tire size CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Service Manual

(2) Install NEW pivot bolt attaching front bushing
of lower control arm to front suspension cradle cross-
member (Fig. 29).Do not tighten or torque pivot
bolt at this time.
(3) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 22). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten these
M-10 size bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 22). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the power steering cooler (Fig. 21).
Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall steering knuckle, brake rotor and cal-
iper. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE
- INSTALLATION)
CAUTION: When locating jack stands under lower
control arms, do not place the jack stands under
the ball joints (Fig. 30).
(8) Position jack stands under the lower control
arms as close to the ball joints as possible (Fig. 30).
Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands until the jack
stands are supporting the total weight of the vehicle.
(9) Tighten front lower control arm pivot bolt to a
torque of 183 N´m (135 ft. lbs.).(10) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install
and tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(11) Raise vehicle, remove jack stands and lower
vehicle to the ground.
(12) Perform front wheel alignment as necessary.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front crossmember
(Fig. 1) .
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cross-
member is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion bush-
ings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabilizer
bar link is used to attach each end of the stabilizer
bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of the sta-
bilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to front crossmember cushion
bushings are split for easy removal and installation.
The split in the bushings should be positioned toward
the rear of the vehicle, with the square corner facing
down, when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helps
Fig. 29 Lower Control Arm Bushing Pivot Bolt
Correctly Installed
1 - PIVOT BOLT
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 30 Jack Stands Supporting Vehicle Weight
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - JACK STANDS
4 - BALL JOINT
2 - 16 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
3. Incorrect front wheel camber 3. Check and reset front wheel camber
4. Power steering gear imbalance 4. Replace power steering gear
5. Wheel braking 5. Correct braking condition causing lateral
pull
Excessive Steering Free
Play1. Incorrect Steering Gear Adjustment 1. Adjust Or Replace Steering Gear
2. Worn or loose tie rod ends 2. Replace or tighten tie rod ends
3. Loose steering gear mounting bolts 3. Tighten steering gear bolts to specified
torque
4. Loose or worn steering shaft
coupler4. Replace steering shaft coupler
Excessive Steering Effort 1. Low tire pressure 1. Inflate all tires to recommended
pressure
2. Lack of lubricant in steering gear 2. Replace steering gear
3. Low power steering fluid level 3. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
correct level
4. Loose power steering pump drive
belt4. Correctly adjust power steering pump
drive belt
5. Lack of lubricant in ball joints 5. Lubricate or replace ball joints
6. Steering gear malfunction 6. Replace steering gear
7. Lack of lubricant in steering coupler 7. Replace steering coupler
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment, the following inspection and
necessary corrections must be made to ensure proper
alignment.
(1) Verify that the fuel tank is full of fuel. If the
tank is not full, the reduction in weight will affect
the curb height of the vehicle and the alignment
angles.
(2) The passenger and luggage compartments of
the vehicle should be free of any load that is not fac-
tory equipment.
(3) Check the tires on the vehicle. All tires must be
the same size and in good condition with approxi-
mately the same amount of tread wear. Inflate all
the tires to the recommended air pressure.
(4) Check the front wheel and tire assemblies for
excessive radial runout.
(5) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness, binding, wear or damage. Repair as
necessary.(6) Check suspension fasteners for proper torque
and retighten as necessary.
(7) Inspect all suspension component rubber bush-
ings for signs of wear or deterioration. Replace any
faulty bushings or components before aligning the
vehicle.
(8) Check the vehicle's curb height to verify it is
within specifications. Refer to Curb Height Measure-
ment.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
(1) Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
(2) Install all required alignment equipment on
the vehicle per the alignment equipment manufactur-
er's instructions. On this vehicle, a four-wheel align-
ment is recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicle's alignment
readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then front) by
grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing
each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The
bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(3) Read the vehicle's current front and rear align-
ment settings. Compare the vehicle's current align-
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-51
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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CAUTION: Do not twist front inner tie rod to steer-
ing gear rubber boots during front wheel Toe
adjustment.
(2) Loosen front inner to outer tie rod end jam
nuts (Fig. 12). Grasp inner tie rods at serrations and
rotate inner tie rods of steering gear (Fig. 12) to set
front toe to the preferred toe specification. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFI-
CATIONS)
(3) Tighten tie rod jam nuts (Fig. 12) to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at the
inner tie rod.
(5) Remove steering wheel clamp.
(6) Remove the alignment equipment.
(7) Road test the vehicle to verify the steering
wheel is straight and the vehicle does not wander or
pull.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignmentrack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following Curb Height Specifica-
tions charts.
Fig. 11 Camber Adjustment Cam Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - CLEVIS BRACKET CAM STOP AREAS
3 - LOWER ECCENTRIC CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT
Fig. 12 Front Wheel Toe Adjustment
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 54 WHEEL ALIGNMENTRS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15754mm 10mm
29.68 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
TTU / 215/60 R 17758mm 10mm
29.84 in.   0.39 in.774mm 10mm
30.47 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TM4 / 215/70 R 15755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
TM5 / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT (EXPORT)
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Comparethe parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, the maximum left-to-right
differential is not to exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to the specifica-
tions listed in the following Curb Height Specifica-
tions charts.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.772mm 10mm
30.39 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - LONG WHEEL BASE VEHICLES WITH SDF + SER
SUSPENSION
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16756mm 10mm
29.76 in.   0.39 in.771mm 10mm
30.35 in.   0.39 in.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS - SHORT WHEEL BASE VEHICLES
TIRE SALES CODE/TIRE SIZE FRONT REAR
TMM / 215/65 R 16755mm 10mm
29.72 in.   0.39 in.770mm 10mm
30.31 in.   0.39 in.
RSWHEEL ALIGNMENT2-55
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR DRIVELINE
MODULE OPERATION
Driveline module operation requires relatively
straight-forward diagnosis. Refer to the following
chart:
DRIVELINE MODULE DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Rear wheels not
overrunning1) Bi-directional overrunning clutch
failure1) Replace overrunning clutch
components as required
No AWD in forward or
reverse directions, propeller
shaft turning1) Bi-directional overrunning clutch
failure1) Replace overrunning clutch
components as required
2) Viscous coupling failure 2) Replace viscous coupling
3) Rear differential failure 3) Replace the rear differential
assembly
No AWD in forward or
reverse directions, propeller
shaft not turning1) Power transfer unit failure. 1) Replace power transfer unit
components as necessary
Vibration at all speeds,
continuous torque transfer1) Mis-matched tires, worn tires on
front axle.1) Replace worn or incorrect
(mis-matched) tires with same
make and size
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Drain fluid from overrunning clutch housing
and/or differential assembly if necessary.
(3) Remove propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT -
REMOVAL)
(4) Disconnect left and right rear halfshafts from
output flanges (Fig. 2).(5) Remove torque arm mount to body bolts.
(6) Position transmission jack to driveline module
assembly and secure assembly to jack.
(7) Remove two driveline module-to-body bolts
(Fig. 3).
(8) Lower driveline module from vehicle and
remove from jack.
Fig. 2 Half Shaft Mounting Bolts
1 - SHAFT
2 - FLANGE
Fig. 3 Rear Drive Line Module Assembly Mounting
Bolts
1 - DRIVELINE MODULE RETAINING BOLT (2)
2 - RUBBER ISOLATOR
3 - WASHER
RSREAR DRIVELINE MODULE3-27
REAR DRIVELINE MODULE (Continued)
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(5) Position the dust boot into the counterbore of
the caliper assembly piston bore.
(6) Using a hammer and Installer, Special Tool
C-4689 or C-4842 (depending on piston size), and
Handle, Special Tool C-4171, drive the boot into the
counterbore of the caliper as necessary (Fig. 50).
(7) Reinstall the caliper on the vehicle and bleed
the brakes as necessary. Refer to Installation in this
section.
INSTALLATION - REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER
(1) Completely retract caliper piston back into pis-
ton bore of the caliper.
(2) If removed, install the brake rotor on the hub,
making sure it is squarely seated on the face of the
hub.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the caliper
assembly onto the adapter, so the caliper guide pin
bushings do not get damaged by the mounting
bosses.
(3) Carefully lower caliper and brake shoes over
rotor and onto the adapter using the reverse proce-
dure for removal (Fig. 46).
CAUTION: When installing guide pin bolts extreme
caution should be taken not to cross-thread the cal-
iper guide pin bolts.
(4) Install the caliper guide pin bolts. Tighten the
guide pin bolts to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).CAUTION: When connecting the brake hose to the
caliper, install new brake hose to caliper special
washers.
(5) Install the brake hose on the caliper. To do
this, first place one NEW special copper washer on
each side of the hose fitting, then slide the banjo bolt
through the fitting. Next, thread the banjo bolt into
the threaded port on the rear of the brake caliper.
Tighten the banjo bolt to a torque of 47 N´m (35 ft.
lbs.).
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(7) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Remove the brake pedal depressor (holding)
tool.
(10) Bleed the hydraulic brake circuit to the brake
caliper. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(11) Road test the vehicle and make several stops
to wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake shoe linings.
Fig. 49 Installing Piston Into Caliper Bore
1 - BOOT
2 - PISTON
3 - CALIPER
Fig. 50 Installing Dust Boot
1 - HAMMER
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4689 or C-4842
4 - CALIPER
RSBRAKES - BASE5-33
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - REAR (Continued)
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CAUTION: Do not hone the bore of the cylinder as
this will remove the anodized surface from the bore.
DESCRIPTION - RHD
The master cylinder used on right hand drive
(RHD) vehicles functions similarly to that used on
left hand drive (LHD) vehicles. The RHD master cyl-
inder, as well as the RHD power brake booster, is
located in the same area, but lower in the engine
compartment than LHD models (Fig. 55). For that
reason an extension manifold is placed between the
fluid reservoir and master cylinder housing allowing
the fluid reservoir to be positioned in the same loca-
tion as on LHD models.
OPERATION
When the brake pedal is depressed, the master cyl-
inder primary and secondary pistons apply brake
pressure through the chassis tubes to the brakes at
each tire and wheel assembly.
The master cylinder primary outlet port supplies
hydraulic pressure to the right front and left rear
brakes. The secondary outlet port supplies hydraulic
pressure to the left front and right rear brakes.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MASTER CYLINDER
BLEEDING
CAUTION: When clamping master cylinder in vise,
only clamp master cylinder by its mounting flange.
Do not clamp master cylinder piston rod, reservoir,
seal or body.(1) Clamp master cylinder in a vise.
NOTE: Use correct bleeder tubes when bleeding
master cylinder. Master cylinder outlet ports vary in
size and type depending on whether master cylin-
der is for a vehicle equipped with traction control or
not. Traction control equipped master cylinders
require the additional use of ISO style flare adapt-
ers supplied in Special Tool Package 8822 to be
used in conjunction with Bleeder Tubes, Special
Tool Package 8358.
(2) Attach special tools for bleeding master cylin-
der in the following fashion:
(a)For non-traction control equipped mas-
ter cylinders, thread a Bleeder Tube, Special Tool
8358±1, into each outlet port. Tighten each tube to
17 N´m (145 in. lbs.) torque. Flex bleeder tubes and
place open ends into mouth of fluid reservoir as far
down as possible (Fig. 56).
(b)For traction control equipped master
cylinders, thread one Adapter, Special Tool
8822±2, in each outlet port. Tighten Adapters to 17
N´m (145 in. lbs.) torque. Next, thread a Bleeder
Tube, Special Tool 8358±1, into each Adapter.
Tighten each tube to 17 N´m (145 in. lbs.) torque.
Flex bleeder tubes and place open ends into mouth
of fluid reservoir as far down as possible (Fig. 56).
Fig. 55 RHD MASTER CYLINDER AND POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
3 - FLUID RESERVOIR
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 56 Master Cylinder Set Up For Bleeding
1 - BLEEDER TUBES 8358
2 - WOODEN DOWEL
3 - ADAPTER 8822-2 (USE ONLY ON TRACTION CONTROL
EQUIPPED MASTER CYLINDERS)
4 - ADAPTER 8822-2 (USE ONLY ON TRACTION CONTROL
EQUIPPED MASTER CYLINDERS)
5 - 38 BRAKES - BASERS
MASTER CYLINDER (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SPEEDOMETER
INACCURATE.1. SPEEDOMETER OUT
OF CALIBRATION.1. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST.
²IF SPEEDOMETER IS ACCURATE TO THE
CALIBRATION POINTS THEN LOOK FOR ANOTHER
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF INACCURACY.
²IF SPEEDOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE TO THE
CALIBRATION POINTS, REPLACE CLUSTER
ASSEMBLY.
2. WRONG
SPEEDOMETER PINION
FOR TIRE SIZE.2.A. IF VEHICLE HAS A 4 SPEED ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSION GO TO STEP 2.C. OTHERWISE GO
TO STEP 2.B.
2.B. CHECK IF CORRECT SPEEDOMETER PINION IS
BEING USED WITH TIRES ON VEHICLE. REFER TO
TRANSMISSION FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
²IF THE INCORRECT PINION IS IN TRANSMISSION
THEN REPLACE WITH CORRECT PINION.
²IF THE CORRECT PINION IS IN THE
TRANSMISSION, CHECK TIRE SIZE.
2.C. USE A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL TO CHECK THE
TCM TO SEE IF THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE HAS
BEEN PROGRAMMED INTO THE TCM.
²IF THE INCORRECT TIRE SIZE WAS SELECTED,
SELECT THE PROPER TIRE SIZE.
²IF THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE WAS SELECTED,
CHECK SPEED SENSOR.
3. BAD SPEED SENSOR. 3. REFER TO TRANSMISSION, SPEED SENSOR,
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
TACHOMETER DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO POINTER
MOVEMENT.1. INTERNAL
CLUSTER FAILURE.1.A. PERFORM CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND
CHECK FOR FAULT CODES.
²IF TACHOMETER POINTER MOVES TO CALIBRATION
POINTS DURING TEST, LOOK FOR ANOTHER POSSIBLE
CAUSE OF FAILURE.
²IF THE POINTER DOESN'T MOVE DURING TEST,
CHECK FOR POWER AND GROUND TO THE MIC. IF
POWER AND GROUND ARE PRESENT GO TO STEP 1.B.
1.B. REPLACE CLUSTER. GO TO STEP 1.C.
2.9NO RPM9PCI BUS
MESSAGE OR9ZERO
RPM9PCI BUS
MESSAGE FROM
PCM.2. CHECK THE PCM USING A DRB IIITSCAN TOOL.
REFER TO THE PROPER POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES MANUAL TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND
REPAIR.
8J - 6 INSTRUMENT CLUSTERRS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (Continued)
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Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage per cylinder.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 3). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied by two scales. One scale is in inches, the
other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
Fig. 3 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 84 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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Upper and lower number 2 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 59). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and
lubricated with engine oil before installation. Bearing
shells are available in standard and the following
undersizes: 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.254 mm
(0.010 in). Never install an undersize bearing that
will reduce clearance below specifications.
CRANKSHAFT BEARING OIL CLEARANCE
Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT -
INSPECTION)
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent. The fol-lowing is the recommended procedures for the use of
Plastigage with the engine in the vehicle or engine
on a repair stand.
PLASTIGAGE METHODÐENGINE IN-VEHICLE
NOTE: The total clearance of the main bearings can
only be determined with the engine in the vehicle
by removing the weight of the crankshaft. This can
be accomplished by either of two following meth-
ods:
(1) Preferred method:
a. Shim the bearings adjacent to the bearing to be
checked in order to remove the clearance between
upper bearing shell and the crankshaft. This can be
accomplished by placing a minimum of 0.254 mm
(0.010 in.) shim (e. g. cardboard, matchbook cover,
etc.) between the bearing shell and the bearing cap
on the adjacent bearings and tightening bolts to
14±20 N´m (10±15 ft. lbs.).
²When checking #1 main bearing shim #2 main
bearing.
²When checking #2 main bearing shim #1 & #3
main bearing.
²When checking #3 main bearing shim #2 & #4
main bearing.
²When checking #4 main bearing shim #3 main
bearing.
NOTE: Remove all shims before reassembling
engine.
(2) Alternative Method:
a. Support the weight of the crankshaft with a
jack under the counterweight adjacent to the bearing
being checked.
(3) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(4) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 60). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 61) with the scale
provided on the package. Locate the band closest to
the same width. This band shows the amount of
clearance in thousandths. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)Plastigage gener-
ally is accompanied by two scales. One scale is
in inches, the other is a metric scale.
Fig. 58 Main Bearing Cap Identification
Fig. 59 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
3 - UPPER BEARINGS
4 - LOWER BEARINGS
9 - 120 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
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