Page E-2
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Repair and Service Manual
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings.
B
MAINTENANCE
In the following text, there are references to removing/installing
bolts etc. Additional hardware (nuts, washers etc.) that is
removed must always be installed in its original position unless
otherwise specified. Non-specified torque specifications are as
shown in the table contained in Section A.
Routine maintenance of the front suspension and steer-
ing consists of:
•
periodic inspections for loose, worn or damaged
components
•
alignment checks
•
lubrication of ball joints and wheel bearings
See Lubrication Chart and Periodic Service Schedule in
Section A. Be sure to use only the recommended lubri-
cants. Maintain the correct adjustment of the front bear-
ings and repack them in accordance with the Periodic
Service Schedule or if a bearing replacement is
required. Routine examination of the tires will provide
indications if an alignment is required.
Lubrication
Tool List
Qty. Required
Grease gun.................................................................. 1
Shop towels .............................................................. AR
Grease the rack ball joint (1) (Ref. Fig. 2 on Page E-2)
per Periodic Service Schedule in Section A. Wipe off old
grease that is forced out of rubber boot.
Fig. 2 Lubrication Points
Wheel Bearing and King Pin Bushing
Inspection
To prevent possible injury or death resulting
from a vehicle falling from a jack, follow the lift-
ing procedure in Section B of this manual. Be
sure the vehicle is on a firm and level surface.
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported
by a jack. Use jack stands and test the stability
of the vehicle on the stands before starting any
repair procedure. Always place chocks in front
and behind the wheels not being raised. Use
extreme care since the vehicle is extremely
unstable during the lifting process.
Lift the front of the vehicle and support on jack stands as
per SAFETY section. Rotate the front wheel and feel for
any roughness. While holding spindle with one hand,
grasp bottom of tire with other hand and rock tire back
and forth on spindle.
Some minor rocking movement of tire is normal.
If excess movement is detected, the wheel bearing may
require repacking and adjusting or replacement. “Wheel
Bearing Packing” on Page E-2) “Wheel Bearing Adjust-
ment” on Page E-3)
If the wheel bearing is satisfactory, a worn spindle bear-
ing, which is not a serviceable item, is indicated and the
spindle must be replaced. “Spindle Replacement” on
Page E-12)
Wheel Bearing Packing
Tool List
Qty. Required
Grease gun ..................................................................1
Bearing packer (Recommended) .................................1
Remove hub from spindle and disassemble. “Wheel
Bearing and Race Replacement” on Page E-8)
Clean all bearings, grease seal, hub and dust cap in sol-
vent and dry thoroughly. Inspect for signs of damage.
Pitting or a blue coloration of the rollers will require
replacement of the bearing. If the roller portion of the
bearing is to be replaced, the race must also be
replaced. “Wheel Bearing and Race Replacement” on
Page E-8)
The front wheel bearings are tapered roller type and
must be packed with grease at installation or any time
Front of Vehicle
2
1
3
