OEM 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Shock Absorber

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Shock Absorber Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Shock Absorber on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: The first step to servicing or fixing the suspension strut is to raise the vehicle and take away the tire and wheel. For removal of both strut assemblies, you should note which is right and which is left. Slide out the screw securing the ground strap to the back of the strut, then, if you have Antilock Brakes (ABS), remove the screw fastening the ABS wheel speed sensor too. Because the strut assembly-to-steering knuckle bolts are serrated, you should not turn them while unscrewing their nuts; just hold the bolts in place while removing the nuts and tap them out using a pin punch. Unbolt the strut from the steering knuckle, raise the car only enough to open the hood, then remove the three nuts holding the top mount of the strut assembly to the strut tower before taking the strut assembly out. Be sure to use either a strut spring compressor, PSE tool W-7200 or something similar to safely compress the coil spring during the disassembly. Place a mark on the coil spring and strut assembly if you are servicing them both together. Put the strut assembly on top of the compressor, attach the hooks and then clamp the lower spring end. Never take out the strut shaft nut until you've first compressed and relaxed the coil spring. Gradually compress the coil spring until tension is gone at the upper mount, then use Special Tool 6864 to remove the strut shaft retaining nut as you hold the shaft. Remove the top bracket, spring seating, bearing piece and isolator and end by taking off the dust shield and jounce bumper. Take off the clamp from around the coil spring and take the lower spring isolator out of the lower spring seat. After making sure you have backed off the compressor drive, remove the coil spring for repairs. Go over the strut assembly items to make sure there aren't any signs of damage and change those that need it. For assembly, slide the coil spring into the compressor, press it down and insert the lower spring isolator on the lower spring seat. Insert the strut into the coil spring, confirm that the clevis bracket is properly aligned and place the clamp to hold it. Add the jounce bumper and dust shield onto the strut shaft, then return the upper spring isolator, upper spring seat and bearing. First, slide the top mount over the strut and then loosen the retaining nut. Tighten the strut shaft retaining nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.) with the Strut Nut Socket, let go of the tension on the spring and lift out the strut from the compressor. Attach the strut assembly to the strut tower, line up the three studs with the holes and fasten the nuts to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.). Once the hood is closed, insert the strut assembly-to-steering knuckle bolts, stop them with your fingers and apply 53 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) torque on top of an additional 90°-turn. If ABS is installed, fit the ABS wheel speed sensor and fasten it to 13 Nm (120 inch lbs.) and repeat this for the ground strap as well. At the end, put on your new wheel and tighten the mounting nuts with half the required force and then tighten them to the correct 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.) Once it's fixed, lower your vehicle.