front tension strut

[thewagon]

Couple questions:
1) Is this picture with the cracked rubber bad? I think its the front right tension strut?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/asrstech/Dodge%20Magnum/frontsuspension40kmiles-22.jpg


at the end of this thing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/asrstech/Dodge%20Magnum/frontsuspension40kmiles-11.jpg


2) this right boot is leaking, front suspension. Urgent to fix and/or what symptons would this cause? (sorry, really out of focus)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/asrstech/Dodge%20Magnum/frontsuspension40kmiles-20.jpg

thank you

[Hemi31]

Time for a new one.See if you can get it rep;aced under the TSB before you buy one.But they are only about $60 per side.

[Cdn_Magnum]

The tension strut is likely warranty. But the ball joint looks like someone ripped it ... doesnt look like normal wear and tear.

[formerice]

Inspect the inner tie rods on the rack, they are prone to wear, I just replaced my whole rack for the third time, poor design not to be able to replace tie rods but have to replace a $500 rack each time. First 2 times warantee, last time on me. I do have 100,000 miles and Maine has the worst roads in the US. The oil -grease leak is normal, btw.

[thewagon]

TSB? I checked the TSB's and didn't see it. Did I miss it?
http://modsfaceoff.com/2005_dodge_magnum_TSB/2005_Dodge_Magnum_TSB_Index.pdf


Time for a new one.See if you can get it rep;aced under the TSB before you buy one.But they are only about $60 per side.

[Hemi31]

Might have only been an internal tech tip.If your still under warranty it might be covered anyway.

[bookeem]

anyone have te part numbers for the tension struts, 06 magnum SE, both drivers side and passenger side, and are they all the same on the mags?

thanks..my dealership is about to order them for me and replace them under warranty, i just want to make sure they order te right patrs , for a easy dealer visit..

[thewagon]

The dealership was great. (Victorville Motors in California) No problems or hassles in the no charge for the tension strut replacement and boot. Even had a free rental for the day. A Chrysler Sebring (let's just say I really missed the Magnum)

[bookeem]

hows it feel now withe new tensio strut, was it rattling, is the rattle gone now..

and if te part is on national backorder, can one dealership get hte parts from another if they have any in stock, rather than waiting for them to be re stocked or whatever from the back order..

thanks..

[thewagon]

No indication of any problems prior to me noticing the cracked rubber. Car ran fine, handled fine, no noises.
As for the dealer swaps...don't know.

[thewagon]

UPDATE: Dealer did the repairs, no problems, under warranty.

Thanks Victorville Motors

[GrantK]

How involved is doing the tension strut and/or end link replacement? I've been searching and haven't found a write up on this. Can anyone help? Thanks...

[fnkychkn]

How involved is doing the tension strut and/or end link replacement? I've been searching and haven't found a write up on this. Can anyone help? Thanks...here you go:

TENSION STRUT
REMOVAL

Raise and support vehicle. https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8165e18f.gif
Remove wheel mounting nuts (3), then tire and wheel assembly (1).
Remove belly pan.
https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8132675e.gif
Loosen nut (3) attaching tension strut (2) ball joint stud to knuckle. Back nut off until nut is even with end of stud. Keeping nut on at this location will help keep end of stud from distorting while using Puller in next step.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8132a72e.gif
CAUTION: In following step, use care not to damage ball joint seal boot while sliding Puller, Special Tool 9360, into place past seal boot.
Using Puller (1), Special Tool 9360, separate tension strut ball joint stud (2) from knuckle.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8132675e.gif
Remove nut (3) from end of tension strut (2) ball joint stud.
Rotate knuckle outward and push ball joint upward, out of knuckle.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813e7360.gif
CAUTION: If the tension strut bolt at the engine cradle has a lengthwise grooved shaft (2), it is a special wheel alignment adjustment bolt and the bolt head (1) must not be rotated in the vehicle or damage to the bolt and engine cradle will result. While holding the bolt in place with a wrench, remove the nut, then slide the bolt out of the bushing and cradle taking note of bolt positioning in engine cradle for reassembly purposes. The bolt needs to be installed in the same position as removed to make sure wheel camber and caster return to adjusted position.


https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a3d.gif
Remove nut and bolt (2) securing tension strut (1) to engine cradle (3).
Slide tension strut out of cradle bracket and remove from vehicle.
INSTALLATION


https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813e7360.gif

NOTE: If installing a tension strut engine cradle bolt that is a wheel alignment adjustment bolt (lengthwise grooved shaft (2)), make sure to install it in the same position which it was in upon removal. For more details on installation of this special bolt,
https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a3d.gif

Slide bushing end of tension strut (1) into cradle bracket (3).
Install mounting bolt (2) from front through cradle and bushing.
Install nut (2), but do not tighten at this time.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8132675e.gif
Insert tension strut (2) ball joint stud downward, into knuckle hole.
Completely install NEW nut (3) on ball joint stud attaching tension strut (2) to knuckle (1). Tighten nut by holding ball joint stud with a hex wrench while turning nut with a wrench. Tighten nut using crow foot wrench on torque wrench to 68 N·m + 90° turn (50 ft. lbs. + 90° turn) torque.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/8165e18f.gif
Install tire and wheel assembly (1). Tighten wheel mounting nuts (3) to 150 N·m (110 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle.
Position vehicle on an alignment rack/drive-on lift.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813e7360.gif
Perform wheel alignment. CAUTION: If the tension strut engine cradle bolt is a wheel alignment adjustment bolt (lengthwise grooved shaft (2)), be sure to only tighten the nut. Do not rotate the bolt head (1) or damage to the bushing will occur.


https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a3d.gif
Once alignment is found to be within specifications, using a crowfoot wrench, tighten tension strut cradle bolt nut (2) to 176 N·m (130 ft. lbs.) torque while holding the bolt stationary.
Install belly pan.

[fnkychkn]

STABILIZER BAR

REMOVAL - RWD

Raise and support vehicle.
Remove belly pan.https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a4a.gif

On each side of vehicle, remove screws (1) fastening stabilizer bar heat shield (3). Remove heat shield.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813845cf.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove bolts (2) fastening stabilizer bar isolator retainer (1) in place.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813845de.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove retainer halves (1)(2) from around stabilizer bar isolator (3).

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a74.gif
Utilizing slit, remove each isolator (1) from stabilizer bar (2).

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813819be.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove nut (5) fastening stabilizer link (3) to stabilizer bar (4). Slide link ball joint stem (1) from bar, then remove bar from vehicle.

[GrantK]

Thanks Fnky for the information, is it necessary to use the "special tool 9360" to pop the ball joint from the knuckle? I've seem several similiar ball joint tools out there that look similar to 9360, I'm wondering if there are any other options. Any other tricks or suprises in doing the tension struts that I should know about?

FYI- I just did my sway bar end links on an '05 SXT 3.5l, I had to hold the end of the end link (10mm socket) to get the nut off, my end links were toast and solved most of my front end clunking problem.

Thanks again!!

[fnkychkn]

you don't have to use special tool 9360 but you should use something similar to prevent damage.

tighten bushing end bolt whith weight of vehicle resting on suspension.

[GrantK]

Short of going through a dealer where can I pick up new tension struts? Are aftermarket parts available or do I have to go to my local dealer? Thanks in advance...

[sidetrack]

Short of going through a dealer where can I pick up new tension struts? Are aftermarket parts available or do I have to go to my local dealer? Thanks in advance...

I find my local dealers all charge too much and I can find parts much cheaper online.

This site sells them at a discount. The only added cost is the freight.

http://www.moparpartsamerica.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214583&chapter=&Sectionids=19,2512&groupid=20135&subgroupid=61852&componentid=0&make=7&model=300&year=2005&graphicID=CGP070&callout=3&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0

[Rob@WretchedMS]

Tension Rod = Radius Rod
http://wretchedms.com/product_info.php?cPath=204_64_65_75&products_id=100
http://wretchedms.com/images/EP6567.png (http://wretchedms.com/product_info.php?cPath=204_64_65_75&products_id=100)

[GrantK]

Thanks guys for the info!

[GrantK]

I also have the cracked rubber bushing on my tension struts, both sides are cracked badly, about half way around. I can grab the tension strut and rotate it slightly by hand, there's a lot of play there that I assume shouldn't be?!? It doesn't take much force to rotate this thing, hopefully the replacements have been redesigned so not to fall apart. Any thoughts fellow clunksters?!?!

[Rob@WretchedMS]

The OE parts are not redesigned,
http://wretchedms.com/images/LX-RR-300.png (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP73AJqmKKw)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP73AJqmKKw)

[nlancaster]

Is it possible to replace the tension strut at all without dismatling the front end like that?

[Rob@WretchedMS]

yes, it's very easy to get them out,

[BuckeyeRT]

STABILIZER BAR


REMOVAL - RWD
Raise and support vehicle.
Remove belly pan.
https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a4a.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove screws (1) fastening stabilizer bar heat shield (3). Remove heat shield.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813845cf.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove bolts (2) fastening stabilizer bar isolator retainer (1) in place.

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813845de.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove retainer halves (1)(2) from around stabilizer bar isolator (3).

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/81381a74.gif
Utilizing slit, remove each isolator (1) from stabilizer bar (2).

https://w05.dealerconnect.chrysler.com/service/mds2002/serviceInfo/en_US/813819be.gif
On each side of vehicle, remove nut (5) fastening stabilizer link (3) to stabilizer bar (4). Slide link ball joint stem (1) from bar, then remove bar from vehicle.

Can the car be on ramps to change the 2 sway bar bushings?

[Rob@WretchedMS]

yup

[nlancaster]

yes, it's very easy to get them out,

Any tips for removing them without takeing the knuckle off?

[Rob@WretchedMS]

use a big hammer, bang the side of the knuckle where the ball joint on the arm goes through, that will separate it, do not use a pickle fork, and if you own a pickle fork throw it away, it is evil.

[nlancaster]

use a big hammer, bang the side of the knuckle where the ball joint on the arm goes through, that will separate it, do not use a pickle fork, and if you own a pickle fork throw it away, it is evil.

So it that for removing the knuckle or removing the tension strut. What I am trying to ask is it possible to remove the tension strut without removing other parts from the car.

[Rob@WretchedMS]

that is for removing the tension arm

[carchitect]

So it that for removing the knuckle or removing the tension strut. What I am trying to ask is it possible to remove the tension strut without removing other parts from the car.

that's for removing the tension strut from the knuckle

[nlancaster]

awesome, that means I should be able to replace the tension strut in the driveway without going to the dealer. I will find out on sunday if the bushing is torn and then try to get it replaced before I drive to reno on thursday.

[BuckeyeRT]

Another question, I just got under my car (on the ramps) I pulled up and down on the sway at the end links and it does not budge. However, when I hit the tension strut with the heal of my hand, I get a clunk/clank. It is not on the side with the partially torn bushing but the other end. It only happens on the pass side...? I wonder if the nut is loose?
I am going to replace the sway bushing while I wait for an answer.

[carchitect]

Another question, I just got under my car (on the ramps) I pulled up and down on the sway at the end links and it does not budge. However, when I hit the tension strut with the heal of my hand, I get a clunk/clank. It is not on the side with the partially torn bushing but the other end. It only happens on the pass side...? I wonder if the nut is loose?
I am going to replace the sway bushing while I wait for an answer.

The tension struts do have ball joints that go bad, in addition to the bushing ripping. Sounds like that is what your problem is.

[BuckeyeRT]

The tension struts do have ball joints that go bad, in addition to the bushing ripping. Sounds like that is what your problem is.

sure is what it sounds like

[bigjim]

use a big hammer, bang the side of the knuckle where the ball joint on the arm goes through, that will separate it, do not use a pickle fork, and if you own a pickle fork throw it away, it is evil.


I have a pickle fork from the 70s. I crushed the knuckle on my left hand when I missed the fork... I use it to scrape out the grass clippings from my rider now, NEVER on cars.

[Rob@WretchedMS]

lol, good deal.


Are you going to be able to make it for our Pedders day on October 4th?

[GrantK]

Rob, can the tension struts be removed from the car and brought into a Peddars dealer for bushing replacement? Or do you need the complete arm replaced? I'm asking becasue there's a HUGE backorder on replacements, I ordered some from a place and they keep pushing the order out, I'm on a waiting list that has replacements going out faster that they come in.

That said, I realy don't want to replace them with OEM quality (or lack there of) if I can help it, any comments? The closest Peddars dealer to me is in Waukegan, IL. can you verify that for me please, PM me if needed, I appreciate it! Thanks :beerchug:

[Rob@WretchedMS]

Yes, you can bring them in to a Pedders Dealer and they should help you out. Any shop with a press can do the press work,

[GrantK]

Can you verify the closest dealer to the southeast IL/WI border please?

[bigjim]

lol, good deal.


Are you going to be able to make it for our Pedders day on October 4th?


I'll stop by for coffee Monday and talk about it. I gotta work on Union Street Monday, you are on my "shortcut" avoiding the pike.

[bigjim]

Rob, can the tension struts be removed from the car and brought into a Peddars dealer for bushing replacement? Or do you need the complete arm replaced? I'm asking becasue there's a HUGE backorder on replacements, I ordered some from a place and they keep pushing the order out, I'm on a waiting list that has replacements going out faster that they come in.

That said, I realy don't want to replace them with OEM quality (or lack there of) if I can help it, any comments? The closest Peddars dealer to me is in Waukegan, IL. can you verify that for me please, PM me if needed, I appreciate it! Thanks :beerchug:


If the ball end has noise when you hit it like described above, re-bushing it won't eliminate it. Mine are replacements, we have discussed this a few dozen times and the OE stuff on most 05s was crap, I needed mine done at 30,000 miles. These have been in for over 150,000. You really want to find all the "rattles" before doing bushings or it will make you crazy as you will end up tossing the new bushings with some of the replacements. Upper control arms and the tension struts are what I am talking about.

[Rob@WretchedMS]

http://wretchedms.com/p3/Pedders-USA-Dealers/pages.html

[BuckeyeRT]

http://wretchedms.com/p3/Pedders-USA-Dealers/pages.html
Too far to drive :(

[Rob@WretchedMS]

You can order them from any pedders dealer, (myself included) and have them pressed in at any local garage or machine shop.

[tony324]

how easy is it to screw up that whole section on the diagram for removing the tension strut, about the bolt at the engine cradle IF it has a lengwise grooved shaft?

[smagnumrt]

Just loosen off the nut off of the bolt and hold the bolt head with a wrench, instead of using the bolt head to loosen it.

[tony324]

Just loosen off the nut off of the bolt and hold the bolt head with a wrench, instead of using the bolt head to loosen it.

ok easy enough. and when putting it back in tighten the same way?? does the position of the bolt matter? they discription makes it sound very seriouse.

[carchitect]

how easy is it to screw up that whole section on the diagram for removing the tension strut, about the bolt at the engine cradle IF it has a lengwise grooved shaft?

these cars don't have a lengthwise grooved shaft iirc

[smagnumrt]

Just mark the bolt head with a marker on the bolt head and the frame and then line it back up the same way you took it out.

[Boggus]

Part numbers for the tension strut? Driver and Passenger

[GrantK]

these cars don't have a lengthwise grooved shaft iirc

I just did this on my '05 SXT and I did have the grooved bolt, if you do have the grooved bolt just mark it and put it back in the same exact spot.

[BuckeyeRT]

Can the tension struts be removed with the front wheels on ramps or does the car need to be held up by jack-stands on the frame?

[Rob@WretchedMS]

on jack stands

[Rockadile]

Part numbers for the tension strut? Driver and Passenger

I got mine at RockAuto. Just use their part finder.

[BuckeyeRT]

on jack stands
Then tighten the nut/s when on its wheels?

[progolfer82]

Just ordered my tension struts from rockauto. NO BACK ORDER!!! I should get my Thursday. Cant wait. Hope that gets rid of the clunk

[1fastsedan]

Just ordered my tension struts from rockauto. NO BACK ORDER!!! I should get my Thursday. Cant wait. Hope that gets rid of the clunk
Did you get the OEM part or the Mevo aftermarket one? I need to order some ASAP too.

[GrantK]

Just ordered my tension struts from rockauto. NO BACK ORDER!!! I should get my Thursday. Cant wait. Hope that gets rid of the clunk

Also check your sway bar bushings, after doing my tension struts much to my surprise I had a slight clunk:banghead:. Disconnect the sway bar and see if your clunk disappears, if so then go order some bushings. All said it's very nice to have a quiet front end again:pepper:... sorry if I didn't read every one of your posts to see if you've done your bushings.

[BuckeyeRT]

I can't get the ball part to unstick. I have been hammering on the knuckle (carefully) I have tried to jack up the car on the bolt and no luck. What else can I try? Also what size it the nut on the bushing side?
Why did I dive into this on a work day. I have to get this done. :(

[jg]

I picked up factory tension struts and sway bar bushings from Milosch's Palace CDJ on my way home from work the other night. They told me that they typically keep stock of these parts and tie rod ends. The guys at the parts counter were very friendly and helpful.

I started with the inexpensive sway bar bushings, and it solved most of the annoying rattle/clunk I had - but not entirely. I then replaced the tension struts the next night, and today I love my Magnum again! Feels like the day I bought it.





Just ordered my tension struts from rockauto. NO BACK ORDER!!! I should get my Thursday. Cant wait. Hope that gets rid of the clunk

[BuckeyeRT]

I can't get the ball part to unstick. I have been hammering on the knuckle (carefully) I have tried to jack up the car on the bolt and no luck. What else can I try? Also what size it the nut on the bushing side?
Why did I dive into this on a work day. I have to get this done. :(

I am good to go! New TS on passenger side and now 90% of my clunk is gone.
Should I replace the drivers side?

[progolfer82]

Did you get the OEM part or the Mevo aftermarket one? I need to order some ASAP too.

Got the Mevotech I think its called. I should have them tomorrow afternoon. I also replaced my sway bar bushings today and were bad. loose, dry, and had a lot of room to move. my sway bar now has been worn down on the metal part where the bushing goes and may need to be replaced. clunk is still there but feels better and I'm sure will be a lot better when tension strut is installed. I'll take some pics of install and problem

[progolfer82]

I picked up factory tension struts and sway bar bushings from Milosch's Palace CDJ on my way home from work the other night. They told me that they typically keep stock of these parts and tie rod ends. The guys at the parts counter were very friendly and helpful.

I started with the inexpensive sway bar bushings, and it solved most of the annoying rattle/clunk I had - but not entirely. I then replaced the tension struts the next night, and today I love my Magnum again! Feels like the day I bought it.

Great news!!! Hope that I have that feeling again soon :) congrats getting fixed and back to normal.

[zonian]

pic of the new tension struts with Pedders bushings installed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/zonian/Magnum/2009_1030030a.jpg