Workshop Manual

3C–2
FRONT SUSPENSION
General Description
The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to
compensate for changes in the road surface level without
greatly affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is
independently connected to the frame by a steering
knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower
control arms. The front wheels are held in proper
relationship to each other by two tie-rods which are
connected to steering arms on the knuckles, and to a
steering unit.
All models have a front suspension system consisting of
control arms, stabilizer bar, shock absorber and a torsion
bar. The front end of the torsion bar is attached to the
lower control arm. The rear of the torsion bar is mounted
into a height control arm at the crossmember. Vehicle trim
height is controlled by adjusting this arm.
Shock absorbers are mounted between the brackets on
the frame and the lower control arms. The lower portion of
each shock absorber is attached to the lower control arm.
The upper portion of each shock absorber extends
through a frame bracket and is secured with two rubber
bushings, two retainers and a nut.
Ball joint assemblies are bolted to the outer end of the
upper and lower control arm and are attached to the
steering knuckle.
The inner ends of the upper control arm have pressed in
bushings. Bolts, passing through the bushing, attach the
control arm to the frame. The inner ends of the lower
control arm are attached to the frame by bolts passing
through the bushings.
Side roll of the front suspension is controlled by a spring
steel stabilizer bar. It is mounted in rubber bushings,
which are held to the frame by brackets. The ends of the
stabilizer bar are connected to the lower control arms by
links.
Diagnosis
Condition Possible cause Correction
Vehicle Pulls
Mismatched or uneven tires. Replace tire.
Tires not adequately inflated. Adjust tire pressure.
Broken or sagging springs. Replace spring.
Radial tire lateral force. Replace tire.
Improper wheel alignment. Adjust wheel alignment.
Brake dragging in one wheel. Repair brake.
Loose, bent or broken front or rear
suspension parts.
Tighten or replace the appropriate
suspension part(s).
Faulty shock absorbers. Replace shock absorber.
Parts in power steering valve
defective.
Replace power steering unit.
Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear
Sagging or broken spring. Replace spring.
Tire out of balance. Balance or replace tire.
Improper wheel alignment. Check front end alignment.
Faulty shock absorber. Replace shock absorber.
Hard driving. Replace tire.
Overloaded vehicle. Replace tire and reduce load.
Tires not rotated periodically. Replace or rotate tire.
Worn or loose road wheel bearings. Replace wheel bearing.
Wobbly wheel or tires. Replace wheel or tire.
Tires not adequately inflated. Adjust the pressure.
Wheel Hop
Blister or bump on tire. Replace tire.
Improper shock absorber operation. Replace shock absorber.