Chrysler 300M, Dodge Interpid. Manual - part 15
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle
bolts are serrated were they go through strut
assembly and steering knuckle. When installing
bolts, turn nuts onto bolts DO NOT TURN BOLTS IN
STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to
steering knuckle will result.
(3) Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle
attaching bolts (Fig. 60). Install nuts on attaching
bolts. Tighten the strut assembly clevis to steering
knuckle attaching bolt nuts to a torque of 203 N·m
(150 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install braking disc back on front hub and
bearing assembly. Install front brake caliper assem-
bly on steering knuckle. Install the 2 caliper assem-
bly to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 58).
Tighten the caliper assembly guide pin bolts to a
torque of 19 N·m (192 in. lbs.).
(5) If the vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes.
Install the front speed sensor cable routing bracket
onto the front strut assembly (Fig. 57).
(6) Install outer tie rod on strut assembly. Install
tie rod attaching nut. Tighten the tie rod attaching
nut to a torque of 37 N·m (27 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install stabilizer bar link on strut (Fig. 55).
Tighten the stabilizer link attaching nut to a torque
of 95 N·m (70 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(9) Tighten the wheel mounting 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.).
(10) Lower vehicle.
TENSION STRUT
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a steel tension strut on each side
of the vehicle’s front suspension, between the lower
control arm and front suspension cradle/crossmember
(Fig. 1). The strut has rubber isolator bushings,
retainer washers and nuts at each end where it
mounts.
OPERATION
The tension strut controls longitudinal (fore-and-
aft) movement of each front wheel and the front sus-
pension. Controlling the longitudinal movement helps
reduce harshness when the wheel hits sudden irreg-
ularities in the road surface.
The tension strut’s rubber isolator bushings isolate
suspension noise from the body of the vehicle.
REMOVAL - TENSION STRUT
The tension strut is removed from the vehicle with
the lower control arm, then separated. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL)
INSTALLATION - TENSION STRUT
The tension strut is attached to the lower control
arm, then the two are installed together. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION)
TENSION STRUT CRADLE
BUSHING
REMOVAL - TENSION STRUT CRADLE
BUSHING
(1) Remove lower control arm and tension strut as
an assembly from the vehicle. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/LOWER
CONTROL
ARM
-
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the tension strut cradle bushing halve
and sleeve from the tension strut (Fig. 68).
Fig. 68 Bushing Installed On Tension Strut
1 - TENSION STRUT TO CRADLE BUSHING
2 - RETAINING WASHER
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - TENSION STRUT
5 - RETAINING WASHERS
6 - TENSION STRUT TO LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING
7 - NUT
LH
FRONT SUSPENSION
2 - 29
STRUT (Continued)