MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer links at the bar (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove the stabilizer link at the frame.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer links
and tighten to 95 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 4).
(2) Lower the vehicle.
(3) Install the stabilizer link to the frame. Tighten
to 95 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 5 SWAY BAR WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS
(DRW)
1 - STABILIZER LINK
2 - SWAY BRA BOLT
3 - SWAY BAR NUT
4-SWAYBAR
5 - RUBBER MOUNT
6 - SWAY BAR CLAMP
7 - CLAMP MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - 16 REARVA

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION.........................17STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT........................18
SPECIFICATIONS.....................19
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Camber and Caster are not adjustable on
this vehicle. (TOE ONLY).
NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their
normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be
affected and premature bushing wear may occur.
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE - ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread
wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(6) Road test the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
VAWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 17

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
3. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.3. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Replace steering gear.
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Replace steering gear.
2. Column coupler binding. 2. Replace coupler.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Tire. 2. Criss-Cross Front Tires.
3. Alignment. 3. Align vehicle to specifications.
4. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.4. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
5. Radial tire lead. 5. Rotate or replace tire as necessary.
6. Brake pull. 6. Repair brake as necessary.
7. Weak or broken spring. 7. Replace spring.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
CAMBER AND CASTER ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE
(TOE ONLY)..
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary.
2 - 18 WHEEL ALIGNMENTVA

(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 50 N´m (37 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION FRONT SPECIFICATION
Toe-In 0É ( 0.16É)
Camber 0É ( 0.75É)
Camber
Left to Right Difference
Max1.33É
Caster 0É ( 0.5É)
Steering Knuckle Inclina-
tion0É ( 0.5É)
Steering Knuckle Inclina-
tion
Left to Right Difference
Max1É
REAR SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION REAR SPECIFICATION
Toe-In
Max0É ( 0.25É)
Camber
Max0É (-0.66É/+0.33É)
Inclination of Rear
Wheels (Individual Wheel
Toe)= Maximum Inclina-
tion of Rear Axle
Max0É ( 0.25É)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Outer Tie Rod End Jam
Nut50 37 -
VAWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 19

DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT.......................1REAR AXLE.............................12
PROPELLER SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PROPELLER SHAFT....................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................4
SPECIFICATIONS........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS........................6PROPELLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................9
CENTER BEARING
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PROPELLER SHAFT
PROPELLER SHAFT VIBRATION
Out-of-round tires or wheels that are out of bal-
ance, will cause a low frequency vibration.
Driveline vibration can be from loose or damaged
engine mounts.
Propeller shaft vibration increases with vehicle
speed. A vibration within a specific speed is not usu-
ally caused by a out of balanced propeller shaft.
Worn universal joints or an incorrect propeller shaft
angle, usually cause such a vibration.
VADIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE 3 - 1

DRIVELINE VIBRATION
Drive Condition Possible Cause Correction
Propeller Shaft Noise 1) Undercoating or other foreign
material on shaft.1) Clean exterior of shaft and wash
with solvent.
2) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 2) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
3) Loose or bent U-joint yoke or
excessive runout.3) Install new yoke.
4) Incorrect driveline angularity. 4) Measure and correct driveline
angles.
5) Rear spring center bolt not in
seat.5) Loosen spring u-bolts and seat
center bolt.
6) Worn U-joint bearings. 6) Install new U-joint.
7) Propeller shaft damaged or out
of balance.7) Installl new propeller shaft.
8) Broken rear spring. 8) Install new rear spring.
9) Excessive runout or unbalanced
condition.9) Re-index propeller shaft, test,
and evaluate.
10) Excessive drive pinion gear
shaft runout.10) Re-index propeller shaft and
evaluate.
11) Excessive axle yoke deflection. 11) Inspect and replace yoke if
necessary.
12) Excessive transfer case
runout.12) Inspect and repair as neces-
sary.
Universal Joint Noise 1) Loose U-joint clamp screws. 1) Install new clamps and screws
and tighten to proper torque.
2) Lack of lubrication. 2) Replace as U-joints as neces-
sary.
PROPELLER SHAFT BALANCE
NOTE: Removing and indexing the propeller shaft
180É relative to the yoke may eliminate some vibra-
tions.
If propeller shaft is suspected of being out of bal-
ance, verify with the following procedure:
(1) Place vehicle in netrual.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle by the axles as
level as possible.
(3) Clean all foreign material from propeller shaft
and universal joints.
(4) Inspect propeller shaft for missing balance
weights, broken welds, and bent areas.
NOTE: If propeller shaft is bent, it must be replaced.
(5) Inspect universal joints for wear, properly
installed and correct alignment with the shaft.
(6) Check universal joint clamp screws torque.
(7) Remove wheels and tires. Install wheel lug
nuts to retain the brake drums/rotors.(8) Mark and number propeller shaft six inches
from the pinion yoke end at four positions 90É apart.
(9) Run and accelerate the vehicle until vibration
occurs. Note intensity and speed the vibration
occurred. Stop the engine.
(10) Install a screw clamp at position 1 (Fig. 1).
3 - 2 PROPELLER SHAFTVA

(11) Start engine and re-check for vibration. If lit-
tle or no change in vibration is evident, move clamp
to the next positions and repeat vibration test.
NOTE: If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the vibration may not be propeller
shaft.
(12) If vibration decreased, install a second clamp
(Fig. 2) and repeat vibration test.
(13) If additional clamp causes additional vibra-
tion, separate clamps 1/2 inch above and below the
mark. Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).(14) Increase distance between clamps and repeat
test until vibration is at the lowest level. Bend the
slack end of the clamps so the screws will not loosen.
(15) If vibration remains unacceptable, preform
the procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(16) Install the wheel and tires. Lower the vehicle.
PROPELLER SHAFT RUNOUT
(1) Clean the propeller shaft surface where the
dial indicator will contact the shaft.
(2) The dial indicator must be installed perpendic-
ular to the shaft surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft away from weld areas, to ensure weld process
will not effect the measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If propeller shaft is out of specification, remove
propeller shaft and index the shaft 180É. Install the
propeller shaft and measure shaft runout again.
(6) If propeller shaft is now within specifications,
mark shaft and yokes for proper orientation.
(7) If propeller shaft runout is not within specifica-
tions, check runout of the transmission and axle.
Correct as necessary and repeat propeller shaft
runout measurement.
(8) Replace propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
Fig. 1 Clamp Screw At Position 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 2 Two Clamp Screws At The Same Position
Fig. 3 Clamp Screws Separated
1-1¤2INCH
VAPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3

RUNOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Front of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
Center of Shaft 0.025 in. (0.63 mm)
Rear of Shaft 0.020 in. (0.50 mm)
note:
Measure front/rear runout approximately 76 mm (3
in.) from the weld seam at each end of the shaft
tube for tube lengths over 30 inches. For tube
lengths under 30 inches, the maximum allowed
runout is 0.50 mm (0.020 in.) for the full length of
the tube.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PROPELLER SHAFT ANGLE
This procedure applies the front and rear propeller
shafts.
(1) Place vehicle in netural.
(2) Raise and support vehicle at the axles as level
as possible.
(3) Remove universal joint snap rings if equipped,
so Inclinometer 7663 base sits flat.
(4) Rotate shaft until transmission case output
yoke bearing is facing downward.
NOTE: Always make measurements from front to
rear and from the same side of the vehicle.
(5) Place Inclinometer 7663 on yoke bearing (A)
parallel to the shaft. Center bubble in sight glass and
record measurement.
This measurement will give you the transmis-
sion yoke Output Angle (A).
(6) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
inclinometer on yoke bearing parallel to the shaft.
Center bubble in sight glass and record measure-
ment. This measurement can also be taken at the
rear end of the shaft.
This measurement will give you the Propeller
Shaft Angle (C).
(7) Rotate propeller shaft 90 degrees and place
inclinometer on companion flange yoke bearing par-
allel to the shaft. Center bubble in sight glass and
record measurement.
This measurement will give you the Pinion
Flange Input Angle (B).
(8) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
A) to obtain TransmissionOutput Operating
Angle.
(9) Subtract smaller figure from larger (C minus
B) to obtain axleInput Operating Angle.
Refer to rules and example in (Fig. 4) for addi-
tional information.
RULES
²Good cancellation of U-joint operating angles
should be within 1degree.
²Operating angles should be less than 3 degrees.
²At least 1/2 of one degree continuous operating
(propeller shaft) angle.
3 - 4 PROPELLER SHAFTVA

TWO / THREE - PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT
The procedure to measure the propeller shaft
angles involved with a two/three-piece (Fig. 5) propel-
ler shaft is the same as those for a one-piece propel-
ler shaft.
Fig. 4 UNIVERSAL JOINT ANGLE EXAMPLE
1 - 4.9É Angle (C)
2 - 3.2É Angle (B)
3 - Input Yoke4 - 3.0É Angle (A)
5 - Output Yoke
VAPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 5