B
SUSPENSION AND S
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
85
Repair and Service Manual
653045
Figure 8 Axle Linkage Rod Replacement
Check the axle alignment. The distance from the center
bolt at the rear left spring to the center bolt at the front
right spring, must be equal distance as the center bolt at
the rear right spring to the center bolt at the front left
spring (Figure 9).
Tighten the nuts (21, 19, 27) and rack and pinion hard-
ware (15) next to the torque value specified below (Figure
Adjust the length of the new axle linkage rod until (31) it
will pass through and seat in the hole in the front axle
assembly and the rear spring plate without resistance
(Figure 8).
Tighten the ball joint nuts (30) and linkage rod jam nuts
(32) to the torque value specified below.
Lower the vehicle as instructed in the SAFETY section.
Figure 9 Front Axle Alignment
Front Spring Replacement
Tool List
Quantity
Jack Stands .................................................................4
Ratchet ........................................................................1
Socket, 3/4”..................................................................1
Socket, 5/8”..................................................................1
Wrench, 5/8” ................................................................1
Torque Wrench ft. lbs...................................................1
Tape Measure ..............................................................1
NOTICE: Failure of a single spring will result in
over-stressing the other spring; therefore, replace
front springs as a set. The following procedure will
replace one spring at a time.
Loosen the front wheel lug nuts.
Lift and support the front of the vehicle as instructed in the
SAFETY section. Observe all warnings.
Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels from the hubs.
To detach the driver side spring:
Loosen the two rack and pinion unit lock nuts (15) (one
near the bellows (16) and one on the rear side of the rack
and pinion unit) until one thread is engaged (Figure 7).
Remove the lock nut (15) and washer (14) from the bolt
(20). Discard the lock nut. The rack and pinion unit is now
loose.
Remove the two bolts (18) and lock nuts (19) securing the
driver side spring to the axle. Discard the lock nuts (19).
Hold the nut (21) with a wrench and loosen the bolt (20).
Note the location of the washer (22) and thread the long
bolt out as far as possible to remove the washer, nut and
spacer (23).
Remove the bolt and spring plate (24) from the axle and
spring. Retain items (20 - 24) for installing at their original
Item
Torque Specification
15
35 - 50 ft. lbs. (50 - 70 Nm)
21, 19, 27
35 - 50 ft. lbs. (47 - 68 Nm)
Item
Torque Specification
30
30 - 35 ft. lbs. (40.6 - 47.4 Nm)
32
30 - 50 ft. lbs. (40.6 - 67.8 Nm)
31
32
32
30
30
View from Underside
of Vehicle
Equal
Distance
Property of American Airlines
