Lateral Stabilizer Rod: Service and Repair
Lateral Arm and Watts Link Pivot Assembly
Removal
NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New fasteners must be installed with the same part number or an equivalent part if installation is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts. Orientation of the fasteners is also important on all rear suspension arms. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed.
1. For reference during the installation procedure, measure the distance from the lip of the fender to the center of the wheel hub with the vehicle in a static level ground position.
2. WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury Procedures.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Jacking and Lifting Service and Repair.
3. Disconnect the height sensor from the mounting bracket.
4. Remove and discard the LH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt.
5. Detach the parking brake cable from the retainer bracket.
6. Remove and discard the lateral arm-to-Watts link pivot nuts.
7. NOTE: If the Watts link pivot stud on the axle assembly loosens while removing the pivot nut, continue to loosen the pivot stud until an open-end wrench can be inserted to hold the pivot stud. While holding the pivot stud, remove the pivot nut.
Remove and discard the Watts link pivot nut.
8. Move the Watts link upwards and detach the lateral arms.
- Remove the Watts link and LH lateral arm.
9. NOTICE: Do not use excessive force when removing the RH lateral arm-to-frame bolt or damage to the air spring may occur.
Remove the RH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt and remove the arm.
- Discard the nut and bolt.
10. Remove and discard the Watts link pivot stud.
11. If necessary, remove the nuts and the height sensor bracket.
Installation
1. Position the LH lateral arm and loosely install the new LH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt.
2. If necessary, install the height sensor bracket.
- Tighten the new inner nut to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
- Tighten the new outer nut to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
3. Install the new Watts link pivot stud and tighten to 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).
4. Position the RH lateral arm and loosely install the new RH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt.
5. Position the Watts link pivot and loosely install the new lateral arm-to-Watts link pivot nuts.
6. Loosely install the new Watts link pivot nut.
7. Check and if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Service and Repair.
8. Before tightening the fasteners, use a suitable jack to raise the suspension until the distance between the lip of the fender and the center of the wheel hub is equal to the measurement taken in the removal procedure.
9. Tighten the Watts link pivot nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
10. Tighten the lateral arm-to-Watts link pivot nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
11. Tighten the LH lateral arm-to-frame nut to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
12. Tighten the RH lateral arm-to-frame nut to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
13. If equipped, connect the height sensor to the mounting bracket.
14. WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury Description and Operation.
If equipped, repower the fire suppression system.