2000 DODGE NEON torque strut

(2) Tighten the wheel mounting nut. This will pull
the wheel mounting stud into the flange of the hub.
When the head of the stud is fully seated against the
rear of the hub flange, remove the wheel mounting
nut and washers from the stud.
(3) Install the brake rotor on the hub (Fig. 20).
(4) Install the disc brake caliper (with pads) on the
brake rotor and steering knuckle. The left side cali-
per is installed by first sliding the top of the caliper
past the top abutment on the steering knuckle to
hook the top edge of the caliper, then pushing thelower end of the caliper into place against the
knuckle (Fig. 23). The right side caliper is installed
by first sliding the bottom edge of the caliper past
the lower abutment on the steering knuckle to hook
the lower edge of the caliper, then pushing the top of
the caliper into place against the steering knuckle.
(5) Install the two guide pin bolts securing the
front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle (Fig.
20). Tighten the guide pin bolts to a torque of 22 N´m
(192 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Install the
wheel mounting nuts and tighten them to a torque of
135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
The Strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section for the required procedure.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use strut spring compressor, Pentastar Ser-
vice Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent,
to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufactur-
er's instructions closely.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) If both struts are being serviced at the same
time, mark the coil spring and strut assembly accord-
ing to which side of the vehicle the strut was
Fig. 21 Wheel Stud Removal
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
2 ± LUG NUT
3 ± HUB/BEARING
4 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
5 ± WHEEL STUD
Fig. 22 Installing Wheel Stud
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2 ± WHEEL LUG NUT
3 ± WASHERS
4 ± HUB/BEARING
Fig. 23 Brake Caliper Installation
1 ± SLIDE TOP OF BRAKE CALIPER UNDER TOP ABUTMENT
OF STEERING KNUCKLE AS SHOWN
2 ± BRAKING DISC
3 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
4 ± STEERING KNUCKLE BRAKE ABUTMENT
2 - 22 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) Install the strut upper mount over the strut
shaft and onto the top of the upper spring seat and
bearing.
(10) Loosely install the retaining nut on the strut
shaft. Install Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a
torque wrench), Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft
retaining nut (Fig. 26). Next, install a socket on the
hex on the end of the strut shaft. While holding the
strut shaft from turning, tighten the strut shaft
retaining nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(11) Slowly release the tension from the coil spring
by backing off the compressor drive completely. As
the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount
and seat and bearing align properly. Verify the upper
mount does not bind.
(12) Remove the clamp from the lower end of the
coil spring and strut. Push back the spring compres-
sor upper and lower hooks, then remove the strut
assembly from the spring compressor.
(13) Install the strut assembly on the vehicle.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section for the required procedure.
STEERING KNUCKLE (WHEEL BEARING AND
HUB)
NOTE: The removal and installation of the wheel
bearing and hub from the steering knuckle is only
to be done with the steering knuckle removed from
the vehicle. Removal of the wheel bearing from the
steering knuckle must be done using the following
procedure.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove steering knuckle, hub, and wheel bear-
ing as an assembly from the vehicle. Refer to
STEERING KNUCKLE in the REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION section in this service manual
group.
(2) Using Remover, Special Tool 4150A, (Fig. 29)
press one wheel mounting stud out of hub flange.
Rotate the hub to align the removed wheel mounting
stud with the notch in bearing retainer plate (Fig.
30). Remove the wheel mounting stud from the hub.
(3) Rotate the hub so the hole in the hub that
wheel mounting stud was removed from is facing
away from brake caliper lower rail on steering
knuckle (Fig. 31). Install one half of the Bearing
Splitter, Special Tool 1130, between the hub and the
bearing retainer plate (Fig. 31).
NOTE: Align the threaded hole in this first half of
the bearing splitter with the caliper rail on the steer-
ing knuckle (Fig. 31).
Fig. 28 Coil Spring Positioning
1 ± UPPER END OF COIL
2 ± COIL SPRING
3 ± LOWER END OF COIL
4 ± SPRING COMPRESSOR
Fig. 29 Pressing Out Wheel Mounting Stud
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 4150A
2 ± WHEEL MOUNTING STUD
3 ± HUB FLANGE
4 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 25
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Tower Nuts............. 34N´m(300 in. lbs.)
Steering Knuckle Nuts.............. 54N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) + 90É Turn
Strut Shaft Nut........... 75N´m(55ft.lbs.)
STEERING KNUCKLE:
Ball Joint Stud Pinch Bolt Nut........ 95N´m
(70 ft. lbs.)
Disc Brake Caliper Guide Bolts........ 22N´m
(192 in. lbs.)
WHEEL BEARING AND HUB:
Bearing Retainer Plate Bolts.......... 28N´m
(250 in. lbs.)
Driveshaft Hub Nut...... 244N´m(180 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Mounting Nuts...........109-150 N´m
(80-110 ft. lbs.)
STEERING GEAR:
Crossmember Bolts........ 68N´m(50ft.lbs.)
Tie Rod Adjusting Jam Nut . . 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.)
Tie Rod End Steering Knuckle Nut..... 54N´m
(40 ft. lbs.)
LOWER CONTROL ARM:
Front Pivot Bolt......... 163N´m(120 ft. lbs.)
Rear Pivot Bolt......... 203N´m(150 ft. lbs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Cushion Retainer Bolts.... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Link Nut............... 23N´m(200 in. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Socket/Wrench Strut Nut 6864
Remover 6804
Installer 6758
Remover/Installer 6908 (±2)
Installer 6760
Remover MB991113
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 33

REAR SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM.............35
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)................37
KNUCKLE (REAR).......................37
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)...............37
LATERAL ARMS........................37
TENSION STRUT.......................38
STABILIZER BAR (REAR).................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)................38
KNUCKLE (REAR).......................39
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)...............39
LATERAL ARMS........................39
TENSION STRUT.......................39
STABILIZER BAR (REAR).................39REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........40
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR).................40
KNUCKLE (REAR)........................42
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)................44
LATERAL ARMS..........................45
TENSION STRUT.........................46
STABILIZER BAR (REAR)...................47
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR).................47
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS........................50
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION......................50
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The rear suspension system used on this vehicle is
a fully independent type rear suspension system (Fig.
1). This means that each side of the rear suspension
acts independently from the other.
The rear suspension is supported by a strut assem-
bly. The strut assembly also controls ride quality.When the vehicle strikes a bump, the force is trans-
ferred through the hub, bearing, and knuckle, into
the strut assembly to absorb the force and dampen it.
Lateral movement of the rear knuckle is controlled
by lateral arms going from the front and rear of the
knuckle to the rear crossmember. Fore and aft move-
ment of the knuckle is controlled by a tension strut.
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 35

For more information on the description and oper-
ation of an individual component, refer to the appli-
cable component heading in this section.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around
struts. The coil springs are contained between the
upper mount of the strut assembly and a lower
spring seat on the body of the strut.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the top
of the inner fender through a rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the rear
knuckle using 2 thru-bolts with prevailing torque
nuts.
The rear strut assembly includes the following
components (Fig. 1): A rubber isolated upper mount,
a dust shield, a jounce bumper, a coil spring, a lower
spring isolator, and a strut. Any component in need
of service requires removal of the strut assembly
from the vehicle and disassembly of it.
COIL SPRING
Rear coil springs are rated separately for each cor-
ner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. If a coil spring
requires replacement, be sure the spring needing
replacement is replaced with a spring meeting the
correct load rating for the vehicle with its specific
options.
KNUCKLE (REAR)
A forged rear knuckle bolts to each rear strut
assembly (Fig. 1). The rear knuckle's spindle sup-
ports the rear hub and bearing. Together they sup-
port the rear tire and wheel. The movement of the
rear knuckle is controlled laterally using two lateral
arms attached to the knuckle. Fore and aft move-
ment of the knuckle is controlled by using a tension
strut.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
The hub and bearing is mounted on the rear
knuckle's spindle (Fig. 1). The hub and bearing
adapts the tire and wheel assembly to the knuckle.
It's bearing allows the tire and wheel assembly to
rotate freely on the vehicle.
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.
The only servicable components of the hub and
bearing are the wheel mounting studs.
If a vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, the
tone wheels for the rear wheel speed sensors are
pressed onto the hub.
LATERAL ARMS
The lateral arms control the lateral movement of
the rear suspension, specifically the knuckle (Fig. 1).
There are two lateral arms per side of the rear sus-
pension. One arm is attached to the front end of the
knuckle and the other is attached to the rear of the
knuckle. The other end of each lateral arm attaches
to the rear crossmember.
Visually it appears that the left rear arm is
mounted backwards in relation to the other arms
(Fig. 2). Although the left rear arm looks like it is
same as the right rear arm, just reversed, it is not
the same; the arms are not interchangeable.
The front arms are interchangeable, but should be
mounted with the side displaying the word ªFOR-
WARDº stamped into it toward the front of the vehi-
cle. The trimmed outer edge of the arms will then be
facing the rear of the vehicle.
1 ± VEHICLE STRUT TOWER
2 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 ± TENSION STRUT
4 ± LATERAL ARMS
5 ± KNUCKLE
6 ± HUB AND BEARING
7 ± WHEEL ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
8 ± STRUT9 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
10 ± COIL SPRING
11 ± STABILIZER BAR
12 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
13 ± DUST SHIELD
14 ± UPPER MOUNT
15 ± STABILIZER BAR LINK
16 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION AND RETAINER
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 37
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CAUTION: The strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts are
serrated and must not be turned during removal.
Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle
while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out
using a pin punch.
(7) Remove the two nuts and bolts attaching the
strut to the rear knuckle (Fig. 1).
(8) Lower the vehicle just enough to access the
luggage compartment without letting the tires touch
the floor. Access to rear upper strut mount attaching
bolts is through the luggage compartment.
(9) Open the deck lid.
(10) If equipped, remove the carpet from the top of
the strut tower.
(11) Loosen, but do not completely remove the 3
nuts securing the strut assembly to the strut tower
(Fig. 8).
Grasp the strut assembly to keep it from moving,
then remove the 3 mounting nuts at the strut tower.
(12) Remove the strut assembly from the knuckle
by sliding it away from the knuckle, lowering it
between the two lateral arms, then tipping the top
outward and removing it out through the well open-
ing.
(13) For disassembly and assembly procedures of
the strut assembly, refer to STRUT ASSEMBLY in
the DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY section in this
section of this service manual group.
INSTALLATION
(1) To place the strut assembly into mounting posi-
tion, start the lower end of the strut over the top of
the knuckle and down the back between the two lat-
eral arms. Next, lift the top of the strut assembly up
into the strut tower aligning the studs on top of the
upper mount with the three mounting holes in the
strut tower. While holding the strut assembly in
place, install the three mounting nuts on the upper
mount studs inside the luggage compartment (Fig. 8).
Tighten the 3 mounting nuts to a torque of 34 N´m
(300 in. lbs).
(2) Install the carpeting back on top of the rear
strut tower.
(3) Close the deck lid.
(4) Raise the vehicle.
CAUTION: The strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts are
serrated and must not be turned during installation.
Once installed, hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while installing and tightening the
nuts.
(5) Align the holes in the strut clevis bracket on
the lower end of the strut with the mounting holes in
the knuckle. Install the two bolts attaching the strut
to the rear knuckle (Fig. 1). Install the nuts. Tighten
the two nuts to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with disc brakes (Fig.
7), install the brake rotor and disc brake caliper on
the knuckle. Install the two guide pin bolts securing
the front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle.
Tighten the guide pin bolts to a torque of 22 N´m
(192 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the stabilizer bar link (Fig. 1):
Fig. 7 Rear Disc Brakes
1 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
2 ± DISC BRAKE ADAPTER
3 ± GUIDE PIN BOLTS
4 ± HUB AND BEARING
5 ± BRAKE ROTOR
6 ± RETAINER CLIP
7 ± DUST CAP
8 ± NUT
Fig. 8 Mounting At Strut Tower
1 ± UPPER MOUNT
2 ± MOUNTING NUTS
3 ± STRUT TOWER
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 41
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

²Place the link center sleeve and bushings
between the eye in the end of the stabilizer bar and
the link mounting bracket on the strut.
²Start the stabilizer bar link bolt with bushing
from the top, down through the stabilizer bar, inner
link bushings and sleeve, and strut link mounting
bracket.
²Install a lower bushing, then the nut. Do not
tighten the nut at this time.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with the antilock
brake system (ABS), install the screw securing the
ABS wheel speed sensor bracket to the rear of the
strut assembly (Fig. 6). Tighten the mounting screw
to a torque of 13 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(9) If the vehicle is equipped with rear drum
brakes, install the screw securing the brake hose
bracket to the rear of the strut assembly (Fig. 5).
Tighten the screw to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Repeat the tightening sequence, this time, to
full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(11) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(12) Tighten the stabilizer bar link nut to a torque
of 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(13) Set the rear toe on the vehicle to the required
specification if necessary. Refer to WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT in this service manual group.
KNUCKLE (REAR)
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from
the vehicle.
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with rear drum
brakes, remove the screw securing the brake hose
bracket to the rear of the strut assembly (Fig. 5).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the antilock
brake system (ABS), remove the screw securing the
ABS wheel speed sensor bracket to the rear of the
strut assembly (Fig. 6).
(5) If the vehicle is equipped with rear drum
brakes, remove any retainer clips from the wheel
mounting studs, then pull the brake drum off the
hub and bearing.
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with rear disc brakes
(Fig. 7), perform the following:²Remove the two guide pin bolts securing the
front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle.
²Remove the disc brake caliper from the knuckle
and brake rotor.
²Hang the caliper out of the way using a wire
hanger or cord. Do not support the caliper by letting
it hang by the hydraulic hose.
²Remove any retainer clips from the wheel
mounting studs, then pull the brake rotor off the hub
and bearing.
(7) Remove the dust cap from the hub and bearing
assembly (Fig. 7).
(8) Remove the retaining nut, then the hub and
bearing from the knuckle's spindle (Fig. 7).
(9) If vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes,
remove the four bolts attaching the rear brake sup-
port plate to the knuckle (Fig. 9). Next, remove the
brake support plate, brake shoes and wheel cylinder
as an assembly from the rear knuckle, then hang it
out of the way using a wire hanger or cord. Do not
overextend the brake hose when being hung. It is not
necessary to remove the brake hose from the wheel
cylinder when removing the support plate.
(10) If the vehicle is equipped with rear disc
brakes, remove the four bolts mounting the disc
brake adapter to the rear knuckle (Fig. 10). Next,
remove the adapter, rotor shield, parking brake shoes
and parking brake cable as an assembly from the
knuckle, then hang it out of the way using a wire
hanger or cord.Fig. 9 Support Plate Mounting
1 ± BRAKE SHOES
2 ± WHEEL CYLINDER
3 ± KNUCKLE
4 ± BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTING BOLTS
5 ± BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE
2 - 42 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: The strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts are
serrated and must not be turned during removal.
Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle
while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out
using a pin punch.
(11) Loosen, but do not completely remove the two
nuts and bolts attaching the rear knuckle to the
strut (Fig. 11).
(12) Remove the nuts and bolt attaching the rear
knuckle to the lateral arms (Fig. 11).(13) Disconnect the tension strut from the knuckle.
To do this, first hold the tension strut from turning
by using a wrench on the flat on the tension strut
and then remove the nut from the rear of the tension
strut (Fig. 12). Next, remove the tension strut
retainer, then the rear tension strut bayonet bushing
from the tension strut.
(14) Remove the two nuts and bolts attaching the
rear knuckle to the strut (Fig. 11). Tap the bolts from
the knuckle using a pin punch.
(15) Remove the knuckle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install the knuckle on the vehicle, first align
the hole in the lower end of the rear knuckle with
the forward bayonet bushing on the tension strut. Be
sure the stepped area of the bushing is squarely
seated into the hole in the knuckle. Next, Rotate the
knuckle until the upper mounting holes in the
knuckle is aligned with the holes in the strut's clevis
bracket.
CAUTION: The strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts are
serrated and must not be turned during installation.
Once installed, hold the bolts stationary in the
steering knuckle while installing and tightening the
nuts.
(2) Install the two bolts attaching the strut to the
rear knuckle from the front side. Install the nuts on
the bolts (Fig. 11). Tighten the two nuts to a torque
of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(3) Align the lateral arms with the hole in the cen-
ter of the knuckle. Install the bolt attaching the arms
to the knuckle. When installing the bolt, start it from
Fig. 10 Disc Brake Adapter Mounting
1 ± DISC BRAKE ADAPTER
2 ± KNUCKLE
3 ± MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 11 Rear Knuckle Mounting
1 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 ± KNUCKLE
3 ± LATERAL ARMS
4 ± NUT
5 ± NUTS
Fig. 12 Tension Strut Nut Removal/Installation
1 ± KNUCKLE
2 ± TENSION STRUT
3 ± FLAT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 43
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)