation. Install and torque nuts while holding
bolts stationary in knuckle.
(4) Install knuckle assembly into clevis bracket on
strut assembly. Install the 2 clevis bracket to knuckle
assembly attaching bolts and nuts (Fig. 7). Torque
both clevis bracket to knuckle assembly attaching
nuts to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install hydraulic flex hose bracket, on strut
assembly bracket (Fig. 6). Install and securely
tighten bolt attaching hose bracket to strut bracket.
If vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock brakes, the
wheel speed sensor cable routing clip is also attached
to the strut assembly bracket.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat tightening sequence to full speci-
fied torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(8) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting
Procedure in the Wheel Alignment Check And
Adjustment section in this group of the service man-
ual for the required Toe setting procedure.
COIL SPRING
Coil springs are rated separately for each side of
vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of
service. During service procedures where both
springs are removed, mark springs (Chalk, Tape,
etc.) (Fig. 10) to ensure installation in original posi-
tion. If the coils springs require replacement.Be
sure that the springs needing replacement, are
replaced with springs meeting the correct load
and spring rate for the vehicle.
NOTE: During service procedures requiring
removal or installation of a coil spring with Spring
Compressor, Special Tool C-4838. It is required that
the first full top and bottom coil of the coil spring
be captured by the jaws of spring compressor (Fig.
10).
Replacement of the coil spring requires removal of
the strut assembly from the vehicle, and the disas-
sembly of the strut. Refer to strut assembly in the
removal and installation section in this group of the
service manual for the required removal and replace-
ment procedure for the strut assembly. Then refer to
Fig. 8 Dust Shield Removal From Strut Tower
Fig. 9 Strut Mount Attaching Nuts
2 - 44 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower the vehicle to the ground.
(6) With suspension supporting the full weight of
the vehicle, securely tighten the stabilizer bar
retainer to frame rail attaching bolts (Fig. 11).
KNUCKLE
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands 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 rear wheel and tire.
(3) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove the rear caliper from the adapter. Refer to
Rear Disk Brakes in Group 5 Brakes of this Service
manual for required caliper removal procedure. After
removing the caliper, store the caliper by hanging it
from frame of the vehicle (Fig. 14). Do not let weight
of rear caliper hang from flexible brake hose.
(4) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove rotor from hub. If vehicle is equipped with
rear drum brakes, remove brake drum from hub.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes, remove
wheel speed sensor from rear disc brake adapter
(Fig. 15).
(6) Remove rear hub/bearing retaining nut (Fig.
16). Then remove the hub/bearing from the knuckle.(7) If vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes
remove the 4 bolts (Fig. 17) attaching rear brake sup-
port plate to knuckle. Then remove brake support
plate, brake shoes and wheel cylinder as an assembly
from rear knuckle (Fig. 17).It is not necessary to
remove brake flex hose from wheel cylinder
when removing support plate.Brake support
plate when removed, must be supported in same
manner as caliper assembly.
(8) On vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes,
remove the 4 bolts attaching disc brake adapter to
rear knuckle (Fig. 18). Then remove the adapter,
rotor shield, park brake shoes and park brake cable
as an assembly from knuckle.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching
bolts are serrated and must not be turned during
removal. Loosen and remove nuts while holding
bolts stationary in knuckle.
Fig. 14 Storing Rear Caliper
Fig. 15 Speed Sensor Head Attachment To Disc
Brake Adapter
Fig. 16 Hub/ Bearing Retaining Nut
2 - 46 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Install tension strut bushing, tension strut
retainer and nut on tension strut (Fig. 21).When
installing tension strut retainers, the retainers
must be installed on tension strut, with cupped
side of retainer facing away from bushing and
knuckle (Fig. 21).
(5) Position a large adjustable wrench on flat of
tension strut to keep it from turning, (Fig. 22) and
then torque tension strut nut to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(6) On vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes,
install rear brake support plate assembly onto the
knuckle (Fig. 17). Install the 4 bolts (Fig. 17) attach-
ing rear brake support plate to rear knuckle. Torque
attaching bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(7) On vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes,
install the disc brake adapter on knuckle (Fig. 18)
Install the 4 bolts attaching the disc brake adapter to
knuckle (Fig. 18). Torque attaching bolts to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.).(8) If vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes, install
speed sensor head into rear brake support plate or
disc brake adapter (Fig. 15). Tighten wheel speed
sensor mounting bolt to a torque of 7 N´m (60 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: The hub/bearing retaining nut must be
tightened to but must not exceed its required
torque specification. The proper torque specifica-
tion of the retaining nut is critical to the life of the
hub bearing.
(9) Install rear hub and bearing assembly on
knuckle. Install hub and bearing assembly retaining
nut (Fig. 16), and torque to 217 N´m (160 ft. lbs).
(10) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
install rear braking disc on hub. If vehicle is
equipped with rear drum brakes, install the brake
drum on hub.
(11) If vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes,
install rear braking disc on hub. Carefully install
rear brake caliper over braking disc and install on
adapter. Tighten the caliper assembly to adapter
mounting bolts to 22 N´m (192 in. lbs.). Refer to Rear
Disc Brakes in Group 5 Brakes in this service man-
ual for required caliper installation procedure.
(12) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) With suspension supporting total weight of
vehicle, and lateral links at correct curb height,
torque both lateral link attaching bolts to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(15) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting
Procedure in the Wheel Alignment Check And
Adjustment section in this group of the service man-
ual for the required Toe setting procedure.
LATERAL LINKS
The rear suspension lateral links (Fig. 23) are only
serviced as complete assemblies. The isolator bush-
ings used in the lateral links are not serviced as sep-
arate components. The rear lateral link assemblies
are unique, having different size bushings to accom-
modate the rear Toe adjustment cams. The rearward
lateral links, must be installed with small bushing
sleeve at knuckle and large bushing sleeve at rear
crossmember. This is required to accommodate the
rear Toe adjustment cam.
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
Fig. 21 Tension Strut Bushings Installed On Tension
Strut
Fig. 22 Torquing Tension Strut Nut
2 - 48 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

All the front brake forces generated during braking
of the vehicle is taken up directly by the steering
knuckles of the vehicle.
The caliper is a one piece casting with the inboard
side containing a single piston cylinder bore.
The front disc brake caliper piston (Fig. 2), is man-
ufactured from a phenolic compound. The outside
diameter of the caliper piston is 54 mm.
A square cut rubber piston seal is located in a
machined groove in the caliper cylinder bore. This
provides a hydraulic seal between the piston and the
cylinder wall (Fig. 4).
A rubber dust boot is installed in the cylinder bore
opening and in a groove in the piston (Fig. 4). This
prevents contamination in the bore area.As front disc brake linings wear, master cylinder
reservoir brake fluid level will drop. Fluid level
should be checked after replacing linings.
Front disc brakes are equipped with an audible
wear indicator (Fig. 2) on the outboard brake pad.
This sensor emits a sound when the brake lining
may need inspection and/or replacement.
Fig. 1 Front Disc Brake Caliper Assembly
Fig. 2 Front Disc Brake Caliper (Exploded View)
Fig. 3 Front Disc Brake Caliper Mounting
PLBRAKES 5 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

either through the park brake switch, the fluid level
sensor in the master cylinder reservoir, or the igni-
tion switch in the crank position.
The Brake Fluid Level sensor is located in the
brake fluid reservoir of the master cylinder assembly
(Fig. 18). The purpose of the sensor is to provide the
driver with an early warning that the brake fluid
level in the master cylinder reservoir has dropped to
below normal. This may indicate an abnormal loss of
brake fluid in the master cylinder fluid reservoir
resulting from a leak in the hydraulic system.
As the fluid drops below the minimum level, the
fluid level sensor closes the brake warning light cir-
cuit. This will turn on the red brake warning light.
At this time, master cylinder fluid reservoir shouldbe checked and filled to the full mark with DOT 3
brake fluid.If brake fluid level has dropped in
master cylinder fluid reservoir, the entire
brake hydraulic system should be checked for
evidence of a leak.
STOP LAMP SWITCH
The stop lamp switch controls operation of the
vehicles stop lamps. Also, if the vehicle is equipped
with speed control, the stop lamp switch will deacti-
vate speed control when the brake pedal is
depressed.
The stop lamp switch controls operation of the
right and left tail, stop and turn signal lamp and
CHMSL lamp, by supplying battery current to these
lamps.
The stop lamp switch controls the lamp operation
by opening and closing the electrical circuit to the
stop lamps.
REAR WHEEL HUB/BEARING
CAUTION: If a vehicle is equipped with antilock
brakes the tone wheels for the rear wheel speed
sensors are pressed onto the hub. The tone wheels
used on this vehicle equipped with the Teves Mark
20 Antilock Brake System are different then those
used on past models of this vehicle equipped with
antilock brakes. Reduced braking performance will
result if this part is used on earlier model vehicles
and an accident could result. Do not use on
pre-1998 model year vehicles.
All vehicles are equipped with permanently lubri-
cated and sealed for life rear wheel bearings. There
is no periodic lubrication or maintenance recom-
mended for these units. However, if servicing of a
rear wheel bearing is required, refer to procedures in
the diagnosis and testing section and the removal
and installation section in this group of the service
manual for the inspection and replacement of the
rear wheel bearing.Fig. 17 Power Brake Booster Assembly
Fig. 18 Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
5 - 8 BRAKESPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)