2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY Service Manual

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Page 65 of 2321

DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual (10) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install
and tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to

(10) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install
and 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.).
(11) Raise vehicle, remove jack stands and lower
vehicle to the ground.
(12) Perform front wheel alignment as necessary.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front crossmember
(Fig. 1) .
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cross-
member is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion bush-
ings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabilizer
bar link is used to attach each end of the stabilizer
bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of the sta-
bilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to front crossmember cushion
bushings are split for easy removal and installation.
The split in the bushings should be positioned toward
the rear of the vehicle, with the square corner facing
down, when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helpsto minimize the body roll of the vehicle during sus-
pension movement.
Connecting the stabilizer bar links to the strut
assemblies helps reduce the fore-and-aft rate of the
stabilizer bar from the rest of the front suspension.
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
(2) Remove the bolts fastening the power steering
cooler to the front suspension cradle crossmember
reinforcement (Fig. 32).
(3) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(4) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 33). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the stud (Fig. 34).
Fig. 31 Jack Stands Supporting Vehicle Weight
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - JACK STANDS
4 - BALL JOINT
Fig. 32 POWER STEERING COOLER
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
2 - 16 FRONTRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
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DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual (5) Remove the stabilizer bar links from each end
of the stabilizer bar (Fig. 34). To do so, place an open-
end wrench on the flat machined into the links
mounting stud, then remove the nut while hol

Page 67 of 2321

DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual (1) If the stabilizer bar to front suspension cradle
bushings require replacement at time of inspection,
install new bushings before installing stabilizer bar.
Bushings are replaced by opening slit on

(1) If the stabilizer bar to front suspension cradle
bushings require replacement at time of inspection,
install new bushings before installing stabilizer bar.
Bushings are replaced by opening slit on bushings
and peeling them off stabilizer bar. Install new bush-
ings on stabilizer bar by spreading bushing at slit
and forcing them on the stabilizer bar.Bushings
must be installed on stabilizer bar so slit in
bushing will be facing toward the rear of vehi-
cle with the square corner toward the ground,
when the stabilizer bar is installed on the vehi-
cle (Fig. 36).
(2) Position stabilizer bar into front suspension
cradle so stabilizer bar bushings are aligned with
depressions in cradle. Install stabilizer bar bushing
retainers onto crossmember aligning raised bead on
retainer with cutouts in bushings (Fig. 37).Do not
tighten Stabilizer bar bushing retainers bolts at
this time.
(3) Check position of the stabilizer bar in the front
suspension cradle. The center of the curved section of
the stabilizer bar must be aligned with the raised
line in the center of the front suspension cradle (Fig.
38).
(4) Install the stabilizer bar link mounting stud
through the hole in each end of the stabilizer bar
(Fig. 34).
CAUTION: When installing the nut on the mounting
stud of the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud
to rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating
by placing an open-end wrench on the flat
machined into the stud (Fig. 34).(5) Hand-thread the nut on the end of each stabi-
lizer bar link stud. Hold the studs from turning by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the link's mounting stud, then tighten each nut
while holding the wrench in place (Fig. 34). Tighten
each nut to a torque of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 36 Correctly Installed Stabilizer Bar To Cradle
Bushing
1 - SWAY BAR ISOLATOR BUSHING
2 - SLIT IN SWAY BAR BUSHING
3-SWAYBAR
Fig. 37 Stabilizer Bar Bushing Retainer Installation
1-SWAYBAR
2 - SWAY BAR BUSHING
3 - BUSHING SPLIT
4 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE
5 - BUSHING CUT-OUT
6 - BUSHING RETAINER
7 - RAISED BEAD
Fig. 38 Stabilizer Bar Correctly Positioned In Cradle
1 - RAISED BEAD
2-SWAYBAR
3 - WHEN INSTALLING SWAY BAR THE RAISED BEAD ON THE
SUSPENSION CRADLE MUST BE IN THE CENTER OF RADIUS
IN SWAY BAR
4 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE
2 - 18 FRONTRS
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
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Page 68 of 2321

DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual (6) Tighten the stabilizer bar bushing retainer to
cradle attaching bolts (Fig. 35) to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(7) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and inst

(6) Tighten the stabilizer bar bushing retainer to
cradle attaching bolts (Fig. 35) to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(7) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 33). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten bolts to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 33). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the power steering cooler (Fig. 32).
Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(11) Lower the vehicle.STRUT
DESCRIPTION - STRUT ASSEMBLY
A Macpherson type strut assembly is used in place
of a conventional front suspension's upper control
arm and upper ball joint. The bottom of the strut
mounts directly to the steering knuckle using two
bolts and nuts going through the strut clevis bracket
and steering knuckle. The top of the strut mounts
directly to the strut tower of the vehicle using the
threaded studs on the strut assemblies upper mount.
The strut assembly includes the components listed
in the figure (Fig. 39).
Each component is serviced by removing the strut
assembly from the vehicle and disassembling it.
The coil springs are side-oriented. 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. This helps provide better
vehicle stability during jounce and rebound maneu-
vers of the front suspension. Left and right springs
must not be interchanged. Coil springs are rated sep-
Fig. 39 STRUT ASSEMBLY
1 - NUT
2 - UPPER MOUNT
3 - PIVOT BEARING
4 - UPPER SPRING SEAT
5 - UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR
6 - COIL SPRING7 - DUST SHIELD
8 - JOUNCE BUMPER
9 - LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
10 - STRUT (DAMPER)
RSFRONT2-19
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
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DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual arately for each corner or side of the vehicle depend-
ing on optional equipment and type of vehicle
service. If the coil springs require replacement, be
sure that the springs are replaced with spring

arately for each corner or side of the vehicle depend-
ing on optional equipment and type of vehicle
service. If the coil springs require replacement, be
sure that the springs are replaced with springs meet-
ing the correct load rating and spring rate for the
vehicle and its specific options.
OPERATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY
The strut assembly cushions the ride of the vehicle,
controlling vibration, along with jounce and rebound
of the suspension.
The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains
proper ride height.
The spring isolators isolate the coil spring at the
top and bottom from coming into metal-to-metal con-
tact with the upper seat and strut.
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact under full jounce condition.
The strut dampens jounce and rebound motions of
the coil spring and suspension.
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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STRUT ASSEMBLY
(FRONT)
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 39).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 39).
(3) Inspect the coil spring isolator on the lower
spring seat for any signs of damage or deterioration.
(4) Lift dust boot (Fig. 40) and inspect strut
assembly for evidence of fluid running from the
upper end of fluid reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a
stream of fluid running down the side and dripping
off lower end of unit). A slight amount of seepage
between the strut rod and strut shaft seal is not
unusual and does not affect performance of the strut
assembly (Fig. 40). Also inspect jounce bumpers for
signs of damage or deterioration.
REMOVAL - STRUT ASSEMBLY
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE NUT FROM THE
STRUT ROD WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS
INSTALLED IN VEHICLE, OR BEFORE STRUT
ASSEMBLY SPRING IS COMPRESSED.
(1) Raise the vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from loca-
tion on front of vehicle requiring strut removal.(3) If both strut assemblies are to be removed,
mark the strut assemblies right or left according to
which side of the vehicle they were removed from.
(4) Remove the hydraulic brake hose routing
bracket and the speed sensor cable routing bracket
from the strut damper brackets (Fig. 41).
Fig. 40 Strut Assembly Leakage Inspection (Typical)
1 - DUST BOOT
2 - STRUT SHAFT
3 - STRUT FLUID RESERVOIR
4 - INSPECT THIS AREA FOR EVIDENCE OF EXCESSIVE FLUID
LEAKAGE
Fig. 41 Brake Hose And Speed Sensor Cable
Routing
1 - STRUT DAMPER
2 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CABLE
3 - ROUTING BRACKET
4 - HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE
5 - ATTACHING BOLT
6 - ROUTING BRACKET
2 - 20 FRONTRS
STRUT (Continued)
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DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in its socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined

CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the stud (Fig. 42).
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar link from the bracket
on the strut assembly (Fig. 42). To do so, place an
open-end wrench on the flat machined into the link's
mounting stud, then remove the nut while holding
the wrench in place. Push the stud out of the
bracket.
CAUTION: The steering knuckle to strut assembly
attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned
during removal. Remove nuts while holding bolts
stationary in the steering knuckles.
(6) Remove the 2 strut assembly clevis bracket to
steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 43).
(7) Remove the 3 nuts attaching the strut assem-
bly upper mount to the strut tower (Fig. 44) and
remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
(8) To disassemble the strut assembly, (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - DISASSEMBLY).
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
The strut assembly must be removed from the
vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.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.
Fig. 42 Stabilizer Bar Link To Strut Attachment
1 - NUT
2 - STRUT
3 - STABILIZER BAR LINK
Fig. 43 Strut Damper Attachment To Steering
Knuckle
1 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - ATTACHING BOLTS
3 - TIE ROD END
4 - ROTOR
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 44 Strut Assembly To Strut Tower Attaching
Nuts (Typical)
1 - WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE
2 - STRUT TOWER
3 - STRUT MOUNT ATTACHING BOLTS
4 - UPPER STRUT MOUNT
RSFRONT2-21
STRUT (Continued)
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Page 71 of 2321

DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual (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

(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)
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DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to

ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut
assembly, use of Strut Spring Compressor, Pentastar
Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equiva-
lent, is recommended to compress the coil spring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
NOTE: Coil Springs on this vehicle are side-ori-
ented. 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.
Left and right springs must not be interchanged.
NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the
spring compressor, proceed with the next step, oth-
erwise, proceed with step 5.
(1) Place the coil spring in the compressor lower
hooks following the manufacturers instructions.
Proper orientation of the spring to the strut (once
installed) is necessary. Consider the following when
placing the coil spring in the compressor: From
above, the compressor back is at the 12 o'clock posi-
tion and you, standing in the front of the machine,
are at the 6 o'clock position. Place the lower coil
spring end at the 6 o'clock position for both left and
right springs. (Fig. 47).
(2) Install the upper seat and upper isolator on top
of the coil spring. Position the notch in the perimeter
of the upper seat toward the front of the compressor
(same 6 o'clock position as in step 1).
(3) Position the upper hooks on top of the coil
spring upper seat so the upper hooks span approxi-
mately 1 inch past outside diameter of upper seat(Fig. 48). This will allow proper clearance for upper
mount installation without pinching the hooks in-be-
tween the two pieces.Do not allow hooks to be
placed closer to edge.
(4) Compress the coil spring far enough to allow
strut installation.
(5) If the pivot bearing has been removed form the
upper seat, install the pivot bearing on the top of the
upper spring seat (Fig. 49). The bearing must be
installed on upper seat with the smaller diameter
side of the pivot bearing toward the spring seat. Be
sure the pivot bearing is sitting flat on the spring
seat once mounted.
(6) Install the spring isolator on the lower spring
seat of the strut (Fig. 39).
Fig. 47 SPRING POSITIONED IN COMPRESSOR
(RIGHT SPRING SHOWN)
1 - COMPRESSOR LOWER HOOKS
2 - COIL SPRING END
Fig. 48 HOOK PLACEMENT ON UPPER SEAT
1 - HOOKS POSITIONED 1 INCH FROM EDGE
2 - PIVOT BEARING AND UPPER SEAT
Fig. 49 PIVOT BEARING INSTALLATION
1 - PIVOT BEARING
2 - UPPER SEAT
RSFRONT2-23
STRUT (Continued)
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