2000 DODGE NEON tow

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)

LATERAL ARMS
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
Use the following procedure for removal and instal-
lation of one or both lateral arms on one side of the
vehicle's rear suspension.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the nut, bolt and washers attaching
both lateral arms to the knuckle (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove nut, washer, bolt and wheel alignment
cam attaching the lateral arms to the rear crossmem-
ber (Fig. 1).
(5) Remove the lateral arms from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Both lateral arms when being installed,
must be specifically positioned and orientated on
the vehicle. The lateral arm that has the same size
bushing sleeves on both ends must be mounted on
the forward side of the crossmember and knuckle
with the trimmed outer edge facing rearward. This
front arm is also marked with the word ªFOR-
WARDº. The side of the arm displaying this must
face forward.
The lateral arm with two different size bushing
sleeves must be mounted on the rearward side of
the crossmember and knuckle. Position the smaller
bushing sleeve end at the knuckle and the larger
bushing sleeve end at the rear crossmember (the
larger bushing sleeve is necessary to accommodate
the rear wheel alignment adjustment cam). If the
rear arm is to be mounted on the right side, the
trimmed outer edge must face rearward. If the rear
arm is to be mounted on the left side, the trimmed
outer edge must face forward.
(1) Following the note above, place the forward lat-
eral arm against the leading end of the knuckle, and
then install the short lateral arm mounting bolt with
a washer through the lateral arm and knuckle and
out the trailing end of the knuckle (Fig. 1).
(2) Following the note above, install the small
bushing sleeved end of the rear lateral arm onto the
end of the bolt just installed through the knuckle
(Fig. 1). Install a washer and nut onto the end of the
mounting bolt, but do not completely tighten the bolt
at this time.(3) Install a wheel alignment adjustment cam on
the long arm mounting bolt.
(4) Hold the rear lateral arm up against the cross-
member and install the long mounting bolt with the
adjustment cam through the lateral arm bushing and
rear crossmember (Fig. 1). The bolt must be installed
with the notch in the adjustment cam pointing
straight up.
(5) Position the forward lateral arm against the
rear crossmember hole. Pass the long mounting bolt
through the lateral arm bushing sleeve.
(6) Install a washer and nut onto the end of lateral
arm mounting bolt at the rear crossmember, but do
not completely tighten the bolt at this time.
NOTE: Once installed, each lateral arm should have
the bow in its length facing downward. Both right
side arms should have the trimmed outer edge fac-
ing toward the rear of the car. Left side arms should
have the trimmed outer edge facing each other. The
mounting bolt at the knuckle should have the nut at
the rear and the mounting bolt at the crossmember
should have the nut at the front (Fig. 13).
(7) Install tire and wheel assembly on the vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence
until all nuts are torqued to half specification.
Repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle to the ground.
(9) With suspension at curb height, tighten the lat-
eral arm mounting bolt nut at the knuckle to 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 13 Lateral Arms
1 ± REAR STABILIZER BAR
2 ± REAR LATERAL ARMS
3 ± RIGHT FRONT LATERAL ARM
4 ± LEFT FRONT LATERAL ARM
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 45
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

nuts are torqued to half specification. Repeat the
tightening sequence, this time, to full specified
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(9) Set the rear toe on the vehicle to the required
specification if necessary. Refer to WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT in this service manual group.
STABILIZER BAR (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 both rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove the nut from the end of each rear sta-
bilizer bar link bolt (Fig. 16). Pull the bolt out
through the top of the link and remove the link from
each end of the stabilizer bar.
(4) Remove the two bolts securing each of the two
cushion retainers to the frame rails (Fig. 1), then
remove the cushion retainers, cushions and stabilizer
bar from the vehicle as an assembly.
(5) Pull the cushion retainers off the cushions.
(6) The cushions can be removed from the bar by
utilizing the pre-formed slit in each cushion and peel-
ing it off the bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cushions on the stabilizer bar by
opening the slit in the cushion and wrapping the
cushion around the bar. When installed properly, the
slit in the cushion should face in the same direction
as the ends of the stabilizer bar, or toward the front
of the car once the bar is installed. The flat side of
each cushion should face upward.
(2) Install the retainers on the cushions, matching
the contour of each retainer with its cushion.
(3) Install the stabilizer bar, cushions and retain-
ers on the car as an assembly. The dipped area in the
center of the bar must face down to clear the well in
the luggage compartment.
(4) Install two bolts in each cushion retainer and
secure the stabilizer bar to the frame of the vehicle
(Fig. 1). Do not completely install the bolts at this
time.
(5) Reinstall each stabilizer bar link (Fig. 1):
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.
(6) Install both tire and wheel assemblies on the
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Repeat the tightening sequence, this
time, to full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower the vehicle to ground level or curb
height.
(8) Tighten the rear stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(9) Tighten the stabilizer bar link nuts to a torque
of 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(10) Set the rear toe on the vehicle to the required
specification if necessary. Refer to WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT in this service manual group.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
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.
Fig. 16 Stabilizer Bar Link
1 ± BRAKE HOSE BRACKET SCREW
2 ± STABILIZER BAR LINK
3 ± NUT
4 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 47
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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
removed from, and which strut the coil spring was
removed from.
(2) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
spring compressor following the manufacturers
instructions. Set the lower, then upper hooks on the
coil spring (Fig. 17). Position the strut clevis bracket
straight inward toward the compressor. Place a
clamp on the lower end of the coil spring, so the strut
is held in place once the strut shaft nut is removed.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED.
THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE
AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING
TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNT AND PIVOT
BEARING, BEFORE THE SHAFT NUT IS REMOVED.
(3) Compress the coil spring until all coil spring
tension is removed from the upper mount.(4) Once the spring is sufficiently compressed,
install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on the
strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 18). Next, install a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While
holding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft
(Fig. 19).
(6) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.
(7) Remove the dust shield, then the jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight
up (Fig. 19).
(8) Remove the lower spring isolator from the
lower spring seat located on the strut.
NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, pro-
ceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 10.
NOTE: Before removing the coil spring from the
compressor, make not of its position in the com-
pressor, for easy reassembly.
(9) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive completely. Push
back the compressor hooks and remove the coil
spring.
(10) Inspect the strut assembly components for the
following and replace as necessary:
²Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
²Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
Fig. 17 Strut Assembly In Compressor
1 ± UPPER HOOKS
2 ± COIL SPRING
3 ± CLEVIS BRACKET
4 ± CLAMP
5 ± LOWER HOOKS
Fig. 18 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 ± UPPER MOUNT
2 ± FRONT HOOK
2 - 48 SUSPENSIONPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
²Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for
material deterioration and distortion.
²Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to
the coating.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 3.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor follow-
ing the manufacturers instructions. Before compress-
ing the spring, rotate the spring to the position
determined in the note prior to step 9 in disassembly.
(2) Slowly compress the coil spring until enough
room is available for strut assembly reassembly.
(3) Install the lower spring isolator on the lower
spring seat of the strut matching the step built intothe isolator with the step in the lower spring seat on
the strut (Fig. 19).
(4) Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper is to be installed with the pointed
end pointing downward toward the lower seat.
(5) Install the dust shield on the strut shaft (Fig.
19). The bottom of the dust shield will snap past the
retainer on top of the strut housing.
(6) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut until the end
of the coil spring fits against the step in the lower
spring seat (Fig. 17). If done correctly, the clevis on
the bottom of the strut should face toward the com-
pressor.
(7) Install the clamp on the lower end of the coil
spring and strut, so the strut is held in place with
the coil spring.
NOTE: Before installing the upper mount, check to
make sure the correct side mount is being installed.
Left and right upper mounts are different. A left
mount will be marked with the letter ªLº while a
right mount will be marked with the letter ªRº (Fig.
20).
(8) Install the upper mount over the strut shaft
and onto the top of the upper spring. Near the center
on the top of the mount is the word ªOUTº and an
arrow (Fig. 20). Point the arrow on the mount in the
same direction that the clevis bracket on the lower
end of the strut is pointed in. This direction should
be straight toward the compressor.
(9) 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. 18). Next, install a socket on the
Fig. 19 Strut Assembly Components
1 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 ± STRUT
3 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
4 ± COIL SPRING
5 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
6 ± DUST SHIELD
7 ± UPPER MOUNT
Fig. 20 Upper Mount Markings
1 ± SIDE INDICATING LETTER
2 ± DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR
3 ± UPPER MOUNT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 49
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

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.).
(10) 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's
seat aligns properly with the coil spring.
(11) Verify the arrow on the upper mount is point-
ing in the same direction as the strut clevis bracket
as mentioned in step 9.
(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.
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
STRUT ASSEMBLY:
Tower Attaching Nuts..... 34N´m(300 in. lbs.)
Knuckle Attaching Bolts.... 88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Strut Assembly Shaft Nut . . . 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.)
Brake Hose Bracket Mounting Bolt..... 31N´m
(275 in. lbs.)
KNUCKLE:
Brake Support Plate Mounting Bolts.... 75N´m
(55 ft. lbs.)
Disc Brake Adapter Mounting Bolts.... 75N´m
(55 ft. lbs.)
HUB AND BEARING:
To Knuckle Retaining Nut........... 217N´m
(160 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Mounting Nuts...........109-150 N´m
(80-110 ft. lbs.)
LATERAL ARM:
Nut At Crossmember....... 88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Nut At Knuckle........... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
TENSION STRUT:
Rear Nut................ 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Frame Rail Bolts.......... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Parking Brake Cable Nut . . 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Cushion Retainer Bolts.... 34N´m(300 in. lbs.)
Link Bolt Nut........... 23N´m(200 in. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
Socket/Wrench Strut Rod Nut 6864
2 - 50 SUSPENSIONPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: The inner tripod joint sealing boots are
made from two different types of material. High±
temperature applications use silicone rubber
whereas standard temperature applications use
Hytrel plastic. The silicone sealing boots are soft
and pliable. The Hytrel sealing boots are stiff and
rigid. The replacement sealing boot MUST BE the
same type of material as the sealing boot that was
removed.
(1) Slide inner tripod joint seal boot retaining
clamp, onto interconnecting shaft. Then slide the
replacement inner tripod joint sealing boot onto
interconnecting shaft.Inner tripod joint seal boot
MUST be positioned on interconnecting shaft,
so the raised bead on the inside of the seal boot
is in groove on interconnecting shaft (Fig. 22).
(2) Install spider assembly onto interconnecting
shaft with chamfer on spider assembly toward inter-
connecting shaft (Fig. 23). Spider assembly must be
installed on interconnecting shaft far enough to fully
install spider retaining snap ring. If spider assembly
will not fully install on interconnecting shaft by
hand, it can be installed by tapping the spider body
with a brass drift (Fig. 24).Do not hit the outer
tripod bearings in an attempt to install spider
assembly on interconnecting shaft.
(3) Install the spider assembly to interconnecting
shaft retaining snap ring into groove on end of inter-
connecting shaft (Fig. 25). Be sure the snap ring is
fully seated into groove on interconnecting shaft.(4) Distribute 1/2 the amount of grease provided in
the seal boot service package (DO NOT USE ANY
OTHER TYPE OF GREASE) into tripod housing. Put
the remaining amount into the sealing boot.
(5) Align tripod housing with spider assembly and
then slide tripod housing over spider assembly and
interconnecting shaft (Fig. 26).
(6) Install inner tripod joint seal boot to intercon-
necting shaft clamp evenly on sealing boot.
Fig. 22 Sealing Boot Installation on Interconnecting
Shaft
1 ± SEALING BOOT
2 ± RAISED BEAD IN THIS AREA OF SEALING BOOT
3 ± GROOVE
4 ± INTERCONNECTING SHAFT
Fig. 23 Spider Assembly Installation on
Interconnecting Shaft
1 ± SPIDER ASSEMBLY
2 ± INTERCONNECTING SHAFT
3 ± CHAMFER
Fig. 24 Installing Spider Assembly On
Interconnecting Shaft
1 ± DO NOT HIT BEARINGS WHEN INSTALLING THE SPIDER
ASSEMBLY
2 ± SPIDER ASSEMBLY
3 ± INTERCONNECTING SHAFT
4 ± BRASS DRIFT
3 - 10 DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)