Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
2009 Dodge Caliber Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering and rear suspension of the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your Caliber, down to the side and position.
2009 Dodge Caliber FWD and AWD Suspension Diagram (Full Vehicle)
2009 Dodge Caliber FWD and AWD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2009 Dodge Caliber FWD and AWD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The Caliber uses MacPherson struts at the front, with the coil spring on the strut and an L shaped lower control arm under each corner. The steering rack sits behind the front axle and the front sway bar runs behind the engine with long links up to the struts. The rear is a multi-link design on a crossmember: a cast trailing link carries each hub and reaches forward to the body, an upper arm and a long lower arm bolt to its top and bottom, a short toe link sits ahead of the axle, and a coil over strut stands on the lower arm. The diagram shows the front wheel drive model with four wheel disc brakes.
We carry replacement parts for 35 of the 43 components on this diagram, 132 parts in all. See every part for the 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Packages and kits
Strut Sets
Front and rear struts for the whole vehicle in one order.
Complete Front Strut Assemblies
A strut with its spring, mount and boot already assembled, so no spring compressor is needed.
Complete Rear Strut Assemblies
A rear strut with its spring and mount already assembled.
Front Suspension
1 Front Strut (driver and passenger side)
The strut is the shock absorber and the upper locating part of the front corner in one. A clevis at its bottom bolts to the top of the knuckle with two bolts, the coil spring sits on it, and its top bolts into the strut tower.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive under braking, fluid on the tube, or a knock from the top of the strut over rough roads.
Tip: Struts and complete assemblies are made for the Caliber (2007 to 2012); Patriot and Compass struts do not fit. The SRT4 has its own front suspension. Complete assemblies come with the spring and mount fitted.
We don't carry a front strut for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
2 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The front coil spring sits on a seat on the strut tube and pushes up against the top mount. It carries the weight of the front of the vehicle.
Signs of wear: A front corner sitting lower than the other, a broken coil end, or a clunk when turning the wheel at a stop.
Tip: Springs differ by trim (SE, SXT and Express against the R/T and the other trims, and the SRT4). Replace them in pairs.
3 Front Strut Mount (driver and passenger side)
The strut mount is the rubber and bearing block at the top of the strut. Three studs hold it to the strut tower, and its bearing lets the strut turn with the steering.
Signs of wear: Clunks or creaks from the top of the strut when steering at low speed, or a steering wheel that does not return to center.
Tip: The mount is often replaced along with the strut, since the strut has to come out either way.
4 Front Strut Bellows and Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bellows covers the strut rod to keep grit off its seal, and the bump stop inside it cushions the strut at full compression. The spring hides it in the assembled view; the exploded view shows it.
Signs of wear: A torn or missing boot, a rusty or scored strut rod, or a hard bang over big bumps.
Tip: Fit a new boot and bump stop whenever the strut is replaced.
See all Front Shock Bellows Boot Kit parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
5 Front Camber Bolt (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
A cam bolt that replaces the upper of the two bolts holding the strut clevis to the knuckle. Turning it tips the top of the knuckle in or out to set the front camber.
Not on every vehicle: An aftermarket part. The factory strut bolts are plain; a cam bolt goes in only when the camber needs correcting.
Signs of wear: Front tires wearing on one edge after a curb strike or a lift, with no camber adjustment left.
Tip: The factory bolt is plain. Cam bolts come in 14 mm sizes for this vehicle; an alignment is needed after fitting one.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
6 Front Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
An L shaped stamped steel arm. The ball joint is pressed into its outer corner, a short front leg pivots on a bushing at the side of the cradle, and a long rear leg ends in a large upright bushing near the back of the cradle.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, steering that wanders under braking, cracked or torn bushings, or play in the ball joint.
Tip: Left and right arms are different parts. Most replacement arms come with the ball joint and bushings already fitted.
7 Front Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Each lower arm has two bushings: a small one in the front leg on a bolt that runs front to back, and a large upright one at the end of the rear leg.
Signs of wear: Clunks when braking or pulling away, a vague steering feel, or a creak from the rear bushing in cold weather (Chrysler bulletin 02-002-14 covers 2011 to 2014 models).
Tip: Front and rear bushings are different parts.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
8 Front Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint is pressed into the outer end of the lower arm. Its stud points up into the bottom of the knuckle, where a pinch bolt clamps it.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a loose feel in the front end, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: The joint presses in, so it needs a press tool, or it can be bought already fitted in a new arm.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
9 Front Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle carries the hub bearing and the brake caliper. The strut clevis bolts to its top, the ball joint sits in its bottom, and its rear arm takes the outer tie rod end.
Signs of wear: Knuckles rarely wear out. A bent knuckle after a curb strike shows as a pull or a crooked steering wheel that an alignment will not fix.
Tip: Complete knuckle assemblies come with the bearing, hub and backing plate already fitted.
See all Front Lowering Spindles parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
10 Front Sway Bar
The front sway bar runs across the back of the cradle behind the engine. Long links join its ends to tabs on the struts, so it twists when one side moves more than the other and keeps the vehicle flatter in turns.
Signs of wear: Body roll in turns that feels worse than it used to, usually from worn links or bushings rather than the bar.
Tip: The stock front bar is 24 mm. Check the diameter before ordering bushings.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
11 Front Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber bushings in steel clamps hold the front bar to the cradle.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or knocks from the front over speed bumps, or a bar that moves in its clamps.
Tip: Bushings fit one bar diameter only.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
12 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A long link, about 265 mm between centers, with a ball stud at each end. The top bolts to a tab on the strut tube and the bottom to the end of the sway bar.
Signs of wear: A rattle or knock from the front over small bumps, or a link that moves by hand.
Tip: The same link fits both sides. Replace them in pairs.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
Steering
13 Steering Rack and Boots
The power steering rack sits behind the front axle on the cradle. Rubber boots at each end keep dirt off the inner tie rod joints.
Signs of wear: A torn boot, a clunk felt in the steering wheel, fluid on the boots, or a knock over bumps from the rack mounts.
Tip: Replace a torn boot quickly, before grit reaches the inner tie rod.
We don't carry a steering rack and boots for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
14 Inner Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The inner tie rod screws onto the end of the rack inside the boot. Its ball joint lets the rod swing as the suspension moves.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, a clunk when turning, or uneven tire wear.
Tip: The same inner rod fits both sides. An alignment is needed after replacing a tie rod.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
15 Outer Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The outer tie rod end threads onto the inner rod. Its stud goes up into the steering arm at the rear of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, a knock over bumps, a torn boot, or tires wearing on the edges.
Tip: Count the turns when unscrewing the old one to keep the toe close until the alignment.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
Driveline
16 Front CV Axle (driver and passenger side)
Each front wheel is driven by a CV axle, with a plunging joint at the inner end, a fixed joint at the hub, and a rubber boot over each joint.
Signs of wear: Clicking while turning, a vibration under power, or grease thrown around the inside of the wheel from a split boot.
Tip: The passenger side axle differs by transmission (CVT or manual) and on all wheel drive models, so check both.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
17 Rear Propshaft (AWD) Not on every vehicle
On all wheel drive models a two piece propshaft with a center support bearing carries power from the power transfer unit at the front to the rear drive module.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted only to all wheel drive models (2007 to 2009 in the parts data). Front wheel drive models, the great majority, have no propshaft, rear drive module or rear halfshafts.
Signs of wear: A vibration that rises with speed, a clunk when pulling away, or a worn center support.
Tip: Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car. Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car.
We don't carry a rear propshaft (awd) for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
18 Rear Drive Module (AWD) Not on every vehicle
On all wheel drive models the rear drive module bolts to the rear crossmember and drives the two rear halfshafts.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted only to all wheel drive models (2007 to 2009 in the parts data). Front wheel drive models, the great majority, have no propshaft, rear drive module or rear halfshafts.
Signs of wear: A whine, shudder or clunk from the rear on all wheel drive models.
Tip: Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car. Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car.
We don't carry a rear drive module (awd) for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
19 Rear Halfshaft (AWD) (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
On all wheel drive models a halfshaft runs from the rear drive module to each rear hub, between the toe link and the lower rear arm.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted only to all wheel drive models (2007 to 2009 in the parts data). Front wheel drive models, the great majority, have no propshaft, rear drive module or rear halfshafts.
Signs of wear: Clicking or a vibration from the rear under power, or grease from a split boot.
Tip: Left and right halfshafts are different lengths. Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car. Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the front wheel drive car.
See all CV Joint Parts - Rear parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
Rear Suspension
30 Rear Trailing Link (Knuckle) (driver and passenger side)
Chrysler calls the rear knuckle the trailing link. It carries the hub and the caliper, the upper and lower arms bolt to its top and bottom, the toe link bolts to its front, and its long arm reaches forward to a bushing in the body.
Signs of wear: The link rarely wears out, but the bushings in it and in the arms that hold it do.
We don't carry a rear trailing link (knuckle) for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
31 Rear Trailing Link Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushing in the front end of the trailing link. Its two ear bracket bolts up into the body.
Signs of wear: A clunk on braking, or a vehicle that steps sideways over bumps.
See all Trailing Arm Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
32 Rear Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
The long lower arm behind the axle, from the rear of the crossmember to the bottom of the trailing link. The coil over strut stands in a pocket on it, and the sway bar link bolts to an upright tab inboard of the strut.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear over bumps, or a torn bushing at either end.
Tip: The 2007 to 2010 arm has a tab for the ball stud bar link; the 2011 and 2012 arm is a different part.
33 Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
A large bushing at the inner end of the lower rear arm and a smaller one at its outer end.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear, or a rear tire that wears on its inner edge.
Tip: Inner and outer bushings are different parts.
See all Rear Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
34 Rear Toe Link (Lower Forward Arm) (driver and passenger side)
A short straight link ahead of the halfshaft, from a bracket on the crossmember to the front of the trailing link. It sets the rear toe.
Signs of wear: Rear tires wearing on the edges, or a knock from the rear on rough roads.
Tip: Adjustable links are sold to set the rear toe on lifted or lowered vehicles.
35 Rear Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
An arched arm above the halfshaft line, from the crossmember to the top of the trailing link. It sets the rear camber.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear, or rear tires wearing on the inner edge.
Tip: Adjustable arms are sold to correct the rear camber on lifted or lowered vehicles.
36 Rear Upper Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushing at the inner end of the upper arm, at the crossmember. Offset versions are sold to correct the rear camber.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear, or camber that cannot be set.
See all Rear Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
37 Rear Strut (Coil Over Shock) (driver and passenger side)
The rear shock carries the rear coil spring on it. Its lower eye bolts into a fork on the lower rear arm and its stem goes up into the body.
Signs of wear: Bouncing or floating over bumps, fluid on the body, or a knock from the rear.
Tip: Rear struts are made for the Caliber; Patriot and Compass rear struts do not fit. Complete assemblies come with the spring and mount fitted.
We don't carry a rear strut (coil over shock) for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
38 Rear Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The rear coil spring sits on a seat on the rear strut and pushes up against the upper seat under the body.
Signs of wear: A rear corner sitting low, or a broken coil end.
Tip: Rear springs differ by trim (SE, SXT, Express and Mainstreet; Heat, Rush and Uptown; R/T and SXT Plus; SRT4). Replace them in pairs.
39 Rear Strut Mount (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bushings and washers that hold the top of the rear strut's stem in the body.
Signs of wear: A knock or rattle from the rear over bumps.
Tip: Fit new mount parts whenever the strut is replaced.
40 Rear Strut Bellows and Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A bellows and bump stop over the rear strut rod, inside the coil.
Signs of wear: A torn boot or a hard bang from the rear over big bumps.
See all Rear Shock Bellows Boot parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
41 Rear Sway Bar
The rear sway bar runs along the crossmember under the arms. Its ends bend back to short links on the lower rear arms.
Signs of wear: More body roll than usual, normally from worn links or bushings.
42 Rear Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber bushings in clamps hold the rear bar to the crossmember.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or knocks from the rear over bumps.
Tip: Rear bars come in three sizes (14.2, 15.2 and 17.2 to 18.2 mm), so measure the bar before ordering bushings.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
43 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A short link with a ball stud at each end, from the end of the rear bar down to a tab on the lower rear arm. The two studs sit at right angles to each other.
Signs of wear: A rattle from the rear over small bumps.
Tip: Links for 2007 to 2009 (ball studs) and 2010 to 2012 (a bolt with rubber bushings) are different parts.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
Brakes and Hubs
20 Front Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
The front bearing is pressed into the knuckle and the hub is pressed into the bearing. The CV axle splines into the hub and is held by the axle nut.
Signs of wear: A hum or growl that changes with speed or when turning, or play when the wheel is rocked.
Tip: Replacing the bearing needs a press, so many buyers fit a complete knuckle assembly instead.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
21 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A vented 294 mm rotor clamped between the hub and the wheel.
Signs of wear: A pulsing brake pedal, grooves you can feel, or a lip at the outer edge.
Tip: Front rotors come in three sizes: 294 mm on cars with rear disc brakes (drawn), 276 mm on cars with rear drums, and 340 mm on the SRT4. Measure the old rotor.
22 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston floating caliper on a bracket bolted to the knuckle, ahead of the axle.
Signs of wear: A pull to one side under braking, a dragging brake, or a fluid leak.
We don't carry a front brake caliper for the 2009 Dodge Caliber yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
23 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads ride in the caliper on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, a longer pedal, or pads worn near the backing plate.
Tip: The SRT4 uses its own pads; 2007 and 2008 cars with rear drums have their own set too.
24 Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
The rear hub bearing bolts to the trailing link with four bolts from the inboard side.
Signs of wear: A hum from the rear that rises with speed, or play when the wheel is rocked.
Tip: Hubs differ with and without anti-lock brakes, and the all wheel drive models have a splined hub.
See all Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
25 Rear Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A solid rear rotor clamped between the hub and the wheel. Its center hat is also the drum for the parking brake shoes.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal when stopping gently, deep grooves, or a weak parking brake.
Tip: Most models have 262 mm rear rotors; the SRT4 has 302 mm. Many SE and SXT models have rear drums instead.
26 Rear Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston rear caliper on a bracket bolted to the trailing link, behind the axle.
Signs of wear: A dragging rear brake, a fluid leak, or a low moan on the first stop in reverse (Chrysler bulletin 05-003-14 adds a bracket for that on 2012 to 2015 models).
Tip: Calipers differ by rotor size.
27 Rear Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The rear pads ride in the caliper on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing or grinding from the rear.
Tip: Pads differ by rotor size.
28 Rear Drum Brakes (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Many SE and SXT models have rear drum brakes instead of rear discs: a drum over two shoes on a backing plate.
Not on every vehicle: Models with rear drum brakes (many SE and SXT models). Models with four wheel disc brakes have none of these parts.
Signs of wear: A low or pulling handbrake, grinding from the rear, or a drum that pulses.
Tip: Listed here, not drawn: the diagram shows the rear disc brakes. Check whether the vehicle has rear drums before ordering.
29 Rear Parking Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
On models with rear disc brakes the parking brake is a small drum brake inside the hat of the rear rotor, with its own pair of shoes.
Signs of wear: A parking brake that does not hold, or needs many clicks.
Tip: Listed here, not drawn: the shoes sit inside the rotor hat.
See all Parking Brake Shoes parts for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
Questions about the 2009 Dodge Caliber suspension
What are the most common suspension wear items on a 2009 Dodge Caliber?
Front lower control arms and their rear bushings, front sway bar links, outer tie rod ends and the rear lower arm bushings are the parts most often replaced, followed by struts and rear sway bar links.
Does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have upper control arms at the front?
No. The front uses struts, so the strut itself locates the top of the knuckle. There is one lower control arm and one pressed in lower ball joint per side. The rear has an upper arm on each side.
Do Jeep Patriot or Compass suspension parts fit the Caliber?
Many do: the Caliber shares its lower arms, ball joints, knuckles, tie rods, front sway bar links, most rear arms and bushings, and many brake parts with the 2007 to 2009 Patriot and Compass. The struts, complete strut assemblies, some springs and the rear sway bar sizes are different, so check the fit of each part before ordering.
Why are the rear sway bar links different on 2007 to 2009 models?
The 2007 to 2009 models use a short link with a ball stud at each end that bolts to a tab on the lower rear arm. From 2010 the rear link is a bolt with rubber bushings, so links from one period do not fit the other.
Does every Caliber have rear disc brakes?
No. Many SE and SXT models have rear drum brakes, and those models also use a smaller 276 mm front rotor. Cars with rear discs use a 294 mm front rotor. Check the brakes or measure the old rotor before ordering.
Is the SRT4 suspension the same?
Not entirely. The 2008 and 2009 SRT4 has its own 340 mm front rotors and pads, 302 mm rear rotors, springs and larger wheels. The arms, links and bushings are shared, but check each brake and spring part for SRT4 fit.
Are all wheel drive Calibers different underneath?
All wheel drive models add a propshaft, a rear drive module and rear halfshafts, and use a splined rear hub and their own passenger side front axle. The diagram shows the front wheel drive model; the all wheel drive parts are listed below it.
Do I need an alignment after replacing suspension parts?
Yes, after replacing tie rods, struts, control arms or rear links. Front toe is set at the tie rods, and front camber can be corrected with a cam bolt in the strut clevis. Adjustable rear links and arms are sold to set the rear toe and camber.
Printable 2009 Dodge Caliber suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
