(1) Position the strut assembly in the strut coil
spring compressor following the manufacturers
instructions. Position the lower hooks on the coil
spring first. The strut clevis bracket should be posi-
tioned straight outward from the compressor.
(2) Turn the upper mount of the strut assembly
toward the inside of the compressor as shown to
allow positioning of the compressor upper hooks (Fig.
45). Position the upper hooks on top of the coil spring
upper seat approximately 1 inch from outside diame-
ter of seat (Fig. 48).Do not allow hooks to be
placed closer to edge.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.
(3) Compress the coil spring until all coil spring
tension is removed from the upper mount.
(4) Install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on
the strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 46). Next, install a
10 mm 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.
(6) If the pivot bearing needs to be serviced,
remove it from the top of the coil spring upper seat
by pulling it straight up.
(7) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil
spring and remove the strut out through the bottom
of the coil spring.
NOTE: If the coil spring or upper spring seat needs
to be serviced, proceed with the next step, other-
wise, proceed with step 10.(8) Release the tension from the coil spring by
backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back the
compressor upper hooks and remove the upper spring
seat.
(9) Remove the coil spring from the spring com-
pressor.
(10) Remove the dust shield and jounce bumper as
an assembly from the strut shaft by pulling both
straight up and off the strut shaft. The dust shield
cannot be separated from the jounce bumper until
after it is removed from strut shaft.
(11) Remove the jounce bumper from the dust
shield. The jounce bumper is removed from the dust
shield by collapsing the dust shield until the jounce
bumper can be pulled free from the dust boot.
(12) Remove the spring isolator from the lower
spring seat on the strut (Fig. 39).
(13) Inspect the strut assembly components (Fig.
39) for the following and replace as necessary:
²Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft bind-
ing over the full stroke of the shaft.
²Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion
and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
²Check the upper seat for stress cracks and wear.
²Check the upper spring isolator for severe dete-
rioration.
²Check for binding of the strut assembly pivot
bearing.
²Inspect the dust shield for rips and deteriora-
tion.
²Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs
of deterioration.
Fig. 45 MOUNT ROTATED AND HOOKS POSITIONED
1 - UPPER MOUNT TURNED TOWARD COMPRESSOR
2 - COMPRESSOR UPPER HOOKS
3 - UPPER SPRING SEAT
Fig. 46 Retaining Nut Removal/Installation (Typical)
1 - UPPER MOUNT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864
2 - 22 FRONTRS
STRUT (Continued)
(7) Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft
(Fig. 39). The jounce bumper is to be installed with
the small end pointing downward.
(8) Install the dust shield on the strut. Collapse
and stretch the dust shield down over the top of the
jounce bumper until the dust shield snaps into the
slot on the jounce bumper. The jounce bumper will be
at the top of the inner dust boot. Return the dust
shield to its fully extended length.
(9) Install the strut through the bottom of the coil
spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower
end of the coil spring. The clevis bracket on the strut
should point straight outward away from the com-
pressor (to the 6 o'clock position). This position
should be within 5É of the lower end tip of the coil
spring (Fig. 50). If necessary, reposition the strut or
coil spring in the compressor so both of these line up
straight outward away from the compressor (to the 6
o'clock position). Install the clamp to hold the strut
and coil together.
(10) Install the strut mount over the strut shaft
and onto the top of the pivot bearing and upper seat
as shown (Fig. 45). Loosely install the retaining nut
on the strut shaft.
(11) Install Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a
torque wrench), Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft
retaining nut (Fig. 46). Next, install a 10 mm socket
on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While hold-
ing the strut shaft from turning, tighten the strut
shaft retaining nut to a torque of 100 N´m (75 ft.
lbs.).NOTE: Before releasing the tension the compressor
has on the spring, using the following figure as ref-
erence (Fig. 51), make sure the upper spring seat,
coil spring and strut clevis bracket are all lined up
properly (within 5É of one another).
(12) Slowly release the tension from the coil spring
by backing off the compressor drive fully. As the ten-
sion is relieved, make sure the upper mount, pivot
bearing and upper seat are align properly. Remove
the clamp from the lower end of the coil spring and
strut. Push back the spring compressor upper and
lower hooks, then remove the strut assembly from
the spring compressor.
(13) Install strut assembly on the vehicle. (Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - INSTALLA-
TION)
INSTALLATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Front strut coil springs are side-oriented.
When installing a strut assembly, make sure the
strut being installed has the correct coil spring for
that side of the vehicle. Springs on the left side of
the vehicle have a left-hand wind top-to-bottom
while springs on the right side have a right-hand
wind top-to-bottom (Fig. 50). Do not interchange the
two sides.
Fig. 50 COIL SPRING POSITIONING
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - END OF RIGHT COIL SPRING AT STRUT LOWER SEAT
3 - LOWER SEATS OF STRUTS
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKETS
5 - END OF LEFT COIL SPRING AT STRUT LOWER SEAT
Fig. 51 COMPONENTS LINED UP
1 - IMAGINARY VERTICAL LINE
2 - CLEVIS BRACKET
3 - END OF COIL SPRING
4 - NOTCH IN UPPER SPRING SEAT
2 - 24 FRONTRS
STRUT (Continued)
CAUTION: Do not twist front inner tie rod to steer-
ing gear rubber boots during front wheel Toe
adjustment.
(2) Loosen front inner to outer tie rod end jam
nuts (Fig. 12). Grasp inner tie rods at serrations and
rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 12) to set
front toe to the preferred toe specification. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(3) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 12) to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at the
inner tie rod.
(5) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(6) Remove the alignment equipment.
(7)
Road test the vehicle to verify the steering wheel
is straight and the vehicle does not wander or pull.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECI-
FICATIONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15754 mm610 mm 770 mm610 mm
29.68 in.60.39 in. 30.31 in.60.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16755 mm610 mm 771 mm610 mm
29.72 in.60.39 in. 30.35 in.60.39 in.
TTU / 215/60 R 17758 mm610 mm 774 mm610 mm
29.84 in.60.39 in. 30.47 in.60.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15755 mm610 mm 770 mm610 mm
29.72 in.60.39 in. 30.31 in.60.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16756 mm610 mm 771 mm610 mm
29.76 in.60.39 in. 30.35 in.60.39 in.
Fig. 12 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 54 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT SUSPENSION......................1WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................3
FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT
DESCRIPTION............................1REMOVAL...............................1
INSTALLATION............................1
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL
BOOT
DESCRIPTION
The lower ball joint seal boot is a two piece unit. It
consists of a seal boot and a separate shield that is
located in a groove at the top of the seal boot.
NOTE: The seal boot should only be replaced if
damaged during vehicle service. The entire lower
control arm should be replaced if the joint has been
contaminated.
REMOVAL
(1)Remove steering knuckle from vehicle. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove shield from seal boot by gently pulling
on it.
(3) Using a screw driver or other suitable tool, pry
seal boot off of the lower ball joint.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place a liberal dab of MopartWheel Bearing
Grease around the base of the ball joint stem at the
socket.
(2) Install aNEWseal boot by hand as far as pos-
sible on the ball joint.
CAUTION: Do not use an arbor press to install the
sealing boot on the ball joint. Damage to the seal-
ing boot will occur if excessive pressure is applied
to the sealing boot when it is being installed.(3) Place Installer, Special Tool 6758, over seal
boot and squarely align it with bottom edge of seal
boot (Fig. 1). Apply hand pressure to Special Tool
6758 until seal boot is pressed squarely against top
surface of lower control arm.
(4) Wipe any grease off the ball joint stem.
(5) Place the shield over the top of the seal boot
and stretch it into the groove at the top of the seal
boot.
Fig. 1 Installing Ball Joint Seal Boot (Typical)
1 - SHIELD (NOT ON RG VEHICLE)
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6758
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT
RGSUSPENSION2a-1
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a normal grease
zirc in the ball joint and lubricate the joint through
the zirc fitting.
(6) Reinstall steering knuckle on vehicle. (Refer to
2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLA-
TION)
2a - 2 FRONT SUSPENSIONRG
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT (Continued)
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT - FRONT.....................1
HALF SHAFT - REAR.....................16PROPELLER SHAFT......................24
REAR DRIVELINE MODULE................26
HALF SHAFT - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT - FRONT
DESCRIPTION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................1
HALF SHAFT...........................1
REMOVAL...............................2
INSTALLATION............................5
SPECIFICATIONS.........................7
CV BOOT - INNER
REMOVAL...............................7INSTALLATION............................8
CV BOOT - OUTER
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................12
OUTER CV JOINT BEARING SHIELD
REMOVAL..............................14
INSTALLATION...........................14
HALF SHAFT - FRONT
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles use an unequal length half shaft sys-
tem (Fig. 1).
The left half shaft uses a tuned rubber damper
weight. When replacing the left half shaft, be sure
the replacement half shaft has the same damper
weight as the original.
All half shaft assemblies use the same type of
inner and outer joints. The inner joint of both half
shaft assemblies is a tripod joint, and the outer joint
of both half shaft assemblies is a Rzeppa joint. Both
tripod joints and Rzeppa joints are true constant
velocity (CV) joint assemblies. The inner tripod joint
allows for the changes in half shaft length through
the jounce and rebound travel of the front suspen-
sion.
On vehicles equipped with ABS brakes, the outer
CV joint is equipped with a tone wheel used to deter-
mine vehicle speed for ABS brake operation.
The inner tripod joint of both half shafts is splined
into the transaxle side gears. The inner tripod joints
are retained in the side gears of the transaxle usinga snap ring located in the stub shaft of the tripod
joint. The outer CV joint has a stub shaft that is
splined into the wheel hub and retained by a steel
hub nut.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT
VEHICLE INSPECTION
(1) Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard
tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of
inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp dam-
age.
(2) A light film of grease may appear on the right
inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal
and should not require replacement of the seal boot.
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could
be caused by one of the following conditions:
²Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal
boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss
and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in
inadequate lubrication of the joint.
RSDIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE3-1
²Noise may also be caused by another component
of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following
conditions:
²A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the
half shaft assembly.
²A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer
joint of the half shaft assembly.
²A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
²A worn or damaged half shaft inner tripod joint.
²A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tri-
pod joint only).
²Improper wheel alignment. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
²Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the back-
side of the wheel(s).
²Out of balance tires or wheels. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
²Improper tire and/or wheel runout. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist.
(2) Remove the cotter pin and nut lock (Fig. 2)
from the end of the half shaft.
(3) Remove the wave washer (Fig. 3) from the end
of the half shaft.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle. (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
(5) With the vehicle's brakes applied to keep hub
from turning,loosen and removethe half shaft
nut.
(6) Remove the two front disc brake caliper
adapter to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 Unequal Length Half Shaft System
1 - STUB AXLE
2 - OUTER C/V JOINT
3 - OUTER C/V JOINT BOOT
4 - TUNED RUBBER DAMPER WEIGHT
5 - INTERCONNECTING SHAFT
6 - OUTER C/V JOINT BOOT
7 - STUB AXLE
8 - OUTER C/V JOINT9 - RIGHT HALFSHAFT
10 - INNER TRIPOD JOINT BOOT
11 - INNER TRIPOD JOINT
12 - INNER TRIPOD JOINT
13 - INNER TRIPOD JOINT BOOT
14 - INTERCONNECTING SHAFT & LEFT HALFSHAFT
3 - 2 HALF SHAFT - FRONTRS
HALF SHAFT - FRONT (Continued)
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - HALF SHAFT - FRONT
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolts, Caliper Adapter to Knuckle 169 125 -
Nut, Hub 244 180 -
Nuts, Front Wheel Lug 135 100 -
Nut, Tie Rod End to Knuckle 75 55 -
Nut, Strut Clevis to Knuckle 81 +90É 60 +90É -
CV BOOT - INNER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the half shaft requiring boot replace-
ment from the vehicle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL
& DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove large boot clamp which retains inner
tripod joint sealing boot to tripod joint housing and
discard.
(3) Remove small clamp which retains inner tripod
joint sealing boot to interconnecting shaft and dis-
card.
(4) Remove the sealing boot from the tripod hous-
ing and slide it down the interconnecting shaft.
CAUTION: When removing the tripod joint housing
from the spider assembly, hold the bearings in
place on the spider trunions to prevent the bearings
from falling away.
(5) Slide the tripod joint housing off the spider
assembly and the interconnecting shaft (Fig. 15).
(6) Remove snap-ring which retains spider assem-
bly to interconnecting shaft (Fig. 16).Do not hit the
outer tripod bearings in an attempt to remove
spider assembly from interconnecting shaft.
(7) Remove the spider assembly from interconnect-
ing shaft. If spider assembly will not come off inter-
connecting shaft by hand, it can be removed by
tapping spider assembly with a brass drift (Fig. 17).(8) Slide sealing boot off interconnecting shaft.
(9) Thoroughly clean and inspect spider assembly,
tripod joint housing, and interconnecting shaft for
any signs of excessive wear.If any parts show
signs of excessive wear, the half shaft assembly
will require replacement. Component parts of
these half shaft assemblies are not serviceable.
Fig. 15 Spider Assembly Removal from Tripod Joint
Housing
1 - TRIPOD JOINT HOUSING
2 - SPIDER ASSEMBLY
3 - SEALING BOOT
RSHALF SHAFT - FRONT3-7
HALF SHAFT - FRONT (Continued)