Jeep Cherokee 2000 Service Manual - page 37
OPERATION
The leaf springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height. The shackles allow the springs to
change their length as the vehicle moves over various
road conditions. The bushings are used to isolate
axle/road noise.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SPRING AND SHOCK
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 spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
CONDITION
POSSIBLE CAUSES
CORRECTION
SPRING SAGS
1. Broken leaf.
1. Replace spring.
2. Spring fatigue.
2. Replace spring.
SPRING NOISE
1. Loose spring clamp bolts.
1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings.
2. Replace bushings.
3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts.
3. Replace spring tip inserts.
SHOCK NOISE
1. Loose mounting fastener.
1. Tighten to specification.
2. Worn bushings.
2. Replace shock.
3. Leaking shock.
3. Replace shock.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the shock absorber upper bolts from
the body bracket (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove lower attaching nut and washer from
the bracket stud. Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the shock absorber lower eye on the
spring bracket stud. Install the shock absorber and
upper bolts on the body bracket.
(2) Tighten the lower nut to 62 N·m (46 ft. lbs.).
(3) Tighten the upper bolts to 23 N·m (17 ft. lbs.).
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from spring
brackets (Fig. 2).
(3) Disconnect the stabilizer bar brackets from the
body rails. Remove the stabilizer bar and links.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the stabilizer bar links at the spring
brackets. Install the attaching bolts and nuts and
tighten to 74 N·m (55 ft. lbs.).
(2) Attach the stabilizer bar to the body rail brack-
ets with the bolts. Tighten to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
XJ
SUSPENSION
2 - 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)