2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN suspension

CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15754mm 10mm
29.68 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
TTU / 215/60 R 17758mm 10mm
29.84 in.   0.39 in.774mm 10mm
30.47 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT (EXPORT)
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. Comparethe 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 Specifica-
tions charts.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.772mm 10mm
30.39 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF + SER
SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-55
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: All specifications are given in degrees.
NOTE: All wheel alignments are to be set at curb
height. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-
MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER +0.10É -0.30É to +0.50É
Cross-Camber (Maximum side-to-side
difference)0.0É 0.50É
CASTER* +2.31É +1.31É to +3.31É
Cross-Caster (Maximum side-to-side difference) 0.0É 1.00É
TOTAL TOE** +0.10É20.10É to +0.30É
Maximum side-to-side difference 0.0É 0.06É
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER* 0.0É -0.25É to +0.25É
TOTAL TOE* ** 0.0É20.20É to +0.20É
THRUST ANGLE* 0.0É -0.30É to +0.30É
Notes:
* For reference only. These are non-adjustable angles.
** TOTAL TOE is the sum of both left and right wheel toe settings. TOTAL TOE must be equally split between
each front wheel to ensure the steering wheel is centered after setting toe. Positive toe is toe-in and negative toe
is toe-out
2 - 56 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

HALF SHAFT - REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT - REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT....14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15SPECIFICATIONS - HALF SHAFT - FRONT . . . 16
CV BOOT - INNER/OUTER
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
HALF SHAFT - REAR
DESCRIPTION
The inner and outer joints of both half shaft
assemblies are tripod joints. The tripod joints are
true constant velocity (CV) joint assemblies, which
allow for the changes in half shaft length through
the jounce and rebound travel of the rear suspension.
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 bolted
rear differential assembly's output flanges. 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.
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.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)
3 - 14 HALF SHAFT - REARRS
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PEDAL
TRAVEL (ONE FRONT
WHEEL LOCKS UP
DURING HARD BRAKING)1. One of the two hydraulic circuits
to the front brakes is malfunctioning.1. Inspect system for leaks. Check
master cylinder for internal malfunction.
PEDAL PULSATES/
SURGES DURING
BRAKING1. Rear brake drum out of round or
disc brake rotor has excessive
thickness variation.1. Isolate condition as rear or front.
Reface or replace brake drums or
rotors as necessary.
PEDAL IS SPONGY 1. Air in brake lines. 1. Bleed brakes.
2. Power brake booster runout
(vacuum assist).2. Check booster vacuum hose and
engine tune for adequate vacuum
supply. Refer to power brake booster
diagnosis and testing.
PREMATURE REAR
WHEEL LOCKUP1. Contaminated brake shoe linings. 1. Inspect and clean, or replace shoes.
Repair source of contamination.
2. Inoperative proportioning valve
(non-ABS vehicles).2. Refer to proportioning valve
diagnosis and testing. Replace valve as
necessary.
3. Improper power brake booster
assist.3. Refer to power brake booster in the
diagnosis and testing section.
STOP/BRAKE LAMPS
S TAY O N1. Brake lamp switch out of
adjustment.1. Replace brake lamp switch.
2. Brake pedal binding. 2. Inspect and replace as necessary.
3. Obstruction in pedal linkage. 3. Remove obstruction.
4. Power Brake Booster not allowing
pedal to return completely.4. Replace power brake booster.
VEHICLE PULLS TO
RIGHT OR LEFT ON
BRAKING1. Frozen brake caliper piston. 1. Replace frozen piston or caliper.
Bleed brakes.
2. Contaminated brake shoe lining. 2. Inspect and clean, or replace shoes.
Repair source of contamination.
3. Pinched brake lines. 3. Replace pinched line.
4. Leaking piston seal. 4. Replace piston seal or brake caliper.
5. Suspension problem. 5. Refer to the Suspension group.
PARKING BRAKE -
EXCESSIVE HANDLE
TRAVEL1. Rear drum brakes or rear disc
brake parking brake shoes out of
adjustment.1. Adjust rear drum brake shoes, or
rear parking brake shoes on vehicles
with rear disc brakes.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BASE BRAKE
BLEEDING
NOTE: This bleeding procedure is only for the vehi-
cle's base brakes hydraulic system. For bleeding
the antilock brakes hydraulic system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - ABS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
cover, thoroughly clean the cover and master cylin-
der fluid reservoir to prevent dirt and other foreign
matter from dropping into the master cylinder fluid
reservoir.
RSBRAKES - BASE5-7
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

BRAKE LINES
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
The brake tubes are steel with a corrosion-resis-
tant nylon coating applied to the external surfaces.
The flex hoses are made of reinforced rubber with fit-
tings at each end.
The primary and secondary brake tubes leading
from the master cylinder to the ABS ICU Hydraulic
Control Unit (HCU) or the non-ABS junction block
have a special flexible section. This flexible section is
required due to cradle movement while the vehicle is
in motion (The ICU and non-ABS junction block are
mounted to the cradle).If replacement of these
lines is necessary, only the original factory
brake line containing the flexible section must
be used.
OPERATION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
The purpose of the chassis brake tubes and flex
hoses is to transfer the pressurized brake fluid devel-
oped by the master cylinder to the wheel brakes of
the vehicle. The flex hoses are made of rubber to
allow for the movement of the vehicle's suspension.
INSPECTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front brakes
and at the rear axle. Inspection of brake hoses
should be performed whenever the brake system is
serviced and every 7,500 miles or 12 months, which-
ever comes first (every engine oil change). Inspect
hydraulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing,
or worn spots. If the fabric casing of the rubber hose
becomes exposed due to cracks or abrasions in the
rubber hose cover, the hose should be replaced imme-
diately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can take
place with possible burst failure. Faulty installation
can cause twisting, resulting in wheel, tire, or chassis
interference.
The brake tubing should be inspected periodically
for evidence of physical damage or contact with mov-
ing or hot components.
The flexible brake tube sections used on this vehi-
cle in the primary and secondary tubes from the
master cylinder to the ABS hydraulic control unit
connections must also be inspected. This flexible tub-
ing must be inspected for kinks, fraying and contact
with other components or with the body of the vehi-
cle.
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Begin on one side of the vehicle.
(4) Remove the anti-rattle clip from the outboard
side of the caliper and adapter.
(5) Remove the two caliper guide pin bolts.
(6) Remove caliper from caliper adapter and brake
rotor.
CAUTION: Supporting weight of caliper by the flex-
ible brake fluid hose can damage the hose.
(7) Using wire or cord, hang the caliper from the
front strut assembly (Fig. 20). Support the caliper
firmly to prevent weight of caliper from being sup-
ported by the brake fluid hose.
(8) Remove the outboard brake shoe from the cali-
per adapter.
(9) Pull the inboard brake shoe away from the cal-
iper piston until the retaining clip on shoe is free
from the cavity in the caliper piston (Fig. 21).
(10) Repeat the above procedure on other side of
the vehicle.
Fig. 20 Stored Front Disc Brake Caliper
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - BRAKE FLEX HOSE
3 - CALIPER ASSEMBLY
4 - WIRE HANGER
5 - STRUT ASSEMBLY
RSBRAKES - BASE5-17
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
JUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
A junction block is used on vehicles that are not
equipped with antilock brakes (ABS). The junction
block mounts in the same location as the integrated
control unit (ICU) does on vehicles equipped with
ABS. This allows for use of the same brake tube con-
figuration on all vehicles. The junction block is
located on the driver's side of the front suspension
cradle/crossmember below the master cylinder (Fig.
53).
It has six threaded ports to which the brake tubes
connect. Two are for the primary and secondary
brake tubes coming from the master cylinder. The
remaining four are for the chassis brake tubes going
to each brake assembly.
OPERATION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
The junction block distributes the brake fluid com-
ing from the master cylinder primary and secondary
ports to the four chassis brake tubes leading to the
brakes at each wheel. Since the junction block
mounts in the same location as the ABS integrated
control unit (ICU), it allows for the common use of
brake tubes going to the brakes whether the vehicle
is equipped with or without ABS.
NOTE: Although the brake tubes coming from the
master cylinder to the junction block or ABS ICU
may appear to be the same, they are not. They are
unique to each brake system application.
REMOVAL - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
(1) Using a brake pedal depressor, move and lock
the brake pedal to a position past its first 1 inch of
travel. This will prevent brake fluid from draining
out of the master cylinder when the brake tubes are
removed from the junction block.
(2) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
perform the following:
(a) Disconnect the battery positive cable.
(b) Remove the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).(c) Disconnect the vacuum hose connector at the
tank built into the battery tray.
(d) Remove the screw securing the coolant filler
neck to the battery tray.
(e) Remove the battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(f) Remove the fasteners and move the speed
control servo off to the side, out of the way.
CAUTION: Before removing the brake tubes from
the junction block, the junction block and the brake
tubes must be thoroughly cleaned. This is required
to prevent contamination from entering the brake
hydraulic system.
(4) Remove the four chassis brake tubes from the
top of the junction block (Fig. 53).
(5) Remove the primary and secondary brake
tubes from the top of the junction block.
(6) Remove the bolts attaching the junction block
mounting bracket to the front suspension crossmem-
ber (Fig. 53), then remove the junction block.INSTALLATION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
(1) Install the junction block and mounting bracket
on the front suspension crossmember (Fig. 53).
Install the mounting bolts and tighten to a torque of
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the primary and secondary brake tubes
from the master cylinder in their ports. Tighten tube
nuts to a torque of 17 N´m (145 in. lbs.).Take care
not to twist tubes when tightening tube nuts.
They must be properly positioned to allow free
movement with rubber isolated suspension
crossmember.
Fig. 53 NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK
1 - MASTER CYLINDER
2 - JUNCTION BLOCK
3 - SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - 36 BRAKES - BASERS
FLUID (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)
Vehicles not equipped with ABS use a height sens-
ing proportioning valve.
The height sensing proportioning valve operates
similarly to a standard proportioning valve in the fol-
lowing way. As hydraulic pressure is applied to the
valve, full input hydraulic pressure is supplied to the
rear brakes up to a certain pressure point, called the
split point. Beyond the split point, the proportioning
valve reduces the amount of hydraulic pressure to
the rear brakes according to a given ratio. Thus, on
light brake applications, approximately equal
hydraulic pressure will be transmitted to both the
front and rear brakes. Upon heavier brake applica-
tions, the hydraulic pressure transmitted to the rear
brakes will be lower than the front brakes. This will
prevent premature rear wheel lockup and skid.
Here is how the height sensing proportioning valve
differs from a standard proportioning valve. As the
height of the rear suspension changes, the height
sensing portion of the proportioning valve changes
the split point of the proportioning valve. When the
height of the rear suspension is low, the proportion-
ing valve interprets this as extra load and the split
point of the proportioning valve is raised to a higher
pressure to allow for more rear braking. When the
height of the rear suspension is high, the proportion-
ing valve interprets this as a light load and the split
point of the proportioning valve is lowered to a lower
pressure and rear braking is reduced.
The height sensing proportioning valve regulates
the pressure by sensing the load condition of the
vehicle through the movement of the proportioning
valve actuator lever (Fig. 91). As the position of the
rear axle changes, depending on the load the vehicle
is carrying, the movement is transferred to the pro-
portioning valve. The proportioning valve adjusts the
hydraulic pressure accordingly.
The height sensing proportioning valve allows the
brake system to maintain the optimal front to rear
brake balance regardless of the vehicle load condi-
tion. Under a light load condition, hydraulic pressure
to the rear brakes is minimized. As the rear load con-
dition increases, so does the hydraulic pressure to
the rear brakes.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PROPORTIONING
VALVE (HEIGHT SENSING)
CAUTION: The use of aftermarket load leveling or
load capacity increasing devices on this vehicle is
prohibited. Using air shock absorbers or helper
springs on this vehicle will cause the height sens-
ing proportioning valve to inappropriately reduce
the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes. This inap-propriate reduction in hydraulic pressure potentially
could result in increased stopping distance of the
vehicle.
When a premature rear wheel skid is obtained on a
brake application, it may be an indication that the
hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes is above the
specified output from the proportioning valve. This
condition indicates a possible malfunction of the
height sensing proportioning valve, which will
require testing to verify that it is properly controlling
the hydraulic pressure allowed to the rear brakes.
Premature rear wheel skid may also be caused by
contaminated front or rear brake linings.
Prior to testing a proportioning valve for function,
check that all tire pressures are correct. Also, ensure
the front and rear brake linings are in satisfactory
condition.It is also necessary to verify that the
brakes shoe assemblies on a vehicle being
tested are either original equipment manufac-
turers (OEM) or original replacement brake
shoe assemblies meeting the OEM lining mate-
rial specification. This vehicles brake system is
not balanced for aftermarket brake shoe assem-
bly lining material.
If both front and rear brakes check OK, proceed
with the following test procedure for the height sens-
ing proportioning valve.
(1) Road test the vehicle to determine which rear
wheel brake is exhibiting premature wheel skid.
(2) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(3) Remove the chassis brake tube going to the
rear brake in question at the proportioning valve.
Remove the chassis brake tube coming from the junc-
tion block at the proportioning valve (Fig. 92).
(4) Install the appropriate fittings from Pressure
Test Fittings, Special Tool 6833, into the open ports
of the proportioning valve.
(5) Install the previously removed brake lines into
the Pressure Test Fittings. Tighten all tube nuts to
17 N´m (145 in. lbs.).
(6) Install a pressure gauge from Gauge Set, Spe-
cial Tool C-4007-A into the open port on each pres-
sure test fitting. Bleed air out of hose from pressure
test fittings to pressure gauges at the pressure
gauges. Then bleed air out of the brake line being
tested at that rear wheel brake bleeder.
NOTE: Actuator rod is a linear spring and is meant
to flex by design. When rod is raised, it will have
some curvature to it.
(7) Remove the screw fastening the proportioning
valve actuator rod bracket to the rear axle. Raise the
actuator lever to the full-upward position and hold it
there.
RSBRAKES - BASE5-57
PROPORTIONING VALVE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

ROTOR RUNOUT
On-vehicle rotor runout is the combination of the
individual runout of the hub face and the runout of
the rotor. (The hub and rotor runouts are separable).
To measure rotor runout on the vehicle, first remove
the tire and wheel assembly. Reinstall the wheel
mounting nuts on the studs, tightening the rotor to
the hub. Mount the Dial Indicator, Special Tool
C-3339, with Mounting Adaptor, Special Tool SP-
1910 on steering arm. The dial indicator plunger
should contact braking surface of rotor approximately
ten millimeters from edge of rotor (Fig. 95). Check
lateral runout on both sides of the rotor, marking the
low and high spots on both. Runout limits can be
found in the specification table in this section. (Refer
to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/RO-
TOR - SPECIFICATIONS)
If runout is in excess of the specification, check the
lateral runout of the hub face. Before removing the
rotor from the hub, place a chalk mark across both
the rotor and the one wheel stud closest to where the
high runout measurement was taken. This way, the
original mounting spot of the rotor on the hub is
indexed (Fig. 96).
Remove the rotor from the hub.
NOTE: Clean the hub face surface before checking
runout. This provides a clean surface to get an
accurate indicator reading.Mount Dial Indicator, Special Tool C-3339, and
Mounting Adaptor, Special Tool SP-1910, to the steer-
ing knuckle. Position the indicator stem so it contacts
the hub face near the outer diameter. Care must be
taken to position stem outside of the stud circle, but
inside of the chamfer on the hub rim (Fig. 97).
Hub runout should not exceed 0.03 mm (0.0012
inch). If runout exceeds this specification, the hub
must be replaced. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL)(Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/REAR/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL)
Fig. 94 Checking Rotor For Thickness
1 - CALIPER
Fig. 95 Checking Rotor Runout
1 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-1910
2 - 10 MILLIMETERS FROM EDGE
3 - DISC SURFACE
4 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3339
Fig. 96 Marking Rotor and Wheel Stud
1 - CHALK MARK
5 - 60 BRAKES - BASERS
ROTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com