2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY service

FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill points and lubrication locations
are located in each applicable service manual section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - DIESEL ENGINE
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for the vehicle.
First is ScheduleªAº. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is ScheduleªBº. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the conditions listed at
the beginning of the schedule.
Use the schedule that best describes the driving
conditions.
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level, add as required.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check the tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
²Check the rubber seals on each side of the radi-
ator for proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Replace the engine oil filter at each oil change.
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on schedule ªAº 20 000 km or every other
interval shown on schedule ªBº 20 000 km.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect brake linings, hoses and calipers.
²Inspect engine accessory drive belts.
²Inspect for presence of water in fuel filter/water
separator, drain if necessary.
SCHEDULE ªAº
20 000 km (12 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
40 000 km (24 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
60 000 km (37 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
80 000 km (49 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
100 000 km (62 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
120 000 km (75 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
140 000 km (86 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
Fig. 6 Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation ±
Diesel Engines
RGLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE - RG - 2.5 L TURBO DIESEL0a-5
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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160 000 km (100 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
²Flush and replace engine coolant. (3)
180 000 km (110 000 miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element. Replace as necessary.
IMPORTANT: Inspection and service should also
be performed any time a malfunction is observed or
suspected. Retain all receipts.
²Change oil every 12 months regardless of mile-
age.
²The fuel filter/water separator element should
be replaced once a year if the vehicle is driven less
than 40 000 km annually or if power loss from fuel
starvation is detected.
²
Flush and replace engine coolant every 60 months
even if the vehicle is driven less than 160 000 km.
SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow this schedule if the vehicle is operated
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C
(32É F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16.2 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
10 000 km (6 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
20 000 km (12 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
30 000 km (18 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
40 000 km (24 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
²Change manual transaxle fluid.
50 000 km (31 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
60 000 km (37 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
70 000 km (43 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
80 000 km (49 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
²Change manual transaxle fluid.
90 000 km (55 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
100 000 km (62 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
110 000 km (68 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect air filter element.
²Replace fuel filter/water separator element. (2)
²Check alignment.
120 000 km (74 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace air filter element.
²Change manual transaxle fluid.
130 000 km (80 000 Miles)
²Change engine oil. (1)
²Replace engine oil filter.
0a - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE - RG - 2.5 L TURBO DIESELRG
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
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A strut assembly is used in place of the front sus-
pension upper control arm and upper ball joint.
When a 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.
The top of the strut is mounted directly to the strut
tower of the vehicle. During steering maneuvers, the
strut assembly (through a pivot bearing in the upper
strut mount) and steering knuckle (through the lower
ball joint) turn as an assembly.STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
There are no serviceable lubrication points on the
front suspension. The ball joints are sealed-for-life
and require no maintenance. The lower ball joints
have special grease fitting caps that prevent normal
grease gun attachment. This has been done to elimi-
nate the possibility of over-filling, damaging the non-
vented seal. Do not attempt to remove the special
grease fitting cap and replace it with a normal grease
zirc fitting.
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting cap with a normal zirc
fitting or fill the ball joint with grease. Damage to
the grease seal can result.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension
1 - TOWER
2 - CROSSMEMBER TAPPING PLATES
3 - LEFT STRUT ASSEMBLY
4 - LEFT STEERING KNUCKLE (WITH HUB AND BEARING)
5 - STABILIZER BAR LINK
6 - STABILIZER BAR
7 - LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 - CRADLE/CROSSMEMBER9 - CRADLE/CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
10 - BALL JOINT
11 - ISOLATOR BUSHING
12 - STEERING GEAR TIE ROD
13 - RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE
14 - RIGHT HUB AND BEARING
15 - RIGHT STRUT ASSEMBLY
2 - 2 FRONTRS
FRONT (Continued)
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BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION
(1) Raise Vehicle. Refer to Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
(2) Remove the 2 bolts fastening the emission leak
detection pump to the cradle crossmember reinforce-
ment.
(3) Move the leak detection pump to the side
allowing access to the stabilizer bar cushion retain-
ers.
(4) Remove the nut and bolt securing each stabi-
lizer bar cushion retainer to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 2) and remove the retainers.
(5) Remove each stabilizer bar cushion from the
stabilizer bar by opening the slit in the cushion and
peeling it off the stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION
(1) Install each new cushion on stabilizer bar by
spreading cushion at slit and forcing it onto stabilizer
bar.
NOTE: Cushions must be installed on stabilizer bar
so the square corner of the bushing will be down
and slit in cushion will be facing the rear of the
vehicle when the stabilizer bar is installed (Fig. 3).
(2) Place stabilizer bar into mounted position with
cushions properly aligned.
(3) Hook each retainer into cradle crossmember
mounting hole and over cushion.(4) Install each mounting bolt from rear of cradle
crossmember through retainer. Install the two nuts
and tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Reattach emission leak detection pump to cra-
dle crossmember reinforcement with two mounting
bolts.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel bearing and front wheel hub of
this vehicle are a hub and bearing unit type assem-
bly. This unit combines the front wheel mounting
hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
sealed one-piece unit. The hub and bearing is
mounted to the center of the steering knuckle (Fig.
1). It is retained by four mounting bolts accessible
from the rear of the steering knuckle. The hub flange
has five wheel mounting studs.
The wheel mounting studs used to mount the tire
and wheel to the vehicle are the only replaceable
components of the hub and bearing assembly. Other-
wise, the hub and bearing is serviced only as a com-
plete assembly.
OPERATION
The hub and bearing has internal bearings that
allow the hub to rotate with the driveshaft, along
with the tire and wheel. The five wheel mounting
studs mount the tire and wheel, and brake rotor to
the vehicle.
Fig. 2 Front Stabilizer Bar Cushion Retainers
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - STABILIZER BAR
3 - RAISED BEAD
4 - FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
5 - RETAINERS
Fig. 3 Correctly Installed Stabilizer Bar Cushion
1 - SLIT
2 - SQUARE CORNER
3 - STABILIZER BAR
4 - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION (BUSHING)
2 - 4 FRONTRS
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INSTALLATION - HUB AND BEARING
CAUTION: Hub and bearing assembly mounting
surfaces on the steering knuckle and stub axle (Fig.
7) must be smooth and completely free of foreign
material or nicks prior to installing hub and bearing
assembly.
CAUTION: When installing hub and bearing into
steering knuckle, be careful not to damage the
bearing seal (Fig. 7) on the outer C/V joint.(1) Install hub and bearing onto stub axle and into
steering knuckle until squarely seated on the face of
the steering knuckle.
(2) Install the 4 hub and bearing mounting bolts
from the rear of the knuckle. Equally tighten all 4
mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern until hub/
bearing assembly is squarely seated against front of
steering knuckle. Tighten mounting bolts to a torque
of 65 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the brake rotor on the hub and bearing
(Fig. 5).
(4) Install brake caliper and adapter assembly
back over brake rotor and align with mounting holes
on steering knuckle (Fig. 5). Install the mounting
bolts and tighten to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install the hub nut on the end of the stub axle
(Fig. 4). With aid of a helper applying the brakes to
keep the front hub from turning, tighten the hub nut
to Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 244 N´m
(180 ft. lbs.) torque.
(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 the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(8) Check the front wheel alignment toe setting
and reset if not within specifications.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The steering knuckle is a singlealuminumcast-
ing with legs machined for attachment of the strut
assembly, steering linkage, disc brake caliper
adapter, lower control arm ball joint and steering
linkage (Fig. 1). The hub and bearing assembly is
mounted in the center of the steering knuckle using
4 bolts. The driveshaft's constant velocity (C/V) stub
axle is splined through the center of the hub and
bearing and is held in place using a nut, nut lock and
cotter pin.
Service replacement of the front hub and bearing
assembly can be done with the steering knuckle
remaining on the vehicle.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivots with the strut assem-
bly between the lower ball joint and the pivot bearing
in the strut assembly. The steering gear outer tie rod
end connects to the trailing end of each knuckle,
allowing the vehicle to be steered.
The center of the knuckle supports the hub and
bearing and axle shaft.
Fig. 6 Hub And Bearing Mounting Bolts
1 - HUB
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
4 - DRIVESHAFT
Fig. 7 Mounting Surfaces (Typical)
1 - BEARING SEAL
2 - STUB AXLE
3 - THESE SURFACES MUST BE CLEAN AND FREE OF NICKS
BEFORE INSTALLING BEARING ASSEMBLY
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 6 FRONTRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
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(13) Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
(14) If the hub and bearing needs to be trans-
ferred, remove the four bolts attaching the hub and
bearing to the knuckle, then remove the hub and
bearing.
INSPECTION - STEERING KNUCKLE
Inspect the knuckle for the following:
²Cracks or breaks
²Dents or damage
²Stress marks indicating a bend
The front suspension knuckle is not a repairable
component of the vehicles front suspension. If bent,
broken or damaged in any way, do not attempt to
straighten or repair the steering knuckle. It must be
replaced.
If inspection leads to the hub and bearing, (Refer
to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
INSTALLATION - STEERING KNUCKLE
(1) If the hub and bearing needs to be installed in
the knuckle, place the hub and bearing squarely into
the center hole of the steering knuckle aligning the
threaded mounting holes of the hub and bearing with
the mounting holes in the steering knuckle. Installthe four mounting bolts and tighten them to a torque
of 65 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Before installing the knuckle on the ball
joint stud, wipe the ball joint stud and knuckle con-
tact area free of any grease or debris, otherwise
damage to the knuckle can occur. Use a clean shop
cloth with MoparTBrake Parts Cleaner applied to it
for proper cleaning.
(2) Place the knuckle on the ball joint stud.
(3) Install a NEW steering knuckle to ball joint
stud nut. Tighten the nut by holding ball joint stud
with hex wrench while turning nut with a wrench
(Fig. 14). Using a crowsfoot wrench on a torque
wrench, tighten the nut to a torque of 108 N´m (80 ft.
lbs.).
(4) Slide driveshaft stub axle into hub and bearing
assembly.
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 knuckle.
CAUTION: If the vehicle being serviced is equipped
with eccentric strut assembly attaching bolts, the
eccentric bolt must be installed in the bottom (slot-
ted) hole on the strut clevis bracket (Fig. 16).
NOTE: The strut clevis-to-steering knuckle bolts are
installed differently on each side. Left hand side
bolts are to be installed from vehicle rear to front.
Right side bolts are to be installed from vehicle
front to rear.
Fig. 15 BALL JOINT RELEASED USING C-4150A
1 - ALUMINUM KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 16 Correctly Installed Eccentric Attaching Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
RSFRONT2-9
KNUCKLE (Continued)
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(3) Using a sharp knife (such as a razor), slit the
bushing lengthwise (Fig. 24) to allow its removal
from the lower control arm (Fig. 24).
(4) Remove the bushing from the lower control
arm.
DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - HYDRO)
(1) Remove the lower control arm from the front
suspension cradle. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL)
(2) Mount the lower control arm in a visewithout
using excessive clamping force.
(3) Install Remover, Special Tool 8460, on hydro-
bushing as shown (Fig. 25). Removal Pin, Special
Tool 8460±3, must extend though hole in center of
bushing rear.(4) Tighten forcing screw of Bridge (Special Tool
8460±1), removing bushing from lower control arm.INSPECTION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Inspect lower control arm for signs of damage from
contact with the ground or road debris. If lower con-
trol arm shows any sign of damage, inspect lower
control arm for distortion. Do not attempt to repair
or straighten a broken or bent lower control arm. If
damaged, the lower control arm casting is serviced
only as a complete component.
Inspect both lower control arm isolator bushings
for severe deterioration, and replace as required.
Inspect the rear hydro-bushing for seepage. Both
Fig. 23 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
ATTACHMENT
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
5 - REAR CRADLE CROSSMEMBER ISOLATOR BUSHING
6 - STABILIZER BAR
7 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 24 Slit Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing
1 - REAR BUSHING
2 - SLIT CUT IN BUSHING
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 25 HYDRO-BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - REMOVAL PIN (8460-3)
2 - BRIDGE (8460-1)
3 - HYDRO-BUSHING
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
RSFRONT2-13
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
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type rear bushings are serviceable. If the front bush-
ing fails, the lower control arm must be replaced.
Inspect and test the ball joint per the procedure
listed in Lower Ball Joint. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/LOWER BALL JOINT - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR
BUSHING - STANDARD)
CAUTION: Do not apply grease or any other type of
lubricant other than the silicone lubricant specified
below to the control arm bushing.
(1) Apply Mopar Silicone Spray Lube or an equiv-
alent, to the hole in lower control arm rear bushing.
This will aid in the installation of the bushing on the
lower control arm.
(2) With the lower control arm held securely in a
vise, install bushing on lower control arm. Install
bushing by pushing and rocking the bushing until it
is fully installed on lower control arm. Be sure that
when bushing is installed it is past the upset on the
end of the lower control arm (Fig. 26).
(3) The rear bushing of the lower control arm,
when correctly installed, is to be positioned on the
lower control arm as shown (Fig. 26).
(4) Install lower control arm on vehicle. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION)
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM (REAR
BUSHING - HYDRO)
CAUTION: Do not apply grease or any other type of
lubricant to the arm stem where the bushing is to
be mounted. Such action will reduce proper bush-
ing adhesion to arm.
(1) Secure lower control arm in a vise.
NOTE: Hydro bushings and grooves on control arm
stems are unique for right and left sides. Left side
bushing master spline and control arm groove are
on the top (when mounted on vehicle). Right side
bushing master spline and control arm groove are
on the bottom (when mounted on vehicle).
(2) Align master spline on bushing inner sleeve
with groove on lower control arm rear bushing stem
(Fig. 27). Start bushing on stem by hand.
(3) Install Remover/Installer, Special Tool 8460,
over bushing and lower control arm as shown (Fig.
28). Engage flange on lower control arm with tips of
Bridge, Special Tool 8460±1 as shown (Fig. 28). The
contoured side of Installer Cup, Special Tool 8460±2,
should be fitted up against rear of the bushing.
(4) Begin to tighten forcing screw. As bushing
nears lower control arm flange, place Spacer Plate,
Special Tool 8460±4 between flange and bushing
inner sleeve, straddling the stem as shown (Fig. 29).
(5) Install bushing up against Spacer Plate, tight-
ening the bridge forcing screw with a torque wrench
until approximately 50 N´m (37 ft. lbs.) torque is
Fig. 26 Correctly Installed Lower Control Arm
Bushing
1 - ROUND SURFACE OF BUSHING
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING
4 - UPSET
5 - FLAT SURFACE OF BUSHING
Fig. 27 BUSHING MASTER SPLINE LINED UP WITH
GROOVE (RIGHT SIDE SHOWN)
1 - GROOVE
2 - HYDRO-BUSHING
3 - MASTER SPLINE
2 - 14 FRONTRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
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