2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN height

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
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs
(Fig. 38).
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged strut assembly
dust boots (Fig. 38).
(3) Inspect the coil spring isolator on the lower
spring seat for any signs of damage or deterioration.
(4) Lift dust boot (Fig. 39) and inspect strut
assembly for evidence of fluid running from the
upper end of fluid reservoir. (Actual leakage will be astream 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. 39). 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. 40).
Fig. 38 STRUT ASSEMBLY
1 - NUT 6 - COIL SPRING
2 - UPPER MOUNT 7 - DUST SHIELD
3 - PIVOT BEARING 8 - JOUNCE BUMPER
4 - UPPER SPRING SEAT 9 - LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
5 - UPPER SPRING ISOLATOR 10 - STRUT (DAMPER)
2 - 20 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
STRUT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

SHOCK ABSORBER
DESCRIPTION
There is one shock absorber on each side of the
rear suspension. The top of each shock absorber is
bolted to the frame rail. The bottom of each shock
absorber is bolted to the rear axle.
This vehicle is available with either standard type
or load-leveling shock absorbers. On the exterior,
load-leveling shock absorbers are larger in diameter
than standard shock absorbers. The load-leveling
shock absorbers mount the same as the standard
shock absorbers.
OPERATION
The shock absorber dampens jounce and rebound
motions of the spring and suspension.
Each load-leveling shock absorber is a self-leveling,
self-contained vehicle leveling system and shock
absorber combined. It does not require an external
compressor, hoses, or height leveling sensors. All the
height leveling sensors, hydraulic pump, etc., are con-
tained inside the shock absorber. It uses road inputs
(bumps, stops, starts, turns, acceleration, deceleration,
etc.) to activate pumping, which results in the exten-
sion and compression of the shock absorber.
REMOVAL - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Support the rear axle of the vehicle using 2
jackstands positioned at the outer ends of the axle.
NOTE: If the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
deflects upward during removal, raise axle by
adjusting the support jack. If the lower shock
absorber bolt deflects downward during removal,
lower the axle by adjusting the support jack.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt.
(4) While holding shock absorber, remove the
shock absorber upper mounting bolt and shock
absorber.
DISASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
NOTE: This procedure applies to load-leveling
shock absorbers only.
(1) Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
(2) Install the Receiver, Special Tool 8526-1, into
the cup of the Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F,
and tighten the set screw. Install the Driver, SpecialTool 8526-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw
drive as shown (Fig. 22).
NOTE: It works well to place the Ball Joint Press,
Special Tool C-4212F, in a bench vise as shown
(Fig. 22) to perform this procedure.
(3) Place the shock absorber upper mounting eye
in the Receiver so the notch in the Receiver clears
the shock absorber body (Fig. 23).
(4) Tighten the screw drive until the Driver con-
tacts the outer circumference of the bushing evenly
(Fig. 23). Continue to tighten the screw drive until
the bushing is pressed completely out of the shock
absorber eye and into the Receiver.
(5) Back off the screw drive and remove the bush-
ing from the Receiver.
Fig. 22 Special Tools Positioned For Removal
1 - SCREW DRIVE
Fig. 23 Removing Bushing From Shock Absorber
1 - SCREW DRIVE
2 - SHOCK ABSORBER
3 - NOTCH
RSREAR SUSPENSION2-37
ProCarManuals.com

ASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
NOTE: This procedure applies to load-leveling
shock absorbers only.
(1) Install the Receiver, Special Tool 8526-1, into
the cup of the Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F,
and tighten the set screw. Install the Driver, Special
Tool 8526-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw
drive as shown (Fig. 24). Position the Driver this way
to seat the bushing to its correct depth.
(2) Place the shock absorber upper mounting eye
in the Receiver so the notch in the Receiver clears
the shock absorber body (Fig. 25).
(3) Position the bushing between the shock
absorber eye and the Driver (Fig. 25). Tighten the
screw drive until the Driver, bushing, and shock
absorber eye are touching and squarely aligned.
(4) Press the bushing into the shock absorber eye
until the Driver bottoms against the face of the eye.
(5) Back off the Ball Joint Press screw drive and
remove the shock absorber from the press.
(6) Install the shock absorber on the vehicle. Refer
to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this section
for the procedure.
INSTALLATION - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) While holding shock absorber in position
against the frame rail, install the shock absorber
upper mounting bolt.
(2) Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
securing the lower end of the shock absorber to the
axle.
(3) Remove the support jack.
(4) Lower the vehicle to the ground so the full curb
weight of the vehicle is supported by the suspension.(5) Tighten the upper and lower shock absorber
mounting bolt to a torque of 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
SPRING - AWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - AWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 26).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
Fig. 24 Special Tools Positioned For Installation
1 - SCREW DRIVE
Fig. 25 Installing Bushing In Shock Absorber
1 - BUSHING
2 - SCREW DRIVE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
4 - NOTCH
2 - 38 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(3) Install the rear of the leaf spring onto the outer
half of the rear shackle. Install the inner half of the
rear hanger. Install the pin nuts and bolts on the
rear shackle,but do not tighten at this time.
(4) Raise axle assembly into correct position with
axle centered under spring locator post.
(5) Install axle plate bolts (Fig. 28). Tighten bolts
to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install shock absorber bolts.Do not tighten
at this time.
(7) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.CAUTION: The following sequence must be fol-
lowed when tightening the pin nuts on the rear
hanger for the rear leaf spring. First the hanger pin
nuts must be tightened to the specified torque
shown below. Then tighten the retaining bolts for
the inner to outer half of the spring hanger to the
torque specification listed below. This sequence
must be followed to properly seat the bushings into
the springs and to avoid bending the spring hanger.
(8) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Tighten rear spring shackle pin nuts to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Tighten rear spring shackle inner to outer
half retaining bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING - FWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - FWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 31).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt (Fig. 32).
NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).
Fig. 29 All-Wheel-Drive Rear Suspension
1 - SHACKLE
2 - REAR MOUNT (HANGER)
3 - LEAF SPRING (MULTI-LEAF)
4 - AWD REAR AXLE
Fig. 30 Leaf Spring Front Mount (Typical)
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - SPRING MOUNT
2 - 40 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING - AWD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(2)Install a jackstand under the side of the axle
having the leaf spring mount removed. Using the jack-
stand, support the weight of the axle and leaf spring.
(3) Remove the lower mounting bolt from the
shock absorber.
(4) Remove the bolts attaching the leaf spring rear
mount to the body of the vehicle (Fig. 40).
(5) Lower the jackstand and the rear of the leaf
spring. Remove the shackle from the leaf spring
bushing.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The following sequence must be fol-
lowed when tightening the pin nuts on the rear
hanger for the rear leaf spring. First the hanger pin
nuts must be tightened to the specified torque.
Then tighten the retaining bolts for the inner to
outer half of the spring hanger to the specified
torque. This sequence must be followed to avoid
bending the spring hanger.
(1) For installation, reverse removal procedure. Do
not tighten rear spring shackle nuts fully until vehi-
cle is lowered and the full vehicle weight is applied
to the rear wheels. Tighten rear spring mount bolts
to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.). Tighten shackle nuts to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
Front-wheel-drive models use a stabilizer bar that
is mounted behind the rear axle. All-wheel-drive
models use a stabilizer bar that is mounted in front
of the rear axle.The stabilizer bar interconnects both sides of the
rear axle and attaches to the rear frame rails using 2
rubber isolated link arms.
Both type stabilizer bars have the same basic com-
ponents. Attachment to the rear axle tube, and rear
frame rails is through rubber-isolated bushings.
The 2 rubber isolated links are connected to the
rear frame rails by brackets. These brackets are
bolted to the bottom of the frame rails.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
to reduce body roll.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - AWD
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove the bolts securing the stabilizer bar to
links on each end of the bar.
(3) While holding the stabilizer bar in place,
remove the bolts that attach the stabilizer bar bush-
ing retainers to the rear axle.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
(5) If the links need to be serviced, remove the
upper link arm to bracket bolt. Then remove link
arm from frame rail attaching bracket.
REMOVAL - FWD
(1) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance.
(2) Remove the bolts securing the stabilizer bar to
links on each side of bar.
(3) While holding the stabilizer bar in place,
remove the bolts that attach the stabilizer bar bush-
ing retainers to the rear axle.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - AWD
(1) Install the stabilizer bar on the rear axle.
(2) Install bushing retainer bolts. Do not tighten at
this time.
(3) Install bolts connecting links to stabilizer bar.
Do not tighten at this time.
(4) Lower the vehicle so that the full weight of the
vehicle is on all four tires. With the vehicle at its
curb height, tighten the following bolts to the torques
listed:
²Stabilizer bar bushing retainer-to-axle bracket
bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
Fig. 40 Rear Spring Mount
1 - LEAF SPRING MOUNT
2 - 44 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING MOUNTS - REAR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

²Stabilizer bar-to-link bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
INSTALLATION - FWD
(1) Lift the stabilizer bar onto the rear axle and
install the two retainer mounting bolts. DO NOT
TIGHTEN.
(2) Install the bolts attaching the stabilizer bar
links to the stabilizer bar. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
(3) Lower the vehicle so that the full weight of the
vehicle is on all four tires. With the vehicle at its
curb height, tighten the following bolts to the torques
listed:
²Stabilizer bar bushing retainer-to-axle bracket
bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
²Stabilizer bar-to-link Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION
On front-wheel-drive applications of this vehicle
that are equipped with single leaf rear springs, a
track bar is used on the rear axle (Fig. 1).
The track bar connects the rear axle to the frame/
body of the vehicle. The track bar is isolated from the
body of the vehicle by an isolator bushing located in
each end of the track bar.
OPERATION
The track bar prevents excessive side-to-side move-
ment of the rear axle. The track bar is used to keep
the location of the axle in the correct position for
optimum handling and control of the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut and bolt mounting the track
bar to the rear axle (Fig. 41).(2) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the track
bar to the track bar mount on the body of the vehicle.
Remove the track bar from the track bar mount.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar first into the body mount
for the track bar (Fig. 42). Install the track bar bolt
with the head of the bolt facing toward the rear of
the vehicle (Fig. 43). Do not tighten.
(2) Install the track bar into its mounting bracket
on the rear axle (Fig. 41). Install the track bar bolt
with the head of the bolt facing toward the rear of
the vehicle. Do not tighten.
(3) Lower the vehicle to the ground until the full
weight of the vehicle is supported by the wheels.
Tighten both track bar attaching bolts to a torque of
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 41 Track Bar Mounting To Axle (Typical)
1 - LOWER TRACK BAR BOLT INSTALLATION
Fig. 42 Track Bar Installation (Typical)
1 - TRACK BAR REPLACEMENT
Fig. 43 Track Bar Bolt Installation
1 - TRACK BAR BOLT
RSREAR SUSPENSION2-45
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING......................49
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.........................51STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT......................54
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT (EXPORT)..............55
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT...................56
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Vehicle wheel alignment is the positioning of all
interrelated front and rear suspension angles. These
angles affect the handling and steering of the vehicle
when it is in motion. Proper wheel alignment is
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity, and proper tire wear.
The method of checking a vehicle's front and rear
wheel alignment varies depending on the manufac-
turer and type of equipment used. The manufactur-
er's instructions should always be followed to ensure
accuracy of the alignment, except when
DaimlerChrysler Corporation's wheel alignment spec-
ifications differ.
On this vehicle, the suspension angles that can be
adjusted are as follows:
²Front Camber (with camber bolt package and
standard procedure)
²Front Toe
Check the wheel alignment and make all wheel
alignment adjustments with the vehicle standing at
its proper curb height specification. Curb height is
the normal riding height of the vehicle. It is mea-
sured from a certain point on the vehicle to the
ground or a designated area while the vehicle is sit-
ting on a flat, level surface. Refer to Curb Height
Measurement in this section for additional informa-
tion.
Typical wheel alignment angles and measurements
are described in the following paragraphs.
CAMBER
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of
the tire and wheel assembly (Fig. 1). Camber is mea-
sured in degrees of angle relative to a true vertical
line. Camber is a tire wearing angle.
²Excessive negative camber will cause tread wear
at the inside of the tire.²Excessive positive camber will cause tread wear
on the outside of the tire.
Fig. 1 Camber
1 - WHEELS TILTED OUT AT TOP
2 - WHEELS TILTED IN AT TOP
2 - 46 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
ProCarManuals.com

CROSS CAMBER
Cross camber is the difference between left and
right camber. To achieve the cross camber reading,
subtract the right side camber reading from the left.
For example, if the left camber is +0.3É and the right
camber is 0.0É, the cross camber would be +0.3É.
CASTER
Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steer-
ing knuckle in reference to the position of the upper
and lower ball joints. Caster is measured in degrees
of angle relative to a true vertical center line. This
line is viewed from the side of the tire and wheel
assembly (Fig. 2).
²Forward tilt (upper ball joint ahead of lower)
results in a negative caster angle.
²Rearward tilt (upper ball joint trailing lower)
results in a positive caster angle.
Although caster does not affect tire wear, a caster
imbalance between the two front wheels may cause
the vehicle to lead to the side with the least positive
caster.
CROSS CASTER
Cross caster is the difference between left and
right caster.
TOE
Toe is the inward or outward angle of the wheels
as viewed from above the vehicle (Fig. 3).
²Toe-in is produced when the front edges of the
wheels on the same axle are closer together than the
rear edges.
²Toe-out is produced when the front edges of the
wheels on the same axle are farther apart than the
rear edges.
Toe-in and toe-out can occur at the front wheels
and the rear wheels.
Toe is measured in degrees or inches. The mea-
surement identifies the amount that the front of the
wheels point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out). Toe
is measured at the spindle height. Zero toe means
the front and rear edges of the wheels on the same
axle are equally distant.
Fig. 2 Caster
Fig. 3 Toe
1 - TOE-IN
2 - TOE-OUT
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-47
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com