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 thebumper 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.
TOWING ± FRONT WHEEL LIFT
If the vehicle is being towed from the front, when-
ever possible ensure at least 10 inches road clearance
to the tires.
TOWING ± REAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²On AWD vehicles, all four wheels must be free to
rotate. Use towing dollies at unlifted end of vehicle.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
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.
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-27
TOWING (Continued)
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Ball Joint Nut 108 80 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Mounting Bolts163 120 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolts - Size
M-14153 113 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolt - Size
M-12106 78 Ð
Cradle Crossmember
Reinforcement Bolts - Size
M-1061 45 Ð
Disc Brake Adapter
Mounting Bolts169 125 Ð
Hub And Bearing Mounting
Bolts65 45 Ð
Hub And Bearing Axle Hub
Nut244 180 Ð
Lower Control Arm Pivot
Bolt183 135 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bushing
Retainer Bolts68 50 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts 88 65 Ð
Strut Body/Tower Mounting
Nuts28 21 250
Strut Clevis-to-Knuckle Nuts 81 +
90É
turn60 +
90É
turnÐ
Strut Shaft Nut 100 75 Ð
Tie Rod Adjuster Jam Nut 75 55 Ð
Tie Rod Steering Arm Nut 75 55 Ð
Wheel Mounting (Lug) Nuts 135 100 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Puller C-3894A
Press, Ball Joint C-4212F
Installer, Ball Joint 6758
Wrench, Strut Rod Nut 6864
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-3
FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel bearing and front wheel hub of
this vehicle are a hub and bearing unit type assem-
bly (Unit III). This unit combines the front wheel
mounting hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing
into a sealed one-piece unit. The hub and bearing is
mounted to the center of the steering knuckle (Fig.
1). It is retained by four mounting bolts accessible
from the inboard side of the steering knuckle. The
hub flange has five wheel mounting studs.
The wheel mounting studs used to mount the tire
and wheel to the vehicle are the only replaceable
components of the hub and bearing assembly. Other-
wise, the hub and bearing is serviced only as a com-
plete assembly.
OPERATION
The hub and bearing has internal bearings that
allow the hub to rotate with the driveshaft, along
with the tire and wheel. The five wheel mounting
studs mount the tire and wheel, and brake rotor to
the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HUB AND
BEARING
The condition of the front hub and bearing assem-
bly is diagnosed using the inspection and testing pro-
cedure detailed below.
The bearing contained in the Unit III front hub/
bearing assembly will produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise will generally
change when the bearings are loaded. A road test of
the vehicle is normally required to determine the
location of a worn or damaged bearing.
Find a smooth level road surface and bring the
vehicle up to a constant speed. When vehicle is at a
constant speed, swerve the vehicle back and forth
from the left and to the right. This will load and
unload the bearings and change the noise level.
When bearing damage is slight, the noise is some-
times noticeable at lower speeds and at other times
is more noticeable at speeds above 105 km/h (65
mph).
REMOVAL
NOTE: Replacement of the Unit III front hub/bearing
assembly can be normally done without having to
remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle. In the
event that the hub/bearing is frozen in the steering
knuckle and cannot be removed by hand, it will
have to be pressed out of the steering knuckle. The
steering knuckle will require removal from the vehi-
cle to allow the hub/bearing assembly to bepressed out of the steering knuckle. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL)
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove wheel lug nuts, and front tire and
wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the cotter pin, nut lock and spring
washer from the stub axle (Fig. 4).
(4) With aid of a helper applying the brakes to
keep the front hub from turning, remove the hub nut
(Fig. 4).
(5) Remove disc brake caliper and adapter as an
assembly from knuckle as shown (Fig. 5). Hang
assembly out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.
Do not allow caliper hang by brake hose.
(6) Remove brake rotor from hub and bearing (Fig.
5).
(7) Push in on end of driveshaft stub shaft, push-
ing its splines out of the hub splines.
(8) Remove the four hub and bearing mounting
bolts from the rear of steering knuckle (Fig. 6).Use
care not to come in contact with and damage
the ABS tone wheel on the driveshaft stub shaft
upon bolt removal.
(9) Remove the hub and bearing assembly from
the steering knuckle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Hub and bearing assembly mounting
surfaces on the steering knuckle and stub axle (Fig.
7) must be smooth and completely free of foreign
material or nicks prior to installing hub and bearing
assembly.
Fig. 4 Hub Nut
1 - HUB NUT
2 - NUT LOCK
3 - COTTER PIN
4 - SPRING WASHER
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-5
CAUTION: When installing hub and bearing into
steering knuckle, be careful not to damage the
bearing seal (Fig. 7) on the outer C/V joint.
(1) Install hub and bearing onto stub axle and into
steering knuckle until squarely seated on the face of
the steering knuckle.
(2) Install the 4 hub and bearing mounting bolts
from the rear of the knuckle. Equally tighten all 4
mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern until hub/
bearing assembly is squarely seated against front ofsteering knuckle. Tighten mounting bolts to a torque
of 65 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the brake rotor on the hub and bearing
(Fig. 5).
(4) Install brake caliper and adapter assembly
back over brake rotor and align with mounting holes
on steering knuckle (Fig. 5). Install the mounting
bolts and tighten to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install the hub nut on the end of the stub axle
(Fig. 4). With aid of a helper applying the brakes to
keep the front hub from turning, tighten the hub nut
to Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 244 N´m
(180 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(8) Check the front wheel alignment toe setting
and reset if not within specifications. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The steering knuckle is a singlealuminumcast-
ing with legs machined for attachment of the strut
assembly, steering linkage, disc brake caliper
adapter, lower control arm ball joint and steering
linkage (Fig. 1). The hub and bearing assembly is
mounted in the center of the steering knuckle using
Fig. 5 Front Brake Mounting
1 - BRAKE ROTOR
2 - HUB AND BEARING
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - BRAKE CALIPER
6 - ADAPTER
7 - CLIP
Fig. 6 Hub And Bearing Mounting Bolts
1 - HUB
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
4 - DRIVESHAFT
Fig. 7 Mounting Surfaces (Typical)
1 - BEARING SEAL
2 - STUB AXLE
3 - THESE SURFACES MUST BE CLEAN AND FREE OF NICKS
BEFORE INSTALLING BEARING ASSEMBLY
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 6 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
4 bolts. The driveshaft's constant velocity (C/V) stub
axle is splined through the center of the hub and
bearing and is held in place using a nut, nut lock and
cotter pin.
Service replacement of the front hub and bearing
assembly can be done with the steering knuckle
remaining on the vehicle.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivots with the strut assem-
bly between the lower ball joint and the pivot bearing
in the strut assembly. The steering gear outer tie rod
end connects to the trailing end of each knuckle,
allowing the vehicle to be steered.
The center of the knuckle supports the hub and
bearing and axle shaft.
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove the cotter pin, nut lock and spring
washer from the end of the stub axle and hub nut
(Fig. 8).
(4) Have a helper apply the vehicle's brakes to
keep hub from turning,loosen and removethe hub
nut (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove disc brake caliper and adapter as an
assembly from knuckle as shown (Fig. 9). Hang
assembly out of the way using a bungee cord or wire
(Fig. 10).Do not allow caliper to hang by brake
hose.
(6) Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to
steering knuckle by holding the tie rod end studwhile loosening and removing nut with a wrench
(Fig. 11).
Fig. 8 Hub Nut
1 - HUB NUT
2 - NUT LOCK
3 - COTTER PIN
4 - SPRING WASHER
Fig. 9 Front Brake Mounting
1 - BRAKE ROTOR
2 - HUB AND BEARING
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - BRAKE CALIPER
6 - ADAPTER
7 - CLIP
Fig. 10 Caliper And Driveshaft Suspended
1 - HANGER SUSPENDING CALIPER
2 - HANGER SUSPENDING DRIVESHAFT
3 - DRIVESHAFT
4 - BRAKE CALIPER
RSFRONT SUSPENSION2-7
KNUCKLE (Continued)
(7) Remove tie rod end from steering knuckle
using Remover, Special Tool C-3894±A (Fig. 12).(8) If equipped with antilock brakes, remove the
front wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle
(Fig. 13).
(9) Remove the two steering knuckle-to-strut clevis
bracket attaching bolts.
(10) Tip the knuckle outward and remove the
driveshaft stub axle from the hub and bearing. Sus-
pend driveshaft straight outward using a bungee
cord or wire (Fig. 10).Do not allow driveshaft to
hang by inner joint.
(11) Remove ball joint nut using a power impact
wrench. Because the tapered stud is held sufficiently
in the knuckle at this time, it is not necessary to
hold the stud stationary to remove the nut.
(12) Reinstall the ball joint nut until the top of the
nut is even with the top of the ball joint stud. This
will keep the stud from distorting while the stud is
released from the knuckle in the following step.
CAUTION: Do not remove ball joint stud from steer-
ing knuckle using a hammer. Damage to the Alumi-
num knuckle, ball joint or control arm will result.
(13) Release ball joint stud from steering knuckle
using Remover, Special Tool C-4150A, as shown (Fig.
14). To ease Remover installation and use, it may
help to rotate the knuckle around so the inside of the
knuckle faces outward.
(14) Remove the nut from the top of the ball joint
stud.
(15) Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
(16) If the hub and bearing needs to be trans-
ferred, remove the four bolts attaching the hub and
bearing to the knuckle, then remove the hub and
bearing.
Fig. 11 Removing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - WRENCH
4 - SOCKET
5 - TIE ROD END STUD
Fig. 12 Tie Rod Removal With Tool C-3894-A
1 - OUTER TIE ROD
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3894-A
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 13 Front Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
2 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 8 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
KNUCKLE (Continued)
(6) Install tie rod end into knuckle steering arm.
Start nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud
of tie rod end stationary using a socket (Fig. 11),
tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut.
Tighten the tie rod end nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55
ft. lbs.).
(7) If equipped with antilock brakes, install wheel
speed sensor and mounting bolt on steering knuckle
(Fig. 13). Tighten the speed sensor bolt to a torque of
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(8) Install brake rotor on hub and bearing (Fig. 9).
(9) Install disc brake caliper and adapter assembly
on steering knuckle. Install adapter amounting bolts
and tighten to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(10) Clean any debris from the threads of the
outer C/V joint stub axle.
(11) Install the washer and hub nut on stub axle.
(12) Have a helper apply the vehicle's brakes to
keep hub from turning, then tighten hub nut to a
torque of 244 N´m (180 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the spring wave washer on the end of
the stub axle.
(14) Install the hub nut lock, and anewcotter pin
(Fig. 8). Wrap cotter pin prongs tightly around the
hub nut lock.
(15) Install wheel and tire assembly. Install and
tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence
until all nuts are torqued to half the required speci-
fication. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the
full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(16) Lower vehicle.
(17) Set front wheel alignment camber and toe as
necessary. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL
ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
LOWER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION
The ball joint is an integral part of the lower con-
trol arm (Fig. 1). The ball joint has a tapered stud
that is pressed into the aluminum knuckle. The ball
joint stud is threaded on the end for a retainer nut.
The ball joint has a non-vented seal boot. The seal
boot has an integrated heat shield.
The ball joint used in the lower control arm of this
vehicle is a sealed-for-life ball joint and requires no
maintenance lubrication. The ball joint has been
lubricated-for-life during the manufacturing process.
A special fitting cap is installed on the fill port. This
cap must not be removed and replaced with a com-
mon zirc fitting. The special cap is there to eliminate
the possibility of lubrication latter during the ball
joints life, thus damaging the non-vented seal boot.
NOTE: The ball joint does not require any type of
additional lubrication for the life of the vehicle. No
attempt should be made to ever add any lubrication
to the lower ball joint.
OPERATION
The ball joint is a pivotal joint on the lower control
arm that allows the knuckle to move up and down,
and turn with ease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the special fitting cap on the bottom of
the ball joint and with no mechanical assistance or
added force, attempt to rotate the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn, the grease fitting will
rotate easily. If movement is noted, replacement of
the control arm is recommended.
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL
BOOT
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT
The lower ball joint seal boot is a two piece unit. It
consists of the seal boot, plus a separate shield that
is located in a groove at the top of the seal boot.
NOTE: The seal boot should only be replaced if
damaged during vehicle service. The entire lower
control arm should be replaced if the joint has been
contaminated.
Fig. 16 Correctly Installed Eccentric Attaching Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - 10 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
KNUCKLE (Continued)
(3) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 22). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten these
M-10 size bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 22). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the power steering cooler (Fig. 21).
Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall steering knuckle, brake rotor and cal-
iper. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE
- INSTALLATION)
CAUTION: When locating jack stands under lower
control arms, do not place the jack stands under
the ball joints (Fig. 30).
(8) Position jack stands under the lower control
arms as close to the ball joints as possible (Fig. 30).
Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands until the jack
stands are supporting the total weight of the vehicle.
(9) Tighten front lower control arm pivot bolt to a
torque of 183 N´m (135 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install
and tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).(11) Raise vehicle, remove jack stands and lower
vehicle to the ground.
(12) Perform front wheel alignment as necessary.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front crossmember
(Fig. 1).
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cross-
member is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion bush-
ings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabilizer
bar link is used to attach each end of the stabilizer
bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of the sta-
bilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to front crossmember cushion
bushings are split for easy removal and installation.
The split in the bushings should be positioned toward
the rear of the vehicle, with the square corner facing
down, when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helps
to minimize the body roll of the vehicle during sus-
pension movement.
Connecting the stabilizer bar links to the strut
assemblies helps reduce the fore-and-aft rate of the
stabilizer bar from the rest of the front suspension.
Fig. 29 Lower Control Arm Bushing Pivot Bolt
Correctly Installed
1 - PIVOT BOLT
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 30 Jack Stands Supporting Vehicle Weight
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - JACK STANDS
4 - BALL JOINT
2 - 16 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)