suspension FORD AEROSTAR 1996 1.G Owners Manual

191
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
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[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
[DR16005(ALL)06/95]Electronic 4-Wheel Drive (E-4WD)
(If equipped)
[DR16015(ALL)06/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the E-4WD
option, power is provided to all four wheels
whenever you press the accelerator pedal. It
improves both handling and traction during
difficult driving conditions, adjusting
automatically to your driving needs. Because the
entire E-4WD system is controlled by a
microprocessor, your vehicle is not equipped
with the switch or shift lever used with most
traditional 4WD vehicles. The microprocessor
does all the adjusting for you.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

196
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[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
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[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(ALL)07/95]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
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[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
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[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

203
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[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
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[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

209 %
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[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
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[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

303 [SV31625(ALL)03/95]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(0.8 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions.
*
[SV31650(ALL)07/94]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV31750(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV31800(ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV31900(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
*
[SV31950(ALL)05/91]
q
Make sure your suspension insulation and
bumpers are not missing or worn to avoid
damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV31960(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV31965(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV31967(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:15cpsva.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:51:51 1995