Alignment and Suspension - Specifications and Adjustment
NO: 02-04-97GROUP: Suspension
DATE: May 16, 1997
SUBJECT:
Front End Alignment Torque Specifications & Shock Adjustment Procedures On Competition Package
MODELS:
1995 - 1997 (PL) Neon
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT WITH THE COMPETITION PACKAGE SALES CODE (ACR) SUSPENSION SALES CODE (SDK).
DISCUSSION:
The alignment on ACR equipped vehicles must be set to the preferred specifications provided in the 1997 Neon Service Manual (Publication Number 81-270-7025) page 2-7. After each final setting the nuts should then be torqued to 75 ft.lbs plus an additional 90 degree turn. It is important that the proper torque be used to maintain the proper alignment. If the alignment is outside of specifications, rapid and excessive tire wear will result.
Starting in 1997, Neon competition package (ACR) vehicles come equipped with adjustable strut dampers on all four wheels. The struts are finely tuned to the ride and handling profile of the entire suspension system. If the customer wishes to change the dampening force for special conditions the dampening characteristics of the strut dampers are adjustable on the ACR equipped vehicles. The knob for adjusting the strut can be found in a packet located in the glove compartment. The adjustment procedures are as follows:
1. The top end of the adjusting rod has flats over which the adjusting knob will fit.
2. Install the knob over the top end of the front or rear damper and lock it into position by turning counterclockwise slowly until the knob engages, (Illustration).
3. Turn the adjusting knob clockwise, if resistance is felt do not use force, as the damper is in an unadjusted position. Reverse the adjustment slightly and try again. When the damper is in the full clockwise position, this is the minimum (City Ride) position.
4. To adjust the dampening force, the adjusting knobs has to be turned in the direction of the arrow for increased dampening and the opposite direction for decreased dampening.
NOTE:
BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT STRUT DAMPERS MUST BE ADJUSTED IDENTICALLY. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD PRODUCE UNSTABLE HANDLING AND UNEVEN TIRE TREAD WEAR.
5. The following is a description of the various settings and the adjustment procedure.
A. City Ride - To enjoy the most comfortable city ride, the struts should be left in the "minimum" position as they are set from the assembly plant. To set to minimum the knob should be turned completely clockwise.
B. Cross Country - The cross country setting will give the car a firmer handling characteristic, but yet will still be very comfortable to drive. To set, turn the adjusting knob 1/2 turn counter clockwise from the "minimum" position.
C. G.T./Aggressive Driving - This setting equates the car's handling to a cross-country grand turismo car, offering increased cornering ability, improved road feel and precise directional stability at higher speeds. To set turn the adjusting knob 1 turn counter clockwise from the "minimum" position.
6. Remove the adjusting knob before closing the hood or trunk. The vehicle should not be driven with the adjusting knob in place.
NOTE:
DURING INSPECTION/SERVICING A THIN FILM OF OIL AND DUST COLLECTION MAY BE NOTICED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE STRUT TUBE. THIS IS A NORMAL CONDITION WHICH OCCURS DURING THE DAMPER INTERNAL SEAL "BREAK-IN" PERIOD AND DOES NOT AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE STRUT AND DOES NOT INDICATE THE NEED FOR STRUT REPLACEMENT. STRUT REPLACEMENT SHOULD ONLY OCCUR IF THE STRUT LEAKAGE IS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE ENTIRE STRUT DAMPER TUBE AND HAS "DRIPPED" ONTO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OR ONTO THE PAVEMENT DURING OVERNIGHT PARKING.
POLICY: Information Only