Lateral Stabilizer Rod: Service and Repair
Lateral Arm and Watts Link Pivot AssemblyRemoval and Installation
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. New fasteners must be installed with the same part number or an equivalent part if installation is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts. Orientation of the fasteners is also important on all rear suspension arms. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed.
1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be turned off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
If equipped, turn the air suspension service switch to the OFF position.
2. For reference during the installation procedure, measure the distance from the lip of the fender to the center of the wheel hub with the vehicle in a static level ground position.
3. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
4. Disconnect the height sensor from the mounting bracket.
5. Remove the LH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt.
^ Discard the nut and bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
6. Detach the parking brake cable from the retainer bracket.
7. Remove and discard the lateral arm-to-Watts link nuts and bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
8. NOTE: The Watts link pivot stud is coated with a dry adhesive. A new pivot stud must be installed whenever the pivot nut or stud is loosened or removed. Use a new Watts link pivot nut and stud service kit.
NOTE: If the Watts link pivot stud on the axle assembly loosens while removing the pivot nut, continue to loosen the pivot stud until you can insert an open end wrench to hold the pivot stud. While holding the pivot stud, remove the pivot nut.
Remove and discard the nut.
^ To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
9. Move the Watts link upwards and detach the lateral arms.
^ Remove the Watts link and LH lateral arm.
10. CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the RH lateral arm-to-frame bolt or damage to the air spring can occur.
Remove the RH lateral arm-to-frame nut and bolt and remove the arm.
^ Discard the nut and bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
11. Remove and discard the Watts link pivot stud.
^ To install, tighten to 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).
12. CAUTION: If the height sensor bracket is detached from the LH lateral arm, the rear ride height must be adjusted.
If necessary, remove the nuts and the height sensor bracket.
^ To install, tighten the inner nut to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).
^ To install, tighten the outer nut to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
13. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System.
NOTE: Before tightening the fasteners, use a suitable jack or jack stands to raise the suspension until the distance between the lip of the fender and the center of the wheel hub is equal to the measurement taken in the removal procedure.
To install, reverse the removal procedure. If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.
