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 Notices, Cautions, Dangers 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 correct adjustment of front bearings and
repack in accordance with the Periodic Service Sched-
ule or if a bearing replacement is required. Routine
examination of tires will provide indications if an align-
ment is required.
Lubrication
Tool List
Qty.
Grease gun.................................................................. 1
Shop towels .............................................................. AR
Grease the rack ball joint (1) (Ref Fig. 2) per Periodic
Service Schedule in Section A. Wipe off old grease and
dirt from grease fitting and do not use more than three
pumps of grease in any grease fitting. Wipe off any
grease that is forced out of rubber boot.
Do not use more than three (3) pumps of grease in any
grease fitting at any one time. Excess grease may
cause grease seals to fail or grease migration into
areas that could damage components.
Wheel Bearing and King Pin Bushing
Inspection
To prevent possible injury or death result-
ing from a vehicle falling from a jack, follow
the lifting procedure in Section B of this
manual. Be sure 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 stability of vehicle on
stands before starting any repair proce-
dure. Always place chocks in front and
b e h i n d w h e e l s n o t b e i n g r a i s e d . U s e
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-13.
Wheel Bearing Packing
Tool List
Qty.
Grease gun ..................................................................1
Bearing packer (Recommended) .................................1
Remove hub from spindle and disassemble. “Wheel
Bearing and Race Replacement” on page E-8.
NOTICE
Fig. 2 Lubrication Points
Front of Vehicle
1
NOTICE
