Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible LHD, Service Manual, Page: 68 / 1196

The upper control arm is bolted to the rear suspen-
sion crossmember using a pivot bar which is rubber
isolated from the upper control arm.
The upper control arms have rubber bushings at
the rear suspension crossmember end and a ball joint
at the rear knuckle.
COIL SPRING
Rear coil springs are rated separately for each cor-
ner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. During service
procedures when both rear coil springs are removed,
mark the coil springs to ensure installation of the
springs in their original position. If coil springs
require replacement, be sure the springs need-
ing replacement, are replaced with springs
meeting the correct load rating for the vehicle
and its specific options.
STABILIZER BAR
The stabilizer bar interconnects the forward lateral
links of the vehicle’s rear suspension and is attached
to the rear suspension crossmember of the vehicle.
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one rear
wheel of the vehicle are partially transmitted to the
opposite wheel of the vehicle to stabilize body roll.
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the rear cross-
member of the vehicle is through 2 rubber-isolator
bushings and bushing retainers. The stabilizer bar to
lateral arm attachment is done utilizing a rubber iso-
lated stabilizer bar attaching link. All parts of the
stabilizer bar are serviceable, and the stabilizer bar
to rear suspension isolator bushings are split for easy
removal and installation. The split in the stabilizer
bar to crossmember bushing must be positioned
toward the front of the vehicle, when the stabilizer
bar is installed on the vehicle.
KNUCKLE
A cast iron rear knuckle is attached to the upper
control arm by the upper ball joint and to the rear
shock absorber assembly. The lateral movement of
the rear knuckle is controlled using two lateral arms
attached to the bottom of the knuckle and by the
upper control arm attached to the top of the knuckle.
The outboard ends of the two lateral arms are
mounted forward and rearward of the knuckle cen-
terline, and the inboard ends are mounted to the rear
suspension crossmember. Fore and aft movement of
the knuckle is controlled by the trailing link.
LATERAL ARMS AND TRAILING LINKS
The lateral movement of the rear knuckle is con-
trolled by the lateral arms going from the front and
rear of the knuckle to the rear suspension crossmem-
ber. Fore and aft movement of the knuckle is con-
trolled by a trailing link.
The lateral arms and trailing link have rubber iso-
lator bushings at each end to isolate suspension noise
from the body of the vehicle.
The trailing link bolts to the bottom of the knuckle
and to a bracket attached to the floor pan of the vehi-
cle.
Lateral links, trailing arms and knuckles are nor-
mally replaced only when the part has been damaged
or when the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
If a suspension part has been damaged, be sure to
check the underbody dimensions of the car. If the
underbody dimensions are not correct, the frame of
the vehicle must be straightened, before replacement
suspension components are installed.
REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
This vehicle is equipped with a bolt in type rear
suspension crossmember. The crossmember on this
vehicle is the same for all of the optional suspensions
that are available on the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) Inspect for damaged or broken coil springs.
(2) Inspect for torn or damaged shock absorber
dust boots.
(3) Inspect for damaged lower spring isolator.
(4) Lift dust boot and inspect shock absorber for
evidence of fluid running from the upper end of fluid
reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of fluid
running down the side and dripping off lower end of
unit). A slight amount of seepage between the shock
absorber rod and shock absorber rod seal is not
unusual and does not affect performance of the shock
absorber. Also inspect jounce bumpers for signs of
damage or deterioration.
SUSPENSION KNUCKLE
The rear suspension knuckle is not a repairable
component of the rear suspension. If it is determined
that the knuckle is broken or bent when servicing
the vehicle, no attempt is to be made to repair or to
straighten the knuckle. THE KNUCKLE MUST BE
REPLACED IF FOUND TO BE DAMAGED IN
ANY WAY.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
The rear suspension upper control arm is not a
repairable component of the rear suspension. When
diagnosing a condition with the rear suspension of
the vehicle it is determined that the upper control
arm is broken or bent, the upper control arm MUST
be replaced. No attempt is to be made to repair or to
2 - 46 SUSPENSION
JX
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)