Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 923

Fig. 30: Upper Ball Joint Separation
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

11. Remove the upper ball joint nut.

12. Separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle using tool 9360 (2).

13. Remove the knuckle (3) from the vehicle.

14. Remove the hub/bearing (if needed). See REMOVAL.

INSTALLATION

KNUCKLE

1. Install the hub/bearing (if removed from the knuckle). See INSTALLATION.

2. Install the knuckle to the vehicle.

3. Install the upper ball joint nut. Tighten the nut to 41 N.m (30 ft.lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn.

4. Install the lower ball joint nut. Tighten the nut to 54 N.m (40 ft.lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn.

NOTE:

Inspect the seal side surface of the upper ball joint, lower ball joint & outer
tie rod knuckle bosses. If any significant grooves or gouges are present
(or heavily scratched) Replace the steering knuckle.

CAUTION: The ball joint stud taper must be CLEAN and DRY before installing into the

knuckle. Clean the stud taper with mineral spirits to remove dirt and
grease.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

Fig. 31: Identifying Outer Tie Rod End & Nut
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

5. Install the outer tie rod end (1) to the steering knuckle and install the nut (2). Tighten the nut (2) to 41

N.m (30 ft.lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn. Refer to INSTALLATION .

6. Install the axle shaft nut. Tighten the nut to 136 N.m (100 ft.lbs.) (if equipped with four wheel drive).

7. Install the wheel speed sensor. Refer to INSTALLATION .

8. Install the disc brake rotor. Refer to INSTALLATION .

9. Install the caliper adapter. Refer to INSTALLATION .

10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

11. Perform a wheel alignment. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.

LOWER BALL JOINT

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

LOWER BALL JOINT

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as

possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.

2. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of the lower control arm and then zero the dial indicator.

3. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle.

4. Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry upwards on the tire assembly.

5. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the lower ball joint. See REMOVAL.

NOTE:

The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface
of the steering knuckle.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

REMOVAL

LOWER BALL JOINT

Fig. 32: Identifying Tie Rod, Steering Knuckle & Special Tool 9360
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

2. Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to REMOVAL .

3. Separate the tie rod (1) from the steering knuckle (3) using special tool 9360 (2). Refer to REMOVAL .

Fig. 33: Upper Ball Joint Separation
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

4. Separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle (3) using special tool 9360 (2).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro

Fig. 34: LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

5. Separate the lower ball joint (2) from the steering knuckle (1) using special tool 8677 (3).

6. Remove the steering knuckle. See REMOVAL.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 SUSPENSION Suspension - Nitro