Installation - Stabilizer Bar (Front)

Install stabilizer bar by reversing the manner in which it was removed (Figure). Rotate the bar the opposite direction used when removed and move it into mounting position.
CAUTION: Be careful not to pull knuckle outward, thus stretching halfshaft and possibly separating inner C/V joint. See AXLE SHAFTS (2002) or AXLE SHAFTS (2003). Keep knuckle in upright position.
Lower the jack supporting the engine, guiding the motor mount studs into place in the cradle assembly (Figure).
Install the 4 engine motor mount to cradle assembly attaching nuts (Figure). Tighten the 4 nuts to a torque of 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs).
Install the structural collar to the engine oil pan and the transaxle. The structural collar should be installed using the following sequence:
- Position collar onto engine oil pan and transaxle (Figure).
- Install the 2 center collar bolts to oil pan bolts. Tighten bolts initially to 3 N.m (30 in. lbs).
- Install collar to transmission bolts and tighten to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs).
- Install the remaining collar to engine oil pan bolts, starting with the center bolts and working outwards, tighten collar to oil pan bolts to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs).
Install stabilizer bar isolator bushings onto stabilizer bar with slits facing forward and flat side facing downward. The stabilizer bar to cradle assembly bushings must be positioned on the stabilizer bar so the slit in the bushing is positioned toward front of vehicle (Fig 1).
Install the isolator bushing retainers onto the stabilizer bar isolator bushings (Figure).
CAUTION: When stabilizer bar is installed, position stabilizer bar so lower part of stabilizer bar is centered in the middle of the cradle assembly. Failure to do this may cause stabilizer bar to come in contact with other suspension components.
Align the stabilizer bar bushing retainers with the mounting holes in the cradle assembly. Install and tighten the 4 stabilizer bar bushing retainer to cradle assembly attaching bolts to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.). (Figure).

Fig 1: Installing Stabilizer Bar Isolator Bushing
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Install left side stabilizer bar attaching link to left end of stabilizer bar (Figure). Install attaching nut and tighten to 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.).
Install right front strut assembly into shock tower. Install the 4 strut assembly upper mount to shock tower attaching nuts (Figure). Tighten the 4 strut mount to strut tower attaching nuts to a torque of 45 N.m (33 ft. lbs.) torque.
Position steering knuckle into strut assembly.
CAUTION: The strut assembly to steering knuckle bolts are serrated were they go through strut assembly and steering knuckle. When installing bolts, turn nuts onto bolts Do not TURN BOLTS IN STEERING KNUCKLE. If bolts are turned damage to steering knuckle will result.
Install the strut assembly to steering knuckle attaching bolts (Figure). Install nuts on attaching bolts. Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle attaching bolt nuts to a torque of 203 N.m (150 ft. lbs.).
If the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Install the front speed sensor cable routing bracket onto the front strut assembly (Figure).
Install outer tie rod on strut assembly. Install tie rod attaching nut (Figure). Tighten the tie rod attaching nut to a torque of 37 N.m (27 ft. lbs.).
Install stabilizer bar link on strut (Figure). Tighten the stabilizer link attaching nut to a torque of 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.).
Install the right front wheel and tire assembly.
Tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.).
Lower vehicle to the ground.