2002 JEEP LIBERTY suspension

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
2Suspension
2SSuspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
5SBrakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
7SCooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8LSLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
9SEngine
11Exhaust System
11SExhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission and Transfer Case
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
2.4L Gas Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms
NOTE: For New Vehicle Preparation information, see the separate
publication, 81-170-00003.
NOTE: Group names with the suffix(S(indicate groups pertaining to the
the 2.4L Gas Supplement

FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The fluid check/fill point locations are located in
each applicable service manual section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION
9Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.9
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a Jeep vehicle (Fig. 4). Support the vehicle in
the raised position with jack stands at the front and
rear ends of the frame rails.CAUTION: Do not attempt to lift a Jeep vehicle with
a floor jack positioned under:
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.
²Transfer case.
NOTE: Use the correct sub-frame rail or frame rail
lifting locations only.
HOIST
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT 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.
Fig. 4 Correct Vehicle Lifting Locations
1 - Frame Contact Lift (Single Post)
Chassis Lift (Non-Axle Dual Post)
Outboard Lift (Dual Post)
Floor Jack
2 - Floor Jack
KJLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 5

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING SYSTEM................1WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................3
FRONT.................................7
REAR.................................16
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION AND
STEERING SYSTEM
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Adjust or replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Adjust or replace steering gear.
2. Power steering fluid low. 2. Add fluid and repair leak.
3. Column coupler binding. 3. Replace coupler.
4. Tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Alignment. 5. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE DURING BRAKING1. Uneven tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Worn brake components. 2. Repair brakes as necessary.
3. Air in brake line. 3. Repair as necessary.
KJSUSPENSION 2 - 1

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VEHICLE LEADS OR
DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT
AHEAD DIRECTION ON
UNCROWNED ROAD1. Radial tire lead. 1. Cross front tires.
2. Brakes dragging. 2. Repair brake as necessary.
3. Weak or broken spring. 3. Replace spring.
4. Uneven tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Wheel Alignment. 5. Align vehicle.
6. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.6. Repair as necessary.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Align vehicle.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.
IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent track bar. 1. Inspect, tighten or replace component as
necessary.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONKJ
SUSPENSION (Continued)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT.......................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT..................5STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT.........................5
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER,
CASTER AND TOE ADJUSTMENT..........5
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.
OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire (Fig. 1)²TOEis the difference between the leading inside
edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires.
Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is thefinalfront
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-
sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
KJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3

STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
RIDE HEIGHT
NOTE: The suspension is non-adjustable.
The vehicle suspension height should be measured
before performing wheel alignment procedure. Also
when front suspension components have been
replaced. This measure must be performed with the
vehicle supporting it's own weight and taken on both
sides of the vehicle.
Front and rear ride heights are not adjustable. The
spring selections at assembly determine ride height
for acceptable appearance of the vehicle. Ride height
dimensions assume full fluids (including fuel) and
zero passengers. Refer to the table below for front
ride height dimensions.
Vehicle ride height audits should be performed uti-
lizing the following procedure:
(1) Drive the vehicle straight and forward on a
non-tacky surface for a minimum of 20 feet to neu-
tralize track width.
(2) Bounce the front of the vehicle five times.
(3) Measure and record the dimensions
FRONT RIDE HEIGHT Front ride height is
defined by the relative vertical distance between the
spindle center line and the rear pivot point of the
front lower control arm to cradle attachment. The
spindle center line is to be measured at the outer
wheel face (point A). The rear pivot point is to be
measured at the center of the cam bolt (point B) at
its rearward most end (nut end). (Fig. 2)REAR RIDE HEIGHT Rear ride height is defined
by the relative vertical distance between the top of
the lower spring seat strike surface and the bottom
of the jounce cup (true metal to metal jounce travel).
This is to be measured vertically inside the coil from
the point intersecting the inboard edge and the for/
aft center of the jounce cup (point C) down to the
strike surface (point D). (Fig. 3)
Measurement Target Minimum Maximum
Front Ride
Height
Distance AB48.8 mm
Z=996.81
- 948.0338.8mm 58.8mm
Front Cross
Ride Height
Left - Right0.0 mm -10.0 mm 10.0 mm
Rear Ride
Height
Distance CD116.1 mm 106.1 mm 126.1 mm
Rear Cross
Ride Height
Left - Right0.0 mm -10.0 mm 10.0 mm
Fig. 2 FRONT RIDE HEIGHT MESUREMENT
1 - POINT - A
2 - POINT - B
Fig. 3 REAR RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
1 - POINT - C
2 - POINT - D
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTKJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER AND
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the lower suspension arm
cam bolts. (Fig. 4)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
4X4 SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT MUST
BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGNMENT.
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod as necessary (Fig. 5).
(4)
Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER, CASTER
AND TOE ADJUSTMENT
Camber and caster angle adjustments involve
changing the position of the lower suspension arm
cam bolts. (Fig. 4)
CASTER
Moving the rear position of the cam bolt in or out,
will change the caster angle significantly and camber
angle only slightly. To maintain the camber angle
while adjusting caster, move the rear of the cam bolt
in or out. Then move the front of the cam bolt
slightly in the opposite direction. (Fig. 4)
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear posi-
tion of the cam bolt outward (from the engine). Move
the front of cam bolt inward (toward the engine) slightly
until the original camber angle is obtained. (Fig. 4)
CAMBER
Move both of the cam bolts together in or out. This
will change the camber angle significantly and caster
angle slightly. (Fig. 4)
After adjustment is made tighten the cam bolt nuts
to proper torque specification.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1)
Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before
straightening the wheels. Secure the steering wheel with
the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie
rod as necessary (Fig. 5).
(4)
Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
Fig. 5 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
Fig. 4 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - FRONT CAM BOLT
2 - OUTER TIE ROD END
3 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
5 - REAR CAM BOLT
KJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT
DESCRIPTION..........................7
WARNING.............................7
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................8
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................8
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS.....9
INSTALLATION - STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS . . 9
HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT..............................10
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
SHOCK
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE.................11REMOVAL - RIGHT SIDE................11
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LEFT SIDE.............12
INSTALLATION - RIGHT SIDE............12
SPRING
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
CLEVIS BRACKET
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
UPPER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RIGHT SIDE................14
REMOVAL - LEFT SIDE.................15
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RIGHT SIDE............15
INSTALLATION - LEFT SIDE.............15
FRONT
DESCRIPTION
The front suspension is designed to allow each
wheel to adapt to different road surfaces indepen-
dently. The wheels are mounted to hub bearings on
the steering knuckle spindles. The double-row hub
bearings are sealed and lubricated for life. The steer-
ing knuckles turn (pivot) on ball joints riveted to the
outboard portion of the control arms. The ball joints
are lubricated for life. (Fig. 1)
WARNING
WARNING:: Suspension components with rubber
bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at nor-
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear.
Fig. 1 FRONT SUSPENSION
1-SWAYBAR
2 - SWAY BAR BUSHING/BRACKET
3 - UPPER CONTROL ARM
4 - SPRING / SHOCK ASSEMBLY
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
6 - OUTER TIE ROD END
7 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
8 - SWAY BAR LINK
9 - CLEVIS BRACKET
KJFRONT 2 - 7