2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN suspension

(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)

(4) Remove four bolts securing leaf spring front
mounting bracket to the body (Fig. 37).
(5) Using jack,slowlylower rear axle, permitting
the forward end of rear spring to hang down. Lower
it enough to allow access to spring pivot bolt. It may
be necessary to place a wooden block between the
spring and vehicle to hold forward end of the spring
in place.
(6) Remove leaf spring forward pivot bolt, then
remove mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position spring mounting bracket over spring
eye and install pivot bolt through center of bushing
from theoutboardside.
NOTE: The pivot bolt must be installed from the
outboard side to allow proper bracket to body
mounting.
(2) Install the nut on the pivot bolt and lightly
tighten. Do not fully tighten bolt at this time.
(3) Raise the under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack, guiding the forward mounting bracket into
place against the body. It may help to use a drift
punch placed through the hole centered between the
mounting bolt holes in the bracket and the pilot hole
in the body of the vehicle as a guide. When the four
mounting bolt holes line up with their threads in the
body, Install the mounting bolts (Fig. 37). Tighten the
four mounting bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.(4) Raise or lower the jack until shock absorber
lower eye aligns with threads in axle housing. Install
shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Do not fully
tighten bolt at this time.
(5) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
(6) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING MOUNTS - REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the pin nuts securing the leaf spring
rear shackle halves (Fig. 38) (Fig. 39).
(2) Install a jack under the side of the axle having
the leaf spring mount removed. Using the jack, sup-
port 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 jack and the rear of the leaf spring.
(6) AWD only ± Remove the retaining bolts fasten-
ing inner to outer halves of the leaf spring shackle
(Fig. 39).
(7) Remove the shackle from the leaf spring bush-
ing and the spring rear mount.
INSTALLATION
(1) With the rear of the spring in the lowered posi-
tion, install the spring shackle halves through the
leaf spring bushings and rear mount (Fig. 39).
Fig. 37 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. 38 Leaf Spring Shackle Nuts (FWD)
1 - SHACKLE PLATE
RSREAR SUSPENSION2-43
SPRING MOUNTS - FRONT (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)

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. 42).(2) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the track
bar to the track bracket on the body of the vehicle
(Fig. 42). Remove the track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar first into the body bracket
for the track bar (Fig. 42). Install the track bar
mounting bolt in the direction shown, then install
the nut.Do not tighten at this time.
(2) Install the track bar into its mounting bracket
on the rear axle (Fig. 42). Install the track bar
mounting bolt in the direction shown, then install
the nut.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the vehicle to the ground until the full
weight of the vehicle is supported by the wheels.
Tighten both track bar mounting bolts to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 42 Track Bar Mounting
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
2 - NUT
3 - NUT
4 - MOUNTING BOLT
5 - TRACK BAR
6 - REAR AXLE
7 - FRAME MOUNTED BRACKET
2 - 46 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
TRACK BAR (Continued)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......47
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING......................50
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.........................52STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT......................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
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-47

TOE-OUT ON TURNS
Toe-out on turns is the relative positioning of the
front wheels while steering through a turn (Fig. 4).
This compensates for each front wheel's turning
radius. As the vehicle encounters a turn, the out-
board wheel must travel in a larger radius circle
than the inboard wheel. The steering system is
designed to make each wheel follow its particular
radius circle. To accomplish this, the front wheels
must progressively toe outward as the steering is
turned from center. This eliminates tire scrubbing
and undue tire wear when steering a vehicle through
a turn.
DYNAMIC TOE PATTERN
Dynamic toe pattern is the inward and outward toe
movement of the front and rear tires through the
suspension's jounce and rebound travel. As the vehi-
cle's suspension moves up and down, the toe pattern
varies. Toe pattern is critical in controlling the direc-
tional stability of the vehicle while in motion. Front
and rear dynamic toe pattern is preset by the factory
at the time the vehicle is assembled.
It is not necessary to check or adjust front or rear
dynamic toe pattern when doing a normal wheel
alignment. The only time dynamic toe pattern needs
to be checked or adjusted is if the frame of the vehi-
cle has been damaged.
STEERING AXIS INCLINATION (S. A. I.)
Steering axis inclination is the angle between a
true vertical line starting at the center of the tire at
the road contact point and a line drawn through the
center of the upper ball joint (or strut) and the lower
ball joint (Fig. 5). S.A.I. is built into the vehicle and
is not an adjustable angle. If S.A.I. is not within
specifications, a bent or damaged suspension compo-
nent may be the cause.
INCLUDED ANGLE (I. A.)
Included angle is the sum of the S.A.I. angle plus
or minus the camber angle, depending on whether or
not the wheel has positive or negative camber (Fig.
5). If camber is positive, add the camber angle to the
S.A.I. angle. If camber is negative, subtract the cam-
ber angle from the S.A.I. angle. Included angle is not
adjustable, but can be used to diagnose a frame mis-
alignment or bent suspension component (spindle,
strut).
Fig. 4 Toe-Out On Turns
1 - TOE-OUT ON TURNS
Fig. 5 S.A.I. and I.A.
1 - S.A.I.
2 - CAMBER
3 - I.A.
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-49
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

THRUST ANGLE
Thrust angle is the averaged direction the rear
wheels are pointing in relation to the vehicle's center
line (Fig. 6). The presence of negative or positive
thrust angle causes the rear tires to track improperly
to the left or right of the front tires (dog tracking).
²Negative thrust angle means the rear tires are
tracking to the left of the front tires.
²Positive thrust angle means the rear tires are
tracking to the right of the front tires.
Improper tracking can cause undue tire wear, a
lead or pull and a crooked steering wheel. Excessive
thrust angle can usually be corrected by adjusting
the rear wheel toe so that each wheel has one-half of
the total toe measurement.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION AND STEERING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Front End Whine On Turns 1. Defective wheel bearing 1. Replace wheel bearing
2. Incorrect wheel alignment 2. Check and reset wheel alignment
3. Worn tires 3. Replace tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding On Turns1. Defective wheel bearing 1. Replace wheel bearing
2. Engine mount grounding 2. Check for motor mount hitting frame
rail and reposition engine as required
3. Worn or broken C/V joint 3. Replace C/V joint
4. Loose wheel lug nuts 4. Verify wheel lug nut torque
5. Incorrect wheel alignment 5. Check and reset wheel alignment
6. Worn tires 6. Replace tires
7. Front strut pin in upper strut mount 7. Replace the front strut upper mount
and bearing
Fig. 6 Thrust Angle
2 - 50 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)