2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN maintenance

REMOVAL
REMOVAL - AWD, HEAVY DUTY, CARGO
(1) Using slip-joint pliers grasp the base of the
jounce bumper. Turn the base counterclockwise (Fig.
20).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
REMOVAL - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Remove the bolt attaching the jounce bumper
to frame rail (Fig. 21).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - AWD, HEAVY DUTY, CARGO
(1) Install jounce bumper through bumper support
plate and thread into welded nut in frame rail.(2) Tighten the jounce bumper to 33 N´m (290 in.
lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Hook the forward end of the jounce bumper
bracket in the mounting hole of the frame rail, then
install the mounting bolt in the opposite end, secur-
ing the bumper to the frame rail. Tighten the jounce
bumper mounting bolt to 33 N´m (290 in. lbs.) torque.
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
contained inside the shock absorber. It uses road
inputs (bumps, stops, starts, turns, acceleration,
deceleration, etc.) to activate pumping, which results
in the extension 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.
Fig. 20 Jounce Bumper
1 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 21 Jounce Bumper - FWD
1-JOUNCE BUMPER
2 - 36 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
JOUNCE BUMPER (Continued)

(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
REMOVAL
(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.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).
(3) Begin removal of the shock absorber lower
mounting bolt (Fig. 27).
(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
Fig. 25 Installing Bushing In Shock Absorber
1 - BUSHING
2 - SCREW DRIVE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
4 - NOTCH
Fig. 26 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 27 Rear Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
2 - 38 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)

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 - CARGO
REMOVAL
(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.
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).
(3) Begin removal of the shock absorber lower
mounting bolt (Fig. 27).
(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
(5) Loosen and remove the axle plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 28).
(6) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
(7) Loosen and remove the 4 bolts at the front
mount of the rear leaf spring (Fig. 26).
(8) Loosen and remove the nuts from the spring
hanger for the rear leaf spring (Fig. 35).(9) Remove the hanger plate from the hanger and
remove the spring from the spring hanger (Fig. 35).
(10) Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
(11) Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the
front mount of the rear leaf spring. (Fig. 30).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Pivot bolt must face inboard to prevent
structural damage during installation of spring.
(1) Install the front eyelet of the rear leaf spring
into the spring mount. Install the pivot bolt and nut.
Do not tighten the pivot bolt at this time.
(2) Position the front spring mount for the rear
leaf spring against the floor pan of the vehicle.
Install the 4 mounting bolts for the front spring
mount (Fig. 26). Tighten the 4 mounting bolts to a
torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install rear of spring onto rear spring shackle.
Install shackle plate and nuts (Fig. 35).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 the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING - FWD
REMOVAL
(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).
2 - 40 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING - AWD (Continued)

(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).
(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
(5) Loosen and remove the spring plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 33).
(6) Remove the spring plate from the rear axle and
the leaf spring (Fig. 34).
(7) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
(8) Loosen and remove the 4 bolts securing the
front mount of the leaf spring to the vehicle (Fig. 31).
Fig. 31 Lifting Point And Spring Mount
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 32 Rear Shock Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
Fig. 33 Spring Plate Bolts
1 - SPRING PLATE
Fig. 34 Spring Plate
1 - SPRING PLATE
RSREAR SUSPENSION2-41
SPRING - FWD (Continued)

(9) Loosen and remove the nuts from the spring
shackle (Fig. 35).
(10) Remove the shackle plate from the hanger
and remove the spring from the spring hanger (Fig.
35).
(11) Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
(12) Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the
front mount of the rear leaf spring. Remove mount.
INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble front spring mount to front of spring
eye and install pivot bolt and nut.Do not tighten
at this time.
CAUTION: Pivot bolt must face inboard to prevent
structural damage during installation of spring.
(2) Raise front of spring and install four mounting
bolts (Fig. 31). Tighten bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install rear of spring onto rear spring shackle
(Fig. 35). Install shackle plate and nuts.Do not
tighten at this time.
(4) Verify lower leaf spring isolator is in position.
(5) Raise axle into correct position on leaf spring
with axle centered under spring locator post (Fig.
36).
(6) Verify that the leaf spring isolator is correctly
positioned in the spring plate.
(7) Install spring plate in position on the spring
(Fig. 33).
(8) Install spring plate bolts (Fig. 33). Tighten
bolts to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install lower shock absorber bolt.Do not
tighten at this time.
(10) Remove jack under axle.(11) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
(12) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Tighten rear spring shackle pin nuts to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.SPRING MOUNTS - FRONT
REMOVAL
(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. 37).
(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
bushing replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
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. 35 Rear Spring Hanger/Shackle
1 - SHACKLE PLATE
2 - SPRING HANGER
Fig. 36 Leaf Spring Locator Post
1 - LEAF SPRING ISOLATOR
2 - LEAF SPRING
3 - LOCATOR POST
2 - 42 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING - FWD (Continued)

(2) Install the shackle mounting nuts on the
hanger pins, but DO NOT TIGHTEN AT THIS
TIME.
(3) AWD only ± Install, BUT DO NOT TIGHTEN,
retaining bolts fastening inner to outer halves of leaf
spring hanger at this time (Fig. 39).
(4) Using a jack, raise the leaf spring into
mounted position.
(5) Install the rear spring mount-to-body bolts
(Fig. 40). Tighten rear spring mount bolts to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install the lower mounting bolt fastening the
shock absorber to the axle. DO NOT TIGHTEN THE
BOLT AT THIS TIME.
(7) Remove the jack from under axle.(8) Lower the vehicle so that the full weight of the
vehicle is on all four tires (curb height).
CAUTION: AWD only ± In order to avoid bending the
spring shackles, the shackle pin nuts must be tight-
ened to the specified torque before the inboard-to-
outboard shackle half bolts can be tightened.
(9) Tighten shackle mounting nuts to 61 N´m (45
ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) If equipped with AWD, tighten shackle-to-
shackle mounting bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Tighten shock absorber lower mounting bolt to
88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING SHACKLE
REMOVAL
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/SPRING
MOUNTS - REMOVAL)
INSTALLATION
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/REAR/SPRING
MOUNTS - INSTALLATION)
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
Some front-wheel-drive models use a stabilizer bar.
It 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)
Fig. 39 All-Wheel-Drive Rear Suspension
1 - SHACKLE
2 - REAR MOUNT (HANGER)
3 - LEAF SPRING (MULTI-LEAF)
4 - AWD REAR AXLE
Fig. 40 Rear Spring Mount (Typical)
1 - LEAF SPRING MOUNT
2 - 44 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING MOUNTS - REAR (Continued)

(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.
REMOVAL - FWD - FOLD-IN-FLOOR SEATING
(1) Raise and support vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) At each end of the stabilizer bar, remove the
nuts and bolts securing the bar to the links (Fig. 41).
(3) While holding the stabilizer bar in place,
remove the bolts that attach the stabilizer bar bush-
ing retainers to the rear axle (Fig. 41).
(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.)
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.)
INSTALLATION - FWD - FOLD-IN-FLOOR
SEATING
(1) Lift the stabilizer bar onto the rear axle, hook-
ing the bottom of the bushing retainers on the axle,
then install the two retainer mounting bolts (Fig. 41).
DO NOT TIGHTEN AT THIS TIME.
(2) Install the bolts and nuts attaching the stabi-
lizer bar links to the stabilizer bar (Fig. 41). DO NOT
TIGHTEN AT THIS TIME.
(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
Fig. 41 Stabilizer Bar With Fold-In-Floor Seating
1 - LINK NUT
2 - LINK BOLT AND NUT
3 - STABILIZER LINK
4 - STABILIZER BAR
5 - REAR AXLE
6 - BOLTS
RSREAR SUSPENSION2-45
STABILIZER BAR (Continued)

WARNING
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A
FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
CAUTION
CAUTION: During service procedures, grease or
any other foreign material must be kept off brake
shoes and braking surfaces of brake rotor or drum,
and external surfaces of hub and bearing assembly.
CAUTION: Brake rotor and caliper handling must be
done in such a way as to avoid damage to the rotor,
especially the machined surfaces, and scratching or
nicking of the brake linings.
CAUTION: Only the recommended jacking or hoist-
ing procedures for this vehicle are to be used
whenever it is necessary to lift a vehicle. Failure to
raise a vehicle utilizing the recommended lift points
can result in damage to the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover the RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
LAMP, BRAKE NOISE and OTHER BRAKE CONDI-
TIONS.
RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR LAMP
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
RED BRAKE WARNING
LAMP ON1. Parking brake lever not fully
released.1. Release parking brake lever.
2. Parking brake warning lamp
switch on parking brake lever.2. Inspect and replace switch as necessary.
3. Brake fluid level low in reservoir. 3. Fill reservoir. Check entire system for
leaks. Repair or replace as required.
4. Brake fluid level switch. 4. Disconnect switch wiring connector. If
lamp goes out, replace switch.
5. Mechanical instrument cluster
(MIC) problem.5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic
information.
6. Amber ABS Warning Indicator
Lamp also illuminated.6. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic
information.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)