Front Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Overview Dodge Durango III

DESCRIPTION

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Note. Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur.

Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning is accomplished through suspension and steering linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered essential for efficient steering, good directional stability and to minimize tire wear. The most important measurements of an alignment are caster, camber and toe.

OPERATION

1. CASTER (1) is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the knuckle forward provides less positive caster. Tilting the top of the knuckle rearward provides more positive caster. Positive caster promotes directional stability. This angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight ahead position after turns.
2. CAMBER (2) is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the top of the wheel inward provides negative camber. Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the inside or outside edge of the tire.
3. TOE (4) is the difference between the leading inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires. Wheel toe position out of specification cause's unstable steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off- center. The wheel toe position is the final front wheel alignment adjustment.
4. THRUST ANGLE (3) is the angle of the rear axle relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect thrust angle can cause off-center steering and excessive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust angle.

The top of the shock absorbers are bolted to the body. The bottom of the shocks are welded to the clevis bracket then the bracket is bolted to the lower control arm. The standard shocks have conventional twin tube construction and are low pressure gas charged. Gas charging prevents cavitation during rough road operation.

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1. If equipped, remove the wiring harness routing clip (2) from the shock mounting stud.
2. Remove the three upper shock mounting nuts (1).
3. Turn the wheels so the front of the tire on the side being serviced is turned to the inside of the vehicle.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer «HOISTING»(ref-465919-S17385638482012042300000) .
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Remove the speed sensor bolt (1), and remove the sensor from the knuckle (2).
7. Remove the speed sensor wiring retaining clip from the knuckle (2).
8. Bottom caliper pistons into the caliper.
9. Remove the brake caliper tension clip (1) by pressing rearward on the front of the clip (2) while pulling the clip out (3) from the caliper.
10. Remove the caliper slide dust bolt shields and loosen the brake caliper slide bolts (guide pins) (2). CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake hose will result. Provide a suitable support to hang the caliper securely.
11. Remove the brake caliper (3) from the caliper adapter (4) and hang the brake caliper.
12. Support the outside of the lower control arm with a suitable holding fixture, and raise to normal ride height.
13. Remove the upper ball joint nut.
14. Separate the upper ball joint (2) from the knuckle (3) using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) (1).
15. Remove the lower stabilizer link nut (7) at the lower control arm.
16. Remove the lower clevis bolt/nut (6) at the lower control arm. NOTE: It may be necessary to lift on the upper control arm (2) for clearance to remove shock (1).
17. With the knuckle assembly (3) tilted out, lower the control arm support as necessary and lift the shock assembly (1) (into the shock tower) and remove from the vehicle by tilting the bottom of the shock out and to the rear.
18. Remove and transfer the spring and mount if necessary. Refer to «SPRING, FRONT COIL, REMOVAL»(ref-465917-S34642138292012042300000) .