Lateral Stabilizer Rod: Service and Repair
OVERVIEWFig. 30:
The rear suspension lateral links are only serviced as complete assemblies. The isolator bushings used in the lateral links are not serviced as separate components.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to straighten or repair a lateral link. Do not apply heat to the lateral link adjusting screws or to the jam nuts, when loosening or adjusting the lateral links.
FORWARD LATERAL LINK
REMOVE
1. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from the side of the vehicle requiring lateral link removal.
Fig. 31:
3. Remove the rear stabilizer bar attaching link from the forward lateral link.
4. Remove the nut, bolt and washer attaching the forward lateral link to the knuckle.
Fig. 32:
5. Remove nut, bolt and washer, attaching the lateral link to the rear suspension crossmember.
6. Remove the forward lateral link from the vehicle.
INSTALL
1. Install the lateral link and the attaching nut and bolt at rear suspension crossmember. The forward lateral link is to be installed with the cup in cast portion facing down and toward rear knuckle).
2. Install the lateral link and attaching nut and bolt at rear knuckle.
3. Torque both lateral link attaching bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
4. Install rear stabilizer bar attaching link, isolator bushings and attaching nut on forward lateral link. Tighten the stabilizer bar attaching link to a torque of 32 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).
5. Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).
6. Lower vehicle to the ground.
7. Check and reset rear wheel Camber and Toe to specifications if required.
REAR LATERAL LINK
REMOVE
1. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly from the side of the vehicle requiring lateral link removal.
Fig. 33:
3. Remove the nut, bolt and washer attaching the lateral link to the knuckle.
Fig. 34:
4. Remove the bolt and nut attaching the lateral link to the rear suspension crossmember.
5. Remove rear lateral link from vehicle.
INSTALL
1. Install the lateral link and the attaching nut and bolt at rear suspension crossmember. The rear lateral link is to be installed with the adjusting screw toward rear knuckle not rear suspension crossmember.
2. Install the lateral link and the attaching bolt nut and washer at rear knuckle.
3. Torque both lateral link attaching bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
4. Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).
5. Lower vehicle to the ground.
6. Check and reset rear wheel Camber and Toe to specifications if required. Refer to Front And Rear Toe Setting Procedure for the required Toe setting procedure.