2000 DODGE NEON suspension

once installed. Install the nuts. Holding the bolts in
place tighten the nuts to a torque of 53 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.) plus an additional 90É turn after the specified
torque is met.
(6) Place the tie rod heat shield on the steering
knuckle arm so that the shield is positioned straight
away from the steering gear and tie rod end once
installed. Algn the hole in the shield with the hole in
the steering knucle arm.
(7) Install the outer tie rod ball stud into the hole
in the steering knuckle arm. Start the tie rod attach-
ing nut onto the stud. Hold the tie rod end stud with
a wrench while tightening the nut with a standard
wrench or crowfoot wrench (Fig. 9). To fully tighten
the nut to specifications, use a crowfoot wrench on a
torque wrench to turn the nut, and a wrench on the
stud. Tighten the nut to a torque of 55 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(8) Install the brake rotor on the hub (Fig. 8).
(9) 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 the
lower end of the caliper into place against the
knuckle (Fig. 13). 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.
(10) Install the two guide pin bolts securing the
front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle (Fig.
8). Tighten the guide pin bolts to a torque of 22 N´m
(192 in. lbs.).(11) Clean all foreign matter from the threads of
the driveshaft outer C/V joint (Fig. 7).
(12) Install the hub nut in the end of the drive-
shaft and snug it.
(13) Have a helper apply the brakes. With vehicle
brakes applied to keep brake rotor and hub from
turning, tighten the hub nut to a torque of 244 N´m
(180 ft. lbs.)
(14) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Install
the wheel mounting nuts and tighten them to a
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(15) Lower the vehicle.
(16) Set the front toe on the vehicle to required
specification. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in this
service manual group.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
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 front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 14). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(4) Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar
downward. It may be necessary to loosen the stabi-
Fig. 13 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
Fig. 14 Stabilizer Bar Links
1 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
2 - 18 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

lizer bar cushion retainer bolts a little to ease any
turning resistance.
(5) Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping the
ball joint stud to the steering knuckle (Fig. 15).
CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle
from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the
knuckle. Pulling the steering knuckle outward at
this point can separate the inner C/V joint on the
driveshaft. Refer to FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE group for further
information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate the ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 12).
(7) If the right lower control arm is being serviced,
remove the bolts mounting the engine torque strut in
place (Fig. 16), then remove the engine torque strut
from the vehicle.
(8) Remove the front pivot bolt attaching the lower
control arm to the front suspension crossmember
(Fig. 17). Remove the rear pivot bolt attaching the
lower control arm to the front suspension crossmem-
ber and frame rail. Remove the lower control arm
from the crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower control arm into the cross-
member (Fig. 17). Install, but do not fully tighten,
the rear pivot bolt attaching the lower control arm to
the front suspension crossmember and frame rail.
Install the front pivot bolt attaching the lower con-
trol arm to the front suspension crossmember.
(2) Tighten the lower control arm rear pivot (and
suspension crossmember) bolt to a torque of 203 N´m
(150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the lower control arm front
pivot bolt to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss
Fig. 15 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 16 Engine Torque Strut
1 ± MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 17 Lower Control Arm Attaching Bolts
1 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 ± FRONT BOLT
3 ± CROSSMEMBER
4 ± REAR BOLT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

with the notch formed in the side of the ball joint
stud.
(4) If the right lower control arm has been ser-
viced, install the engine torque strut (Fig. 16). Follow
the procedure described in the ENGINE service man-
ual group to properly align and tighten the torque
strut.
(5) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and nut
(Fig. 15). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(6) Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar
into mounting position.
(7) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehicle
(Fig. 14). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing (Fig. 1). Do not fully
tighten the link assemblies at this time.
(8) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(9) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(10) If previously loosened, tighten the stabilizer
bar cushion retainer bolts to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR (FRONT)
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 stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 18). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 18), and remove the stabi-
lizer bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(4) To remove the cushions from the stabilizer bar,
peel back each cushion at the slit and roll it off the
bar.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before stabilizer bar installation, inspect the
cushions and links for excessive wear, cracks, dam-
age and distortion. Replace any pieces failing
inspection.
(1) If removed, install the stabilizer bar cushions
on the stabilizer bar utilizing the slit in each cush-
ion. Position the cushions at each end of the bar's
straight beam, just before it begins to curve.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 19).
(2) First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each
cushion must point toward the front of the vehicle
and sit directly on top of the raised beads formed
into the stamping on the crossmember. Next, install
the cushion retainers, matching the raised beads
formed into the cushion retainers to the grooves
formed into the cushions. Install the cushion retainer
bolts, but do not completely tighten them at this
time.
(3) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehicle
(Fig. 18). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing (Fig. 1). Do not fully
tighten the link assemblies at this time.
Fig. 18 Stabilizer Bar
1 ± STABLILIZER BAR CUSION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABLIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
2 - 20 SUSPENSIONPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(5) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
WHEEL MOUNTING STUD (FRONT)
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 to remove and install
one of five studs on one wheel hub.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the two guide pin bolts securing the
front disc brake caliper to the steering knuckle (Fig.
20).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper from the steer-
ing knuckle. The caliper is removed by first tipping
either the top (right side) or bottom (left side) of thecaliper away from the brake rotor, then pulling the
caliper off the opposite end's caliper slide (on the
knuckle) and rotor.
(5) Hang 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.
(6) Remove any retainer clips from the wheel
mounting studs. Remove the brake rotor from the
front hub (Fig. 20).
CAUTION: Do not hammer wheel mounting studs
out of the hub. Damage to the wheel bearing will
occur, leading to premature bearing failure.
(7) Install a wheel mounting nut on the wheel
mounting stud being removed from the hub far
enough so the threads on the stud are even with end
of lug nut. Rotate the hub so the stud requiring
removal is aligned with notch cast into front of the
steering knuckle. Install Remover, Special Tool
C-4150, on hub flange and wheel stud (Fig. 21).
(8) Tighten the remover, pushing the wheel mount-
ing stud out the rear of the hub flange. When the
shoulder of the stud is past the flange, remove the
remover from the hub. Remove the nut from the
stud, then remove the stud from the flange.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the wheel mounting stud in the flange
of hub from the rear side. Install several washers
and a wheel mounting nut on the stud (Fig. 22). The
wheel mounting nut must be installed with the flat
side of the wheel mounting nut against the washers
to eliminate binding.
Fig. 19 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
Fig. 20 Brake Caliper And Rotor
1 ± RETAINER CLIP
2 ± BRAKE ROTOR
3 ± HUB
4 ± GUIDE PIN BOLTS
5 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(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)

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 hooks (Fig. 24), then set
the upper hooks (Fig. 25). Position the strut clevis
bracket straight outward away from 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 (Fig. 24).
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. 26). Next, install a
socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. Whileholding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut
from the strut shaft.
Fig. 24 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)
1 ± LOWER HOOKS
2 ± CLAMP
3 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
4 ± CLEVIS BRACKET
5 ± SPRING COMPRESSOR
Fig. 25 Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)
1 ± NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT
2 ± UPPER MOUNT
3 ± UPPER HOOKS
4 ± CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 26 Shaft Nut Removal/Installation
1 ± SPRING COMPRESSOR
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6864
3 ± UPPER MOUNT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 23
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(5) Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft
(Fig. 27).
(6) Remove the upper spring seat and bearing,
along with the upper spring isolator as an assembly
from the top of the coil spring by pulling them
straight up (Fig. 27). The upper spring isolator can
be separated from the spring seat and bearing once
removed from vehicle.
(7) Remove the dust shield, then the jounce
bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight
up (Fig. 27).
(8) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.
(9) Remove the lower spring isolator from the
lower spring seat on the strut.
NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, pro-
ceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with
step 11.(10) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive completely. Push
back the compressor hooks and remove the coil
spring.
(11) 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.
²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Check the upper spring seat and bearing for
cracks and distortion.
²Check for binding of the upper spring seat and
bearing pivot bearing.
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 so the end of the top
coil is directly in the back as shown (Fig. 28).
(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.
(4) 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 as necessary
until the clevis bracket is positioned straight outward
away from the compressor (Fig. 24). Install the clamp
on the lower end of the coil spring and strut, so the
strut is held in place.
(5) Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft.
The jounce bumper is to be installed with the smaller
end pointing downward toward the lower seat (Fig.
27).
(6) Install the dust shield on the strut shaft (Fig.
27). The bottom of the dust shield will snap past the
retainer on top of the strut housing.
(7) If disassembled, reinstall the upper spring iso-
lator on the upper spring seat and bearing.
(8) Install the upper spring seat and bearing on
top of the coil spring. Position the notch formed into
the edge of the upper seat straight out away from the
compressor (Fig. 25).
Fig. 27 Strut Assembly Components
1 ± NUT
2 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 ± STRUT
4 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 ± COIL SPRING
6 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
7 ± DUST SHIELD
8 ± SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)
9 ± UPPER MOUNT
2 - 24 SUSPENSIONPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (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)