Steering Knuckle - Steering Wander

91chrysler04

NO.: 19-03-91

GROUP: SUSPENSION

DATE: May 20, 1991


SUBJECT: Steering Wander


MODELS:

1991 (AS) CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN/CARAVAN C/V
VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER/TOWN & COUNTRY


SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

Some vehicles may have the tendency to "wander" when operating over wavy road surfaces.


DIAGNOSIS:

Prior to attempting front end alignment or replacing other components unnecessarily, verify that the vehicle is equipped with proper, matched front steering knuckle assemblies.

Place vehicle on a level surface or alignment rack. Proper knuckle assembly pairing should be insured by measuring the vertical distance from the outer tie rod ends to the wheel centerline or ground. An incorrect knuckle pair will display a left-right difference of approximately 55 mm (2.15") in this measurement.

Figure 1:

To identify the correct knuckles:

^ The correct knuckle for FWD vehicles have the steering arm attachment below the knuckle centerline, see Figure 1 (the left knuckle on these has a wheel stop tab).

NOTE: ON FWD VEHICLES THE CORRECT KNUCKLE WILL BE THE SIDE WITH THE SHORTEST MEASUREMENT TO THE GROUND.

Figure 2:

^ The correct knuckle for AWD vehicles have the steering arm attachment at knuckle centerline, see Figure 2.

NOTE: ON AWD VEHICLES THE CORRECT KNUCKLE WILL BE THE SIDE WITH THE LONGEST MEASUREMENT TO THE GROUND.


REPAIR PROCEDURE:

The repair involves replacement of steering knuckle.

NOTE: IF KNUCKLE REPIACEMENT IS REQUIRED, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE OUTER JOINT SEAL.

1. If it is determined that the vehicle has an incorrect knuckle, replace the incorrect knuckle, and align vehicle. Refer to the 1991 Front Wheel Drive/All Wheel Drive Service Manual, # 81-370-1105, for repair procedures.


NOTE: THE LEFT KNUCKLE ON FWD VEHICLES CAN BE EASILY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE AWD'S KNUCKLE BY THE EXISTENCE OF A CAST WHEEL STOP TAB ON THE FRONT LOWER SURFACE OF THE KNUCKLE.


POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.


TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No. 02-05-30-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.4 Hrs.
(includes front end alignment)

FAILURE CODE: OX - Wrong Part