CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM 1993 Service Manual

ponents. Under extremes of suspension and steering
travel tire damage may occur.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED RATING CAN
CAUSE SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
ROTATION
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern de-
signed to improve traction on wet pavement. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the tires
must be installed so that they rotate in the correct
direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls. When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained. Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
NONDIRECTIONAL TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles oper-
ate at different loads and perform different steering,
driving, and braking functions. For these reasons,
they wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop ir-
regular wear patterns. These effects can be reduced
by timely rotation of tires. Rotation will increase
tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet trac-
tion levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride. The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method. This method takes advantage of
current tire industry practice which now allows cross
rotation of radial-ply tires. Refer to the owner's man-
ual (usually found in the glove box) for additional in-
formation. Other rotation methods may be used, but
may not have all the benefits of the recommended
method. Always check air pressure and wheel nut tightness
after rotation. Do NOT use oil or grease on studs
or nuts. Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators (Fig. 3) are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. When tread is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band. Tire replacement is necessary when indicators ap-
pear in two or more grooves, or if localized balding
occurs.
REPAIRING LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect or puncture is in the tread area otherwise the
tire should be replaced. Deflate tire completely before dismounting tire
from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap
solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use
tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could dam-
age the tire or wheel rim. Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
scale is removed from the rim and repaint if neces-
sary. Install wheels on vehicle, progressively tightening
wheel nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque (See
Wheels).
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, wheel irregularities,
or imbalance. To determine if the tires are causing the noise or
vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth portion of
highway at different speeds and note the effect of ac-
celeration and deceleration on noise level. Differen-
tial and exhaust noise will change in intensity as
speed varies, while tire noise will usually remain
constant.
TIRE WEAR PATTERNS
Under inflation results in faster wear on shoulders
of tire. Over inflation causes faster wear at center of tread.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle
to the road. One side of tread is worn more than the
other. Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges of the tire, from dragging of tire. There
is a feathered effect across the tread (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators
Ä WHEELSÐTIRES 22 - 3

Fig. 4 Tire Wear Patterns
22 - 4 WHEELSÐTIRES Ä

LEAD CORRECTION CHART
Ä WHEELSÐTIRES 22 - 5

WHEELS SERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
General Information ........................ 6
Tire and Wheel Balance .................... 6
Tire and Wheel Run Out .................... 7 Wheel Installation
......................... 6
Wheel Replacement ....................... 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the maximum vehicle ca-
pacity. All models use steel or cast aluminum drop center
wheels. The safety rim wheel (Fig. 1) has raised sec-
tions between the rim flanges and the rim well A.
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of tire failure the raised
sections help hold the tire in position on the wheel
until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop. Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights and alignment equipment.
WHEEL INSTALLATION
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
applications and must be replaced with equivalent
parts. Do not use replacement parts of lessor quality
or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts which feature an en-
larged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to en-
sure proper retention of the aluminum wheels. Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces
with scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels
without good metal-to-metal contact could cause later
loosening of wheel nuts. This could adversely affect
the safety and handling of your vehicle. To install the wheel, position it properly on the
mounting surface using the hub pilot as a guide. All wheel nuts should be lightly tightened before progres-
sively tightening them in sequence (Fig. 2). Tighten
wheel nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.). Never use oil or
grease on studs or nuts.
WHEEL REPLACEMENT
Wheels must be replaced if they:
² have excessive run out
² are bent or dented
² leak air through welds
² have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed. Original equipment replacement wheels are avail-
able through your dealer. When obtaining wheels from
any other source, the replacement wheels should be
equivalent in load carrying capacity. The wheel dimen-
sions (diameter, width, offset, and mounting configura-
tion) must match original equipment wheels. Failure to
use equivalent replacement wheels may adversely af-
fect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Replace-
ment with used wheels is not recommended as
their service history may have included severe
treatment or very high mileage and they could
fail without warning.
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
Balancing need is indicated by vibration of seats,
floor pan, or steering wheel when driving over 90 km/h
(55 mph) on a smooth road.
Fig. 1 Safety Rim
Fig. 2 Tightening Wheel Nuts (5-Stud)
22 - 6 WHEELSÐTIRES Ä

It is recommended that a two plane dynamic bal-
ancing machine be used when a wheel and tire as-
sembly require balancing. Static balancing should be
used only when a two plane dynamic balancing is not
available. For static imbalance, find location of heavy spot
causing imbalance and counterbalance wheel directly
opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required
to counterbalance the area of imbalance. Place half
of this weight on the inner rim flange. Then place
the other half on the outer rim flange (Fig. 3). Off-
vehicle balancing is preferred.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUN OUT
Radial run out is the difference between the high
and low points on the tire or wheel periphery. Lateral run out is the wobble of the tire or wheel.
Radial run out of more than 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
measured at the center line of the tread may cause
the vehicle to shake. Lateral run out of more than 2.0 mm (.080 inch)
measured near the shoulder of the tire may cause the
vehicle to shake. Sometimes radial run out can be reduced by relo-
cating the wheel and tire assembly on the mounting
studs (See Method 1). If this does not reduce run out
to an acceptable level, the tire can be rotated on the
wheel. (See Method 2).
METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB)
Check accuracy of the wheel mounting surface;ad-
just wheel bearings. Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire flat
spotting from a parked position. Make sure all wheel nuts are properly torqued
(Fig. 2). Use run out gauge D-128-TR to determine run out
(Fig. 4).
Relocate wheel on the mounting, two studs over
from the original position. Retighten wheel nuts (Fig. 2) until all are properly
torqued, to eliminate brake distortion. Check radial run out. If still excessive, mark tire
sidewall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum run
out (Fig. 5), and proceed to Method #2.
METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)
Rotating tire on wheel is particularly effective
when there is run out in both tire and wheel. Remove tire from wheel and remount wheel on hub
in former position. Check wheel radial run out (Fig. 6). It should be no
more than 0.9 mm (.035 inch). Lateral run out (Fig. 6) should be no more than 1.1
mm (.045 inch). If point of greatest wheel radial run out is near
original chalk mark, remount tire 180 degrees from
its original position. Recheck run out.
Fig. 3 Counterbalancing
Fig. 4 Run out Gauge D-128-TR
Fig. 5 Chalk Marking on Wheel, Tire, and Stud
Ä WHEELSÐTIRES 22 - 7

SPECIFICATIONS
Fig. 6 Checking Wheel Run out
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
22 - 8 WHEELSÐTIRES Ä

BODY
CONTENTS
page page
AA-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . . 11
AC-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . . 37
AG-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . . 52
AJ-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . . 71
AJ/27-VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE BODYCOMPONENT SERVICE ................. 86
AP-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . . 97
AP/17-VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE ................. 117 AY-VEHICLE BODY COMPONENT SERVICE . . 133
BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES .......... 2
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION .......... 1
PAINT ................................. 4
POWER SUNROOF ....................... 6
WINDSHIELD ........................... 9
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Throughout this group, references to the Chrysler
Corporation vehicle family identification code is used
when describing a procedure that is unique to that
vehicle. Refer to Introduction Group of this manual for
detailed information on vehicle identification. If a
procedure is common to all vehicles covered in this
manual, no reference will be made to a vehicle family
code.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: WHEN SERVICING A VEHICLE EQUIPPED
WITH AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM, REVIEW ALL
PRECAUTIONS IN GROUP 8M, RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN SER-
VICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT. USE A BREATHING FILTER WHEN SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETRO-
LEUM OR ALCOHOL BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS.
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched in
a inner body panel, verify depth of space to the outer
body panel, electrical wiring, or other components.
Damage to vehicle can result. Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result. Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage to finish
or color can result. Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
attaching fasteners when servicing interior trim. Plas-
tic panel can break.
Chrysler Corporation uses many different types of
push-in fasteners to secure the interior and exterior
trim to the body . Most of these fasteners can be reused
to assemble the trim during various repair procedures.
At times a push-in fastener cannot be removed without
damaging the fastener or the component it is holding.
If it is not possible to remove a fastener without
damaging a component or body, cut or brake the
fastener and use a new one when installing the com-
ponent. Never pry or pound on a plastic or press-board
trim component. Using a suitable fork-type prying
device, pry the fastener from the retaining hole behind
the component being removed. When installing, verify
that fastener is aligned with the retaining hole, by
hand, push directly on or over the fastener until it
seats. Apply a low force pull to the panel to verify that
it is secure. When it is necessary to remove components to service
another, it should not be necessary to apply excessive
force or bend a component to remove it. Before damag-
ing a component to be reused, verify there is no hidden
fasteners or captured edges holding the component in.
Often a fastener is hidden by carpeting nap or trim
plugs.
Ä BODY 23 - 1

BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Water Leaks ............................. 2 Wind Noise.............................. 3
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper
body component alignment, body seam porosity, miss-
ing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Centrifugal and
gravitational force can cause water to drip from an
area somewhat distant from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing points
should be water tight in normal wet driving conditions.
Water flowing downward from the front of the vehicle
should not enter the passenger or luggage compart-
ment. Moving sealing surfaces will not always seal
water tight under all conditions. At times, side glass,
door, or convertible top seals will allow water to enter
the passenger compartment during high pressure
washing or hard driving rain (severe) conditions. Over
compensating on door, glass, or top adjustments to stop
a water leak that occurs under severe conditions, can
cause premature seal wear and excessive closing or
latching effort. After a repair procedure has been
performed, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear and body components are aligned and
sealed. If component alignment or sealing is necessary,
refer to the appropriate section of this group for proper
procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA, PERSONAL IN-
JURY CAN RESULT.
When a determination has been made on the condi-
tions that a water leak occurs, simulate the conditions
as closely as possible.
² If a leak occurs when the car is parked in a steady
light rain, flood the leak area with a open ended garden
hose.
² If a leak occurs at highway speeds in a steady rain,
test the leak area with a stream or fan spray of water
from a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle. Direct
the spray in the direction comparable to actual condi-
tions. ²
If a leak seems to occur only when the vehicle is
parked on an incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle
to simulate this condition before water testing. This
method can also be used when the leak occurs when the
vehicle accelerates, stops, or turns. If the leak occurs
on acceleration, hoist the front of the vehicle. If the
leak occurs when braking, hoist the back of the vehicle.
If the leak occurs on left turns, hoist the left side of the
vehicle. If the leak occurs on right turns, hoist the right
side of the vehicle. For hoisting recommendations refer
to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, General
Information section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point of entry, perform a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming on
the inside if the vehicle. If necessary remove interior
trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the leak
area. If the hose can not be positioned without being
held, have someone help perform the water test. Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak ap-
pears, determine the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will indicate the point
of entry. After leak point has been determined, repair
the leak and water test to verify that leak has stopped. Locating the entry point of water that is leaking into
a cavity between panels can be difficult. The trapped
water splashes or runs from the cavity it is dammed up
in, often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on a incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use a
suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can also
be used to deflect light to a limited access area to assist
in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can be
detected without water testing. Position the vehicle in
a brightly light area. From inside the darkened lug-
gage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the lug-
23 - 2 BODY Ä

gage compartment. If light is visible through a nor-
mally sealed location, water could enter through the
opening.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compartment
can not be detected by water testing, pressurize the
passenger compartment and soap test exterior of the
vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compartment,
close all doors and windows, start engine, and set
heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to assure adequate voltage to the blower. With
interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solution to
suspected leak area on the exterior of the vehicle.
Apply detergent solution with spray device or soft
bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body seam,
joint, seal or gasket the leak entry point could be at
that location.
WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be air tight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal air tight under all conditions. At times,
side glass, door, or convertible top seals will allow wind
noise to be noticed in the passenger compartment
during high cross-winds. Over compensating on door,
glass, or top adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs
under severe conditions, can cause premature seal
wear and excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair procedure has been performed, test vehicle to
verify leak has stopped before returning vehicle to use. Wind noise can also be caused by improperly fitted
exterior mouldings or body ornamentation. Loose
mouldings can flutter, creating a buzzing or chattering
noise. An open cavity or protruding edge can create
whistling or howling noise. Inspect the exterior of the
vehicle to verify that these conditions do not exist.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear and body components are aligned and
sealed. If component alignment or sealing is necessary,
refer to the appropriate section of this group for proper
procedures.
ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE
(1) Drive the vehicle to verify the general location of
the wind noise. (2) Apply 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape in 150 mm (6
in.) lengths along weatherstrips, weld seams or moul-
dings. After each length is applied drive vehicle. If
noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied, remove
tape, locate and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
² Mouldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
² Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind rushing sounds.
² Misaligned movable components.
² Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
² Weld burn through holes.
Ä BODY 23 - 3

PAINT
INTRODUCTION
A paint code is provided on the body code plate
located in the engine compartment. Refer to the Intro-
duction section at the front of this manual for body code
plate description. The color names provided in the
Paint and Trim Code Description chart are the color
names used on most repair product containers. The
color names in the new vehicle ordering guides vary
depending on car line but use the same color code.
BASE COAT/CLEAR COAT FINISH
On most vehicles a two part paint application (base
coat/clear coat) is used. Color paint that is applied to
primer is called base coat. The clear coat protects the
base coat from ultra violet light and provides a durable
high gloss finish.
WET SANDING,BUFFING AND POLISHING
Minor acid etching, orange peel or smudging in clear
coat can be reduced with light wet sanding, hand
buffing and polishing. If the finish has been wet sanded
in the past, it can not be repeated. Wet sanding
operation should be performed by a trained automotive
painter.
CAUTION: Do not remove clear coat finish, if
equipped. Base coat paint must retain clear coat to
shine.
PAINTED SURFACE TOUCH-UP
When a painted metal surface has been scratched or
chipped, it should be touched-up as soon as possible to avoid corrosion. For best results, use Mopar
tScratch
Filler/Primer, Touch-Up Paints and Clear Top Coat.
Refer to Introduction group of this manual for Body
Code Plate information.
TOUCH-UP PROCEDURE
(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside
scratch or chip. (2) Clean affected area with Mopar tTar/Road Oil
Remover and allow to dry. (3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat of
filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good surface
finish. The applicator brush should be wet enough to
puddle fill the defect without running. Do not stroke
brush applicator on body surface. Allow the filler/
primer to dry hard. (4) Cover the filler/primer with color touch-up paint.
Do not overlap touch-up color onto the original color
coat around the scratch or chip. Butt the new color to
the original color if possible. Do not stroke applicator
brush on body surface. Allow touch-up paint to dry
hard. (5) On vehicles without clear coat, the touch-up color
can be lightly (600 grit) wet sanded and polished with
rubbing compound. (6) On vehicles with clear coat, Apply clear top coat
to touch-up paint with the same technique as described
in step 4. Allow clear top coat to dry hard. If desired,
step 5 can be performed on clear top coat.
23 - 4 BODY Ä