warning CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2001 Service Manual

SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
CAUTION: The fluid level should be checked with
engine off to prevent injury from moving compo-
nents. Use only MoparTPower Steering Fluid (MS-
5931) or approved equivalent. Do not overfill.
Read the fluid level through the side of the power
steering fluid reservoir. The fluid level should indi-
cateªFILL RANGEºwhen the fluid is at a temper-
ature of approximately 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF).
(1) Wipe the filler cap and area clean, then remove
the cap.
(2) Fill the fluid reservoir to the proper level and
let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds,
then turn the engine off.
(4) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above steps
until the fluid level remains constant after running
the engine.
(5) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(6) Start the engine.
(7) Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left,
lightly contacting the wheel stops.
(8) Add fluid if necessary.
(9) Lower the vehicle, then turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock-to-lock.
(10) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(11) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stabilize a few minutes, then repeat the above
procedure.
REMOVAL - PUMP (2.4L ENGINE)
(1) Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove the cap from the power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(4) Raise the vehicle on jack stands or centered on
a frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrica-
tion and Maintenance.
(5) Disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness
from the vehicle wiring harness at the rear engine
mount bracket.
NOTE: The exhaust system needs to be removed
from the engine to allow for an area to remove the
power steering pump from the vehicle.
(6) Remove the four bolts and flag nuts securing
the catalytic converter from the exhaust manifold
(Fig. 3).
(7) Disconnect all the exhaust system isolators/
hangers from the brackets on the exhaust system (2
at the mufflers and 1 at the resonator) (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove the exhaust system by moving it as far
rearward, then lowering the front below the cross-
member and out of the vehicle.
(9) Remove the power steering fluid supply hose
from the fitting on the power steering pump. Drain
off excess power steering fluid from hose.
Fig. 3 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
1 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
2 - BOLT
3 - GASKET
4 - FLAG NUT
RSPUMP19-25
PUMP (Continued)

(4) Install the power steering fluid pressure line
into the pressure output fitting of the power steering
pump (Fig. 11). Tighten the pressure line to pump fit-
ting tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the power steering fluid low-pressure
return hose on the power steering pump low pressure
fitting (Fig. 11).Be sure hose clamps are prop-
erly reinstalled.
(6) Raise the vehicle.
(7) Install the routing clip on the engine for the
pressure hose (Fig. 10).
(8) Tighten the pump thru-bolt (Fig. 9). Tighten to
54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the drive belt splash shield.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
(12) Install the wiper module (unit)(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MOD-
ULE - INSTALLATION).
(13) Connect the negative battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(14) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Inspect for leaks.
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING PUMP
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING PARTS.
The fluid level can be read on the exterior of the
power steering fluid reservoir. The fluid level should
be within the ªFILL RANGEº when the fluid is at
normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC to
27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF) (Fig. 15).
Before removing the power steering filler cap, wipe
the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. Do not
overfill the power steering system. Use onlyMopart
Power Steering Fluid (MS-5931)or quivalent.
FLUID COOLER
DESCRIPTION
All models of this vehicle are equipped with a
cooler for the power steering system fluid. The power
steering fluid cooler is located on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 16).
There are two different size coolers offered depending
on options. There is a standard 6-inch and an 8-inch
for vehicles equipped with the heavy duty cooling
package.
OPERATION
The purpose of the power steering fluid cooler is to
keep the temperature of the power steering system
fluid from rising to a level that would affect the per-
formance of the power steering system.
Installer C-4063B
Puller C-4333
Fig. 15 POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
19 - 30 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)

(8) Remove bearing retainer from transaxle. Use to
L-4435 to aid in removal by rotating retainer out of
assembly (Fig. 143). Clean surfaces of old adhesive
prior to reassembly.
(9) Remove adapter plate-to-transaxle case bolts.WARNING: HOLD ON TO DIFFERENTIAL WHILE
REMOVING EXTENSION HOUSING TO PREVENT IT
FROM ROLLING OUT OF TRANSAXLE.
Fig. 140 Differential Cover Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER BOLT
Fig. 141 Remove Differential Cover
1 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE PLUG
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
3 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF R T V SEALANT
4 - DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 142 Differential Bearing Retainer Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING RETAINER
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING RETAINER BOLTS (6)
Fig. 143 Remove Bearing Retainer Using Tool
L-4435
1 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE PLUG
2 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING RETAINER
3 - SPECIAL TOOL L-4435
RSAUTOMATIC - 31TH21-91
FINAL DRIVE (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: The differential is serviced as an assembly.
Differential service is limited to bearing cups and
cones. Any other differential component failure
must be remedied by differential assembly and
transfer shaft replacement.
The transfer shaft should be removed for differen-
tial repair and bearing turning torque checking.
(1) Remove the differential cover and bolts (Fig.
178) (Fig. 179).
(2) Remove the differential bearing retainer and
bolts (Fig. 180) (Fig. 181).
(3) Using a plastic hammer, remove extension
housing/adapter plate on the right side of the trans-
axle.
WARNING: HOLD ONTO DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING OUT OF HOUSING.
Fig. 177 Differential Assembly
1 - DIFFERENTIAL CASE
2 - RING GEAR
3 - TRANSFER SHAFT
4 - PINION GEAR
5 - PINION SHAFT
6 - SIDE GEAR
Fig. 178 Differential Cover Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER BOLTS
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 179 Remove Differential Cover
1 - DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 180 Differential Retainer Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL RETAINER BOLTS
RSAUTOMATIC - 41TE21 - 235
FINAL DRIVE (Continued)

Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. For example, the letter
ªSº indicates that the tire is speed rated up to 112
mph (180 km/h). The speed rating is not always
printed on the tire sidewall.
²Q -up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
²S -up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
²T -up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
²U -up to 124 mph (200 km/h)
²H -up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
²V -up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
²Z -more than 149 mph (240 km/h) (consult the
tire manufacturer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
& S or M-S (indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four
and under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. It is recommended that tires from dif-
ferent manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may bemixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A
maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is recom-
mended while a temporary spare is in use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.
The original equipment tires provide a proper com-
bination of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed
for emergency use only. The original tire should be
repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at
the first opportunity.
The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be
inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not
exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the tempo-
rary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE
Unusual tire noise can be associated with tire and
wheel vibration or irregular tire wear. For vibration,
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For irregular tire wear, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/TIRES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Cor-
rection Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead
or drift problem.
Fig. 17 Tire Identification
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES (Continued)

Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
²The vehicle to drift.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN FAIL
SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 20).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 21).STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should not be
driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph).
Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of the
tire. For information on tire identification and speed
ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
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 (Fig. 22). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 20 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 21 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
Fig. 22 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)

CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 23). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps 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 to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 24).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
All aluminum wheels have wheel mounting (lug)
nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is
necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive runout
²Dents, cracks or irregular bends
²Damaged wheel stud (lug) holes
²Air Leaks
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged, an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT WITH USED WHEELS IS
NOT RECOMMENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF
THE WHEEL MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREAT-
MENT OR VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Fig. 23 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 24 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
TIRES (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DESCRIPTION............................1
WARNING...............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
WATER LEAKS..........................2
WIND NOISE...........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR.............4
HEAT STAKING.........................8
SPECIFICATIONS.........................9
SPECIAL TOOLS........................151DOOR - FRONT.........................152
DOORS - SLIDING.......................162
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE.......180
EXTERIOR.............................184
HOOD................................199
INSTRUMENT PANEL....................202
INTERIOR.............................208
PAINT................................220
SEATS................................222
STATIONARY GLASS.....................243
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................248
BODY
DESCRIPTION - LOCK CYLINDERS
Ignition, door, deck lid, and rear hatch lock cylin-
ders are all codable to the key. Lock barrels, tum-
blers, and tumbler springs are available to allow the
technician to change replacement locks cylinders to
match the customer's original key set. See the appro-
priate section in this manual for lock cylinder
removal. See the Moparž catalogue for part numbers
and lock coding procedures.
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Throughout this group, references to the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle family identifi-
cation code are 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.
DESCRIPTION - PUSH-IN FASTENERS
DaimlerChrysler 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 com-
ponent it is holding. If it is not possible to remove a
fastener without damaging a component or body, cut
or break the fastener and use a new one when
installing the component. Never pry or pound on a
plastic or pressed-board trim component. Using a
suitable fork-type prying device, pry the fastener
from the retaining hole behind the component beingremoved. When installing, verify fastener alignment
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 ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges holding the component in
place.
DESCRIPTION
PAINT
The original equipment finish is a multi-step pro-
cess that involves cleaning, electrodeposition (e-coat),
base coat, and clear coat steps. Additionally, selected
areas of the vehicle may be coated with an anti-chip
finish.
On most vehicles a two-stage paint application
(base coat/clear coat) is used. Color that is applied to
primer is called base coat. The clear coat protects the
base coat from ultraviolet light and provides a dura-
ble high-gloss finish.
STATIONARY GLASS
Windshields are made of two pieces of glass with a
plastic inner layer. Windshields and selected station-
ary glass are structural members of the vehicle. The
windshield glass is bonded to the windshield frame
with urethane adhesive.
Windshields and other stationary glass protect the
occupants from the effects of the elements. Wind-
shields are also used to retain some airbags in posi-
tion during deployment. Urethane bonded glass is
difficult to salvage during removal. The urethane
bonding is difficult to cut or clean from any surface.
RSBODY23-1

Before removing the glass, check the availability of
replacement components.
SEATS
Seat modules are made up of a seat frame, seat
cushion, seat back cushion, a covering material, and
the electrical components used for power operation, if
equipped. Some seat systems also contain seat belt
components and supplemental restraint systems.
Seat assemblies transport the occupants in comfort
and safety. Seat assemblies also help position occu-
pants correctly in the event of airbag deployment.
Seat cushions, coverings, and electrical components
are serviceable. Refer to the appropriate group in
this manual.
EXTERIOR COMPONENTS
Exterior sheet metal components make up the
exterior of the vehicle. Some exterior metal systems
are welded assemblies, such as doors and hoods.
Some exterior trim items are made of composite.
The exterior is finished in various metal stampings
and composite moldings. These assemblies give the
vehicle a finished appearance and protect the occu-
pants from the elements. Some components are part
of the energy absorbing system used to protect the
occupants in collisions. The exterior sheet metal is
repairable and adjustable for fit and finish. Welded
and bonded component systems are adjustable as a
system. Trim components made of composite are
stamped with the type of material used.
DaimlerChrysler uses various fasteners to retain
trim items. At times, it is not possible to remove trim
items without damaging the fastener. If it is not pos-
sible to remove an item without damaging a compo-
nent, cut or break the fasteners and use new ones
when installing the component.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING:
EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN SER-
VICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING FILTER
WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CON-
FINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETRO-
LEUM OR ALCOHOL BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS.
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT STAND 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 an innerbody panel, verify depth of space to the outer body
panel, electrical wiring, or other components. Dam-
age to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when
welding.
Disconnect the negative battery cable clamp when
servicing electrical components that are live when
the ignition is OFF. Damage to electrical system 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 fin-
ish or color can result.
Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away 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
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, 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 properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing 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
INJURY CAN RESULT.
23 - 2 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehi-
cle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied,
remove tape, locate, and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
²Moldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
²Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
²Misaligned movable components.
²Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
²Weld burn through holes.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR
Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) body panels are rein-
forced with a continuous fiberglass mesh. Epoxy
resin is injected into a gel-coated and fiberglass lined
mold to form a body panel. Sheet molded compound
(SMC) body panels are constructed with fiberglass
strands usually 1 inch or shorter, epoxy resin formed
into sheet stock and pressed in mold flowing material
to form a sheet molded compound (SMC) body panel.
RTM and SMC body panels can be repaired with
epoxy adhesive after market products. Refer to
instructions provided by the manufacturer of prod-
ucts being used to repair RTM or SMC.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
trained automotive body technician perform body
panel repair procedures (Fig. 1).
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING RTM AND SMC COMPONENTS.
PERSONAL INJURE CAN RESULT.USE AN OSHA
APPROVED BREATHING DEVICE WHEN MIXING
EPOXY, GRINDING RTM AND SMC, AND SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.AVOID PROLONGEDSKIN CONTACT WITH EPOXY RESIN, PETROLEUM,
OR ALCOHOL BASED SOLVENTS. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A
HOISTED VEHICLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUP-
PORTED ON SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components and
electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
undamaged painted surfaces around repair areas.
Damage to finish can result.
If it is required to section a large panel for an SMC
or RTM repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the
panel with epoxy structural adhesive (rigid repair
adhesive) (Fig. 2). To bond two plastic panels
together, a reinforcement must overlap both panels.
The panels must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The
area to be reinforced should be washed, then sanded.
Be sure to wipe off any excess soap and water when
finished. Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an
abrasive pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with
compressed air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding SMC or RTM panels, use a two-part
epoxy adhesive. Properly mix parts A and B, and
apply it to the panels being repaired. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had
time to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the
final adhesive filler to the area being repaired.
Fig. 1 Panel Repair
Fig. 2 Panel Sectioning
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
23 - 4 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)