Lateral Stabilizer Rod: Service and Repair

NOTES:
- If any lateral link on the vehicle is replaced, the vehicle must have an a full four wheel alignment done.

- The rear suspension lateral links are only serviced as complete assemblies. The isolator bushings used in the lateral links are not serviced as separate components.

CAUTION: Never attempt to straighten or repair a lateral link. Do not apply heat to the lateral link adjusting screws or to the jam nuts, when loosening or adjusting the lateral links.

REMOVE
1. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a flame contact type hoist.





2. Remove the center cap from the wheel. Center cap is removed by inserting a trim stick into the notch on the center cap and prying it off the wheel.
3. Remove the wheel and tire from the side of the vehicle requiring lateral link removal.





4. Remove the nut, washer and bolt, attaching the lateral link requiring replacement to the knuckle.





5. Remove the nut, washer and bolt attaching the lateral link requiring replacement to the frame.
6. Remove the lateral link from the vehicle.

NOTE: The lateral links must be installed on the vehicle in the correct position. When installing the lateral links on the vehicle the hex on the lateral link adjusting screw should be positioned toward the frame of the vehicle not the knuckle. This is necessary for alignment adjustments on the rear suspension.

INSTALL
1. Install the lateral link, attaching bolt, washer and nut at the frame. Do not tightened the bolt at this time. The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the suspension before this bolt is tightened. Tightening this bolt with the suspension at full rebound will affect the curb height of the vehicle and will lead to premature failure of the lateral link bushings
2. Install the lateral link, attaching bolt, washer and nut on the rear knuckle. Do not tightened the bolt at this time. The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the suspension before this bolt is tightened. Tightening this bolt with the suspension at full rebound will affect the curb height of the vehicle and will lead to premature failure of the lateral link bushings
3. Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in piper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the center cap on the wheel
5. Lower vehicle to the ground.
6. Position the vehicle correctly On an alignment rack.
7. Tighten both lateral link attaching bolts to a torque of 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.).
8. Check and reset rear wheel Camber and Toe to specifications. Refer to Alignment for the required alignment setting procedure.