2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN suspension

GROUP TAB LOCATOR
Introduction
0Lubrication & Maintenance
0aMaintenance Schedules
2Suspension
3Differential & Driveline
5Brakes
6Clutch
7Cooling
8AAudio
8BChime/Buzzer
8EElectronic Control Modules
8FEngine Systems
8GHeated Systems
8HHorn
8IIgnition Control
8JInstrument Cluster
8LLamps
8MMessage Systems
8NPower Systems
8ORestraints
8PSpeed Control
8QVehicle Theft Security
8RWipers/Washers
8WWiring
9Engine
11Exhaust System
13Frame & Bumpers
14Fuel System
19Steering
21Transmission/Transaxle
22Tires/Wheels
23Body
24Heating & Air Conditioning
25Emissions Control
Component and System Index
Service Manual Comment Forms (Rear of Manual)
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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
Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É
F).L
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ªAº 10 000 km (6,000 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule ªBº 10 000
km (6,000 miles).
SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter
every 77 000 km (48,000 miles) if the vehicle is usu-
ally operated under one or more of the conditions
marked with anL.
²
Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C
(90É F).L
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-7
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* This maintenance is recommended by the manu-
facture to the owner but is not required to maintain
the emissions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously
replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
Retain all receipts.
WARNING: You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability
to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.
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).
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.
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 & MAINTENANCE0-15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)
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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.
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 ofthe 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.
Fig. 7 RECOMMENDED TOWING
1 - WHEEL LIFT
2 - FLAT BED
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-17
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOR ALL
MARKETS EXCEPT U.S., CANADA and
MEXICO
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................1DESCRIPTION Ð DIESEL ENGINES........9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
FOR ALL MARKETS EXCEPT
U.S., CANADA and MEXICO
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 0É C (32É
F).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É
F).L
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85
(ethanol) fuel.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ªAº 12 000 km (7,500 miles) or
every other interval shown on Schedule ªBº 10 000
km (6,000 miles).
SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter
RSMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES0a-1
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DESCRIPTION Ð DIESEL ENGINES
Maintenance Schedule Information not included in
this section, is located in the appropriate Owner's
Manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
therequiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are
operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the condi-
tions listed for Schedule(B(.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving
conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow
the interval that occurs first.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after
a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil
only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check the tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the
terminals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Inspect engine accessory drive belts. Replace as
necessary.
²Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel fil-
ter/water separator unit.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval (20
000 km).
SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your
vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 32É C (90É F).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
RSMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES0a-9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOR ALL MARKETS EXCEPT U.S., CANADA and MEXICO (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..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HUB AND
BEARING............................5
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE...........7
INSPECTION - STEERING KNUCKLE.........9
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).............14
INSPECTION - LOWER CONTROL ARM......14
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - STANDARD)..........14
ASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - HYDRO).............14
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM....15
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................17
INSPECTION..........................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
STRUT
DESCRIPTION - STRUT ASSEMBLY.........19
OPERATION - STRUT ASSEMBLY..........19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STRUT
ASSEMBLY..........................20
REMOVAL - STRUT ASSEMBLY............20
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY........21
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, the
strut assembly (through a pivot bearing in the upperstrut 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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