Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 916

2007 SUSPENSION

Suspension - Nitro

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

FRONT END NOISE

1. Loose or worn wheel bearings.

1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING

1. Loose or worn wheel bearings.

1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Loose or worn steering gear.

3. Adjust or replace steering gear.

FRONT WHEELS
SHIMMY

1. Loose or worn wheel bearings.

1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Tires worn or out of balance.

3. Replace or balance tires.

4. Alignment.

4. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings.

1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Tire pressure.

3. Adjust tire pressure.

4. Alignment.

4. Align vehicle to specifications.

EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT

1. Loose or worn steering gear.

1. Adjust or replace steering gear.

2. Power steering fluid low.

2. Add fluid and repair leak.

3. Column coupler binding.

3. Replace coupler.

4. Tire pressure.

4. Adjust tire pressure.

5. Alignment.

5. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE PULLS TO
ONE SIDE DURING
BRAKING

1. Uneven tire pressure.

1. Adjust tire pressure.

2. Worn brake components.

2. Repair brakes as necessary.

3. Air in brake line.

3. Repair as necessary.

VEHICLE LEADS OR
DRIFTS FROM
STRAIGHT AHEAD
DIRECTION ON
UNCROWNED ROAD

1. Radial tire lead.

1. Cross front tires.

2. Brakes dragging.

2. Repair brake as necessary.

3. Weak or broken spring.

3. Replace spring.

4. Uneven tire pressure.

4. Adjust tire pressure.

5. Wheel Alignment.

5. Align vehicle.

6. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

6. Repair as necessary.

7. Cross caster out of spec.

7. Align vehicle.

KNOCKING, RATTLING 1. Worn shock bushings.

1. Replace shock.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

DESCRIPTION

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

OR SQUEAKING

2. Loose, worn or bent
steering/suspension components.

2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.

3. Shock valve.

3. Replace shock.

IMPROPER TRACKING Loose, worn or bent

steering/suspension components.

Inspect, tighten or replace components as
necessary.

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NOTE:

Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings should be tightened
with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs
are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and
premature bushing wear may occur.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

Fig. 1: Wheel Alignment Measurements - Caster, Camber, Toe & Thrust Angle
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning is
accomplished through suspension and steering linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered essential for
efficient steering, good directional stability and to minimize tire wear. The most important measurements of an
alignment are caster, camber and toe.

OPERATION

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns. See Fig. 1

CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the top of
the wheel inward provides negative camber. Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the inside or outside edge of the tire. See Fig. 1

TOE is the difference between the leading inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires. Wheel
toe position out of specification cause's unstable steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off- center.
The wheel toe position is the final front wheel alignment adjustment. See Fig. 1

THRUST ANGLE is the angle of the rear axle relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect thrust
angle can cause off-center steering and excessive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust angle. See Fig. 1

STANDARD PROCEDURE

HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

CURB HEIGHT

1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN

CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or steering components by heating or

bending.

NOTE:

Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/steering system components may
be required. Rubber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE for the recommended maintenance schedule.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

The vehicle suspension height should be measured before performing wheel alignment procedure. Also when
front suspension components have been replaced. This measure must be performed with the vehicle supporting
it's own weight and taken on both sides of the vehicle.

Front and rear curb heights are not adjustable. The spring selections at assembly determine curb height for
acceptable appearance of the vehicle. Curb height dimensions assume full fluids (including fuel) and zero
passengers. Refer to the table below for front curb height dimensions.

Vehicle curb height audits should be performed utilizing the following procedure:

1. Drive the vehicle straight and forward on a non-tacky surface for a minimum of 20 feet to neutralize track

width.

2. Bounce the front of the vehicle five times.

3. Measure and record the dimensions

Fig. 2: Front Curb Height
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

4. Front - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the center of the front lower control arm

bushing bolt (1) to the ground (3) Record the measurement . Next measure the distance from the spindle
center (2) to the ground (3) Record the measurement.

5. Take the two measurements and subtract them to get the curb height specification.

NOTE:

The suspension is non-adjustable.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro