shock DODGE RAM 1999 Service Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 1999Pages: 1691, PDF Size: 40.34 MB
Page 1322 of 1691
Some conditions indicate that a service or part replacement
is suggested because the part is close to the end of its useful life
or addresses a customer's need, convenience or request. If a
customer's vehicle has one of these conditions, the procedure may be
only to suggest service.
Example:
An exhaust pipe is rusted, corroded or weak, but no leaks are
present. In this case, the exhaust pipe has not failed.
However, there is evidence that the pipe may need replacement
in the near future. Replacement of the pipe may be suggested
for the customer's convenience in avoiding a future problem.
Example:
The customer desires improved ride and/or handling, but the
vehicle's shocks or struts have not failed. In this case,
replacement may be suggested to satisfy the customer's
wishes. In this case, replacement of the shocks or struts may
not be sold as a requirement.
A customer, of course, has the choice of whether or not a
shop will service his or her vehicle. He or she may decide not to
follow some of your suggestions. When a repair is required, a MAP shop
must refuse partial service on that system if, in the judgment of the
service provider, proceeding with the work could create or continue an
unsafe condition. When a procedure states that required or suggested
repair or replacement is recommended, the customer must be informed of
the generally acceptable repair/replacement options whether or not
performed by the shop.
When presenting suggested repairs to the customer, you must
present the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own conclusions
and make an informed decision about how to proceed.
The following reasons may be used for required and suggested
services. These codes are shown in the "Code" column of the MAP
Uniform Inspection & Communications Standards that follow:
Reasons to Require Repair or Replacement
A - Part no longer performs intended purpose
B - Part does not meet a design specification (regardless of
performance)
C - Part is missing
NOTE: When a repair is required, the shop must refuse partial
service to the system in question, if the repair creates
or continues an unsafe condition.
Reasons to Suggest Repair or Replacement
1 - Part is close to the end of its useful life (just above
discard specifications, or weak; failure likely to occur
soon, etc.)
2 - To address a customer need, convenience, or request (to
stiffen ride, enhance performance, eliminate noise,
etc.)
3 - To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle's
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
4 - Technician's recommendation based on substantial and
informed experience
NOTE: Suggested services are always optional. When presenting
suggested repairs to the customer, you must present
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the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own
conclusions and make an informed decision about how to
proceed.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER VEHICLE
OPERATION
Steering and suspension are complex systems made up of a
variety of interdependent components. For proper vehicle handling,
ride, and tire wear, a thorough inspection is required whenever
suspension work is being performed.
Conditions listed assume that the problem has been isolated
to the specific component by proper testing procedures.
NOTE: When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check
and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM
specifications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use ride height altering or load compensating
components, such as variable rate springs and coil over
shocks, on vehicles with height or load sensing
proportioning valve-equipped braking systems, unless
these components are original equipment.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
NOTE: Depending on the air suspension design, there are some
aftermarket products available to eliminate the air ride
suspension on certain vehicles. If the system has been
eliminated with one of these products, then no service is
suggested or required.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the air spring portion of the
air shock or strut. For damping portion of shock
or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCK AND AIR STRUT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Inner fabric of air bag
damaged ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Outer covering of air bag
is cracked to the extent
that inner fabric of air
bag is visible ......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
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Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease seal missing ..... 2 ........ (5) Suggest replacement.
Grease seal torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 6) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 6)( 7) Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... ( 8) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 9) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Missing grease seal will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 7) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 8) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 9) - Check for damaged stud.
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ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCKS AND STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the electronic damping control portion
of the electronic shock or strut. For dampening portion of
shock or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCK AND STRUT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Connector bent .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector loose ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Electronic valve control
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Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.
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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware bent . B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A . Require replacement of corroded
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
shock or strut.
Binding ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Body dented ............. A .......... (1) Further inspection
required.
Body punctured .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Brake hose bracket
bent ................... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Brake hose bracket
missing ................ C ............ Require replacement.
Brake hose bracket
threads damaged ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Brake hose bracket
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... C ............ Require replacement.
Compression bumper
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
compression bumper.
Compression bumper
split .................. 1 .......... Suggest replacement of
compression bumper.
Damping (none) .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Dust boot (bellows)
split .................. 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
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Dust boot (bellows)
missing ................ 2 ......... (2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust boot (bellows)
torn ................... 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust shield broken ...... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Dust shield missing ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) is not removable
using appropriate tool . A .. ( 3) Require replacement of nut
and/or housing.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) threads damaged ... A ... Require repair or replacement
of nut.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Housing dented .......... A .......... ( 1) Further inspection
required.
Housing punctured ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Jounce bumper missing ... C ... Require replacement of jounce
bumper.
Jounce bumper split ..... 1 ... Suggest replacement of jounce
bumper.
Leaking oil, enough for
fluid to be running down
the body ............... A ........ ( 4) Require replacement.
Noise ................... 2 .......... ( 5) Further inspection
required.
Piston rod bent ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Piston rod broken ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Piston rod has surface
defect ................. 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Piston rod threads
damaged ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Piston rod threads
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Shock missing ........... C ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing bent ...... A ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) is not removable
using appropriate tool . A ......... ( 3) Require replacement
of nut and/or housing.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) threads damaged ... A ... Require repair or replacement
of nut.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Strut housing severely
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing threads
damaged ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Strut housing threads
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Tire cupping ............ A .......... ( 6) Further inspection
required.
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(1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock
or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict
movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially
critical on mono-tube shocks.
( 2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - Only required if replacing cartridge.
( 4) - CAUTION: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously,
the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The
technician must identify the source of the oil.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest
replacement.
( 6) - Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire
cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension
system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing
to the tire cupping, require replacement.
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SPINDLES
SPINDLE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Race seat area
undersized ............. B ............ Require replacement.
Scored .................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
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SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
When springs are replaced, it is suggested, but not required,
that both springs on an axle be replaced to maintain equal height from
side to side and to provide a balanced ride and proper handling.
When variable rate springs are installed in place of
conventional coil springs, they must be installed in axle sets to
ensure proper handling, uniform ride, and proper chassis height.
Erroneous height measurements may result from: improper tire
inflation, non-standard tire or wheel size, and heavy load in vehicle
or trunk.
SPRING (COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR) INSPECTION