Jeep 1996 Grand Cherokee Service Manual - page 36
replaceable ball studs attached to the axle tube
yokes.
Shock Absorbers: The shock absorbers dampen
jounce and rebound motion of the vehicle over vari-
ous road conditions. The top of the shock absorbers
are bolted to the body. The bottom of the shocks are
bolted to the axle brackets.
Coil Springs: The coil springs control ride quality
and maintain proper ride height. The coil springs
mount up in the wheelhouse which is part of the
unitized body bracket. A rubber doughnut isolator is
located between the top of the spring and the body.
The bottom of the spring seats on a axle pad and is
retained with a clip.
Upper And Lower Suspension: The suspension
arms use bushings to isolate road noise. The suspen-
sion arms are bolted to the frame and axle through
the rubber bushings. The lower suspension arm uses
cam bolts at the axle to allow for caster and pinion
angle adjustment. The suspension arm travel is lim-
ited through the use of jounce bumpers in compres-
sion and shocks absorbers in rebound.
Stabilizer Bar: The stabilizer bar is used to con-
trol vehicle body roll during turns. The spring steel
bar helps to control the vehicle body in relationship
to the suspension. The bar extends across the front
underside of the chassis and connects to the frame
rails. Links are connected from the bar to the axle
brackets.
Track Bar: The track bar is used to control front
axle lateral movement. The bar is attached to a
frame rail bracket with a ball stud and isolated with
a bushing at the axle bracket.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension
(steering) system components is required. Refer to
Group 0, Lubrication And Maintenance for the rec-
ommended maintenance schedule.
CAUTION: Suspension
components
with
rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A noise from a shock absorber may be caused by
movement between mounting bushings and metal
brackets or attaching components. This noise can
usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts.
If the noise persists, inspect for damaged and worn
bushings, and attaching components. Repair as nec-
essary if any of these conditions exist.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing
noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-
base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the upper stud in the engine compartment (Fig. 2).
(2) Remove the lower nuts and bolts from the axle
bracket. Remove the shock absorber.
Fig. 2 Coil Spring & Shock Absorber
ZJ
SUSPENSION
2 - 7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)