vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and condi-
tions 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.

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.
During steering maneuvers, the strut assembly
(through a pivot bearing in the upper strut mount)
and steering knuckle (through the lower ball joint
mounted on the lower control arm) turn as an assem-
bly.

WARNING

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET 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 CONTAIN THE DUST RESI-
DUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE PARTS WITH COM-
PRESSED 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

CONTAINING

ASBESTOS

FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE CONTAINER WITH
THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOLLOW PRACTICES
PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AND THE
ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

AGENCY

(EPA)

FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING, AND DISPOSI-
TION OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY CONTAIN
ASBESTOS FIBERS.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT
NUT WHILE STRUT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COM-
PRESSED

WITH A COMPRESSION

TOOL.

THE

SPRING IS HELD UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.

CAUTION: Only frame contact hoisting equipment
can be used on this vehicle. It cannot be hoisted
using equipment designed to lift a vehicle by the
rear axle. If this type of hoisting equipment is used,
damage to rear suspension components will occur.

CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle can
a sheet metal screw, bolt, or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. It may come into contact with
the strut or coil spring.

CAUTION: Wheel bearing damage will result if after
loosening the hub nut, the vehicle is rolled on the
ground or the weight of the vehicle is allowed to be
supported by the tires for a length of time.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION

There are no serviceable lubrication points on the

front suspension. The front lower ball joints have
grease fittings which have had the head snapped off
by the manufacturer after they have been filled. This
has been done to eliminate the possibility of damag-
ing the non-vented seals. Grease will not leak from
the broken grease fittings. The ball joints are sealed
for life and require no maintenance.

CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting with a new fitting, then
filling the ball joint with grease. Damage to the
grease seal can result.

2 - 2

FRONT SUSPENSION

Fig. 1 Front Suspension System

FRONT SUSPENSION

2 - 3

FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

Content .. 389 390 391 392 ..