Jeep Cherokee 2000 Service Manual - page 29
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The spring steel bar extends across the underside
of the chassis frame rails. Links are connected from
the bar to the axle brackets. The stabilizer bar and
links are isolated by rubber bushings.
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to control vehicle body
roll during turns. The bar helps to control the vehicle
body in relationship to the suspension.
TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar is attached to a frame rail bracket with a
ball stud and an axle bracket with a bushing. The
bar is forged and has non replaceable isolator bush-
ing and ball stud.
OPERATION
The track bar is used to control front axle lateral
movement and provides cross car location of the axle
assembly.
HUB/BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The bearing used on the front hub of this vehicle is
the combined hub and bearing unit type assembly.
This unit assembly combines the front wheel mount-
ing hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
one piece unit. The wheel mounting studs are the
only
replaceable
component
of
the
hub/bearing
assembly.
OPERATION
The hub/bearing assembly is mounted to the steer-
ing knuckle and is retained by three mounting bolts
accessible from the back of the steering knuckle. The
hub/bearing unit is not serviceable and must be
replaced as an assembly if the bearing or the hub is
determined to be defective.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
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.
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.
(3) Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
shock stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
shock tower hole.
(2) Install the lower bolts and nuts. Tighten nuts
to 23 N·m (17 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the upper grommet and retainer on the
stud. Install the nut and tighten to 22 N·m (16 ft.
lbs.).
COIL SPRING/JOUNCE BUMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Mark and disconnect the front propeller shaft
from the axle.
(4) Remove lower suspension arms mounting nuts
and bolts from the axle (Fig. 2).
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar link and shock
absorber from the axle.
(6) Remove the track bar from the body rail
bracket.
(7) Remove the drag link from the pitman arm.
XJ
SUSPENSION
2 - 9
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)