2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN suspension

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
INIntroduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
7aCooling - 2.5L Turbo Diesel
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8EaElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8FaEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8IaIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
9aEngine
11Exhaust System
11aExhaust System and Turbocharger
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
14aFuel System
19Steering
21Transmission
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
25aEmissions Control 2.5L Turbo Diesel
Service Manual Comment Forms
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²The use of fuel additives which are now being
sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most
of these products contain high concentrations of
methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such fuels
or additives is not the responsibility of
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and may not be covered
under the new vehicle warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
WARNING: DO NOT USE ALCOHOL OR GASOLINE
AS A FUEL BLENDING AGENT. THEY CAN BE
UNSTABLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND
HAZARDOUS OR EXPLOSIVE WHEN MIXED WITH
DIESEL FUEL.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier. For most year-round service, number 2 diesel
fuel meeting ASTM specification D-975 will provide
good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below -18ÉC/0ÉF) or is required to oper-
ate at colder than normal conditions for prolonged
periods, use climatize No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the
No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will
provide better protection from fuel gelling or wax
plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and fol-
low the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane ªpremiumº diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm up perfor-
mance.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES
Use only Diesel Engine Oil meeting standardMIL-
2104Cor API ClassificationCD or higherorCCML
D4, D5.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE
CAUTION: Low viscosity oils must have the proper
API quality or the CCMC G5 designation.
To assure of properly formulated engine oils, it is
recommended that SAE Grade 10W-40 engine oilsthat meet Chrysler material standard MS-6395, be
used. European Grade 10W-40 oils are also accept-
able.
Oils of the SAE 5W-40 or 8W-80 grade number are
preferred when minimum temperatures consistently
fall below -12ÉC.
FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill point locations are located in
each applicable service manual section.
LUBRICATION POINTS
DESCRIPTION
Lubrication point locations are located in each
applicable Sections.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
9Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.9
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
Refer to Owner's Manual provided with vehicle for
proper emergency jacking procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN THE ENGINE OR REAR SUSPENSION
IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING
CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT OR
SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
CAUTION: Do not position hoisting device on any
suspension component, including the front suspen-
sion crossmember, the rear leaf springs, and the
rear axle. Do not hoist on the front and rear
bumpers, the lower liftgate crossmember, the lower
radiator crossmember, the down standing flanges
on the sill or the front engine mount.
FOR PROPER HOIST PLACEMENT REFER
TO (Fig. 5).
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCERS
FLUID TYPES (Continued)
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The hoisting points are identified by S.A.E.
inverted triangle hoisting symbols (Fig. 5). The front
hoisting points are at the bottom of the font rail
below the hoisting symbol approximately 250 mm
behind the front suspension crossmember. When
using outboard lift hoists, verify that the hoist lift
pads have been properly adjusted to eliminate con-
tact between the hoist arm and the down standing
flange on the sill. The rear hoisting points are the
leaf spring front mounting brackets. The hoist pad
must be positioned to pick up the flanges on the
bracket, not the leaf spring.
When servicing the leaf springs or the leaf spring
mounting brackets, special provisions are required to
support the rear of the vehicle. Position the rear
hoist pads under the horizontal surface on the bot-
tom of the sill, inboard adjacent to the flange and
centered fore/aft between the jacking indicator tabs
on the lower flange.DO NOT HOIST ON THE
FLANGE.Place a soft pad between the hoist and the
painted surface on the sill to avoid scratching the fin-
ish.JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BAT-
TERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
WARNING: DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BAT-
TERY, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
WARNING: DO NOT JUMP START WHEN MAINTE-
NANCE FREE BATTERY INDICATOR DOT IS BRIGHT
COLOR.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE
CLAMPS TO TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CON-
NECTED TO A BOOSTER SOURCE.
WARNING: DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BAT-
TERY
WARNING: REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN
ON HANDS OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY
ACCIDENTAL ARCING OF BATTERY CURRENT.
WARNING: WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOST-
ING DEVICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE
TO EXCEED 16 VOLTS.
WARNING: REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED
WITH DEVICE BEING USED.
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUSH OR TOW
THE VEHICLE TO START IT. THE VEHICLE CANNOT
BE STARTED THIS WAY. PUSHING WITH ANOTHER
VEHICLE MAY DAMAGE THE TRANSAXLE OR THE
REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
(1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually
inspect engine compartment for:
²Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary.
²Frozen battery.
²Clear or bright color test indicator, if equipped.
²Generator drive belt condition and tension.
²Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on dis-
abled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle
charging system can result.
Fig. 5 HOISTING AND JACKING POINTS
1- DRIVE ON LIFT
2 - FRAME CONTACT LIFT (SINGLE POST)
2 - CHASSIS LIFT (NON-AXLE DUAL POST)
2 - OUTBOARD LIFT (DUAL POST)
2 - FLOOR JACK
3 - S.A.E. HOISTING SYMBOLS
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-7
HOISTING (Continued)
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(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach.
Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual
transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition
OFF.
(3) On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park
or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accesso-
ries.
(4) Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED
clamp to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp to neg-
ative terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite
end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result.
Review all warnings in this procedure.
(5) On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable
clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK
jumper cable clamp to engine ground as close to the
ground cable attaching point as possible (Fig. 6).
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Start the engine in the vehicle which has the
booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes,
then start the engine in the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery.
CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter may over-
heat and could fail.
(7) If engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop
cranking engine and allow starter to cool (15 min-
utes), before cranking again.DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACHMENT
DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR LINES,
FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects from
a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations before
towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use:
²FWD vehicles, use of a flat bed towing device or
a wheel lift is recommended (Fig. 7).
²AWD vehicles, a flat bed towing device or a
wheel lift and towing dolly is recommended (Fig. 7).
When using a wheel lift towing device, be sure the
disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4 in.) ground
clearance. If minimum ground clearance cannot be
reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed device is
used, the approach angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
Fig. 6 JUMPER CABLE CLAMP CONNECTIONS
1 - BATTERY NEGATIVE TERMINAL
2 - POSITIVE JUMPER CABLE
3 - TEST INDICATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
4 - BATTERY POSITIVE TERMINAL
5 - BATTERY
6 - NEGATIVE JUMPER CABLE
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCERS
JUMP STARTING (Continued)
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GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the front end of
the vehicle and lower the front end closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²Three speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be
flat towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph)
for not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering col-
umn must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²Four speed electronic automatic transaxle vehi-
cles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72
km/h (44 mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles).
The steering column must be unlocked and gear
selector in neutral.
²AWD models should not be flat towed. For addi-
tional information, refer toRECOMMENDED TOW-
ING EQUIPMENTin this section.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
The vehicle can be tied to a flat bed device using
the two pair of front slots on the bottom surface of
the rails, behind the front wheels. The two pair of
rear slots on the bottom of the rail between the
bumper extension bolts and on the bottom of the rail
just rearward of the jounce bumper. Vehicles
equipped with a rear sway bar have brackets at this
location.
TOWING ± FRONT WHEEL LIFT
If the vehicle is being towed from the front, when-
ever possible ensure at least 10 inches road clearance
to the tires.
TOWING ± REAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²On AWD vehicles, all four wheels must be free to
rotate. Use towing dollies at unlifted end of vehicle.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
²Three speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be
flat towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph)
for not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering col-
umn must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²Four speed electronic automatic transaxle vehi-
cles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72
km/h (44 mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles).
The steering column must be unlocked and gear
selector in neutral.
Fig. 7 RECOMMENDED TOWING
1 - WHEEL LIFT
2 - FLAT BED
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-9
TOWING (Continued)
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SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT SUSPENSION.....................1
REAR SUSPENSION......................26WHEEL ALIGNMENT.....................46
FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT SUSPENSION.......2
OPERATION - FRONT SUSPENSION.........2
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION....2
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE . . 3
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................3
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION......4
INSTALLATION - STABILIZER BAR CUSHION . . . 4
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HUB AND
BEARING............................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE...........7
INSPECTION - STEERING KNUCKLE.........8
INSTALLATION - STEERING KNUCKLE.......9
LOWER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................10
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT.................10
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT......11
REMOVAL - EXPORT...................11INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT . . 11
INSTALLATION - EXPORT...............12
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM........12
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - STANDARD)..........13
DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - HYDRO).............13
INSPECTION - LOWER CONTROL ARM......14
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - STANDARD)..........14
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - HYDRO).............15
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM....15
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................17
INSPECTION..........................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
STRUT
DESCRIPTION - STRUT ASSEMBLY.........19
OPERATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY..........19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STRUT
ASSEMBLY..........................20
REMOVAL - STRUT ASSEMBLY............20
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY........22
ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY...........23
INSTALLATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY........25
RSSUSPENSION2-1
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FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT SUSPENSION
This vehicle has a MacPherson Strut type front
suspension (Fig. 1).
OPERATION - FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension allows each wheel on a vehi-
cle to adapt to different road surfaces and conditions
without greatly affecting the opposite wheel and the
ability to control the vehicle. Each side of the front
suspension is allowed to pivot so the vehicle can be
steered in the direction preferred.
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, thestrut 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 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
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SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Ball Joint Nut 108 80 Ð
Cradle Crossmember Mounting
Bolts163 120 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolts - Size M-14153 113 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolt - Size M-12106 78 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolts - Size M-1061 45 Ð
Disc Brake Adapter Mounting
Bolts169 125 Ð
Hub And Bearing Mounting Bolts 65 45 Ð
Hub And Bearing Axle Hub Nut 244 180 Ð
Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt 183 135 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bushing Retainer
Bolts68 50 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts 88 65 Ð
Strut Body/Tower Mounting Nuts 28 21 250
Strut Clevis-to-Knuckle Nuts 81
+
90É
turn60
+
90É
turnÐ
Strut Shaft Nut 100 75 Ð
Tie Rod Adjuster Jam Nut 75 55 Ð
Tie Rod Steering Arm Nut 75 55 Ð
Wheel Mounting (Lug) Nuts 135 100 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Puller C-3894A
Press, Ball Joint C-4212F
Installer, Ball Joint 6758
Wrench, Strut Rod Nut 6864
REMOVER/INSTALLER, BUSHING 8460
REMOVER/INSTALLER, BALL JOINT 8490
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-3
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