wheel alignment MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 User Guide

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT.................................1
REAR..................................11WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................17
FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART.........1
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................2
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
HUB / BEARING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -...............4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................5
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7SPRING
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
SPRING CLAMP PLATES
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
SPRING STOP PLATES
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
STRUT
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Lower Ball Joint To Steer-
ing Knuckle280 206 Ð
Strut To Steering Knuckle 185 136 Ð
Strut To Body 100 74 Ð
Bottom Spring Clamp
Plate To Front Axle
M12 X 1.5 Bolt130 96 Ð
VASUSPENSION 2 - 1

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering knuckle on the lower ball
joint stud (Fig. 6).
(2) Install the lower ball joint nut (Fig. 6). Tighten
to 280 N´m (206 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the strut to the steering knuckle (Fig.
6). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the outer tie rod end to the steering
knuckle (Fig. 6) and tighten the nut to 130 N´m (96
ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the ABS sensor by pushing the sensor
all the way into the knuckle and the sensor will self
adjust when the wheel is turned.
(6) Install the hub/bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the disc brake caliper adapter with the
brake caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Check and set toe if necessary (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the front strut (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/STRUT - REMOVAL).(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the lower ball joint using special tool
9294-1 (Driver) with 9294-2 (Reciever) and C-4212±F.
(Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the ball joint into the lower control arm
using special tool 9294-3 (Installer ring) inserted in
9294-2 (Reciever) and C-4212±F (Fig. 7).
(2) Install the front strut (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/STRUT - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Check the front wheel alignment (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Insert spring blocks special tool 9288 between
the spring and the spring clamp plates, While the
vehicles wheels are on the ground.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).Hang
the caliper. Do not allow brake hose to support
the caliper weight.
(5) Remove the retaining nut holding the tie rod to
the steering knuckle (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STRUT
2 - STRUT BOLT
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
5 - OUTER TIE ROD END RETAINING NUT
6 - INNER TIE ROD END
7 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 7 LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - LOWER BALL JOINT
2 - 6 FRONTVA

(5) Remove the spring clamp plate and rubber
block.
(6) Remove the shear bushings from the front and
rear bolts.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a jack under the lower ball joint and
lower the weight of the vehicle enough to allow a
wrench between the lower control arm and the
bracket tighten the nut.
(2) Fit one spring clamp plate together with the
lower spring rubber block.
(3) Install the bolt with the shear bushing on the
rear mounting,Do not tighten yet.
(4) Install the four retaining bolts for the spring
clamp plate. Tighten to 65 N´m (48 ft.lbs.).
(5) Align the holes for the front clamp plate joint
using a suitable drift (shear bushing not installed).
(6) Remove the alignment drift.
(7) Insert the shear bushing and retaining bolt
into the hole and tighten to 130 N´m (96 ft.lbs.).
(8) Remove the jack and lower the vehicle.
SPRING STOP PLATES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the lower end of the stabilizer link
from the stop plate.
(4) Remove the three bolts retaining the spring
stop plate from the lower control arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the spring stop plate to the lower con-
trol arm. Tighten the bolts to 60 N´m (44 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the stabilizer link to the spring stop
plate.
(3) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
(4) Lower the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and connects to the frame crossmember. The
ends of the bar mount to the lower suspension arm.
All mounting points of the stabilizer bar are isolated
by bushings (Fig. 10).
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The bar helps to maintain a flat
attitude to the road surface.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer bar clamp bolts at the
front axle (Fig. 11).
(3) Press the rubber mount outwards out of the
brackets (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the stabilizer links from the stabilizer
bar (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar
(Fig. 11).
(2) Install the stabilizer to the front axle (Fig. 11).
Fig. 10 STABILIZER BAR
Fig. 11 STABILIZER BAR
1 - RUBBER MOUNT
2 - STABILIZER LINK
3 - RUBBER MOUNT
4 - NUT
5 - RUBBER MOUNT
6 - CLAMP BRACKET
7 - BOLT
VAFRONT 2 - 9

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

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

PROPELLER SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Secure vehicle to prevent it from rolling.
(2) Make installing reference marks on propeller
shaft (Fig. 6) and (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove retaining bracket bolts (Fig. 8) and
(Fig. 9).
(4) Remove propeller shaft bolts from rear axle
and transmission at the flange.
(5) Remove propeller shaft intermediate bearing
nuts from retaining bracket and bracket for brake
cable.
NOTE: The brake cable bracket is only installed in
vehicles with wheelbase 3550 mm
SPLITTER 1130
INSTALLER 9275
INCLINOMETER 7663
Fig. 6 ALIGNMENT MARKS
1 - ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - BOOT
3 - ALIGNMENT MARK
4 - CENTER BEARING
Fig. 7 ALIGNMENT MARKS 3 PIECE SHAFT
1 - REFERNCE MARK
2 - CENTER SHAFT
3 - REFERENCE MARK
4 - REAR SHAFT
VAPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 7

(6) Remove shaft from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install propeller shaft intermediate bearing/
bearings to support and tighten nuts to 105 N´m (77
ft. lbs.).
(2) Install propeller shaft intermediate bearing
support/supports to frame floor and tighten bolts to
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install propeller shaft intermediate bearing
with retaining bracket and bracket for brake cable.
NOTE: The bracket is only installed on vehicles
with wheelbase 3550 mm.
(4) Install propeller shaft to rear axle and trans-
mission flange with installation marks are aligned.
Tighten bolts to 70 N´m (66 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install retaining bracket and tighten bolts to
100 N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
CENTER BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove propeller shaft.
(2) Mark shafts for installation alignment (Fig.
10).(3) Loosen both collar clamps (Fig. 11).
Fig. 9 3 PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT
1 - FLANGE BOLT 7 - BRACKET
2 - INTERMEDIATE BEARING 8 - RETAINING BRACKET
3 - CENTER SHAFT 9 - BOLT
4 - REAR SHAFT 10 - FRONT SHAFT
5 - REAR AXLE 11 - TRANSMISSION
6 - NUT
Fig. 10 ALIGNMENT MARKS
1 - ALIGNMENT MARK
2 - BOOT
3 - ALIGNMENT MARK
4 - CENTER BEARING
VAPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 9

(4) Remove the fog lamp switch from the face of
the cluster bezel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Position the fog lamp switch to the proper
mounting hole on the face of the cluster bezel (Fig.
16).
(2) Using hand pressure, push the fog lamp switch
firmly and evenly into the switch mounting hole of
the cluster bezel until both of the latches on the
switch body are fully engaged.
(3) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FRONT LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front grille from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL).(3) Remove the two screws that secure the cover at
the inboard side of the front lamp unit (Fig. 18).
(4) Remove the cover from the front lamp unit.
(5) From the engine compartment, disconnect the
vehicle wire harness connector from the connector
receptacle for the front lamp unit.
(6) Remove the four screws that secure the front
lamp unit to the front of the vehicle.
(7) Remove the front lamp unit from the front of
the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the front lamp unit to the front of the
vehicle (Fig. 18).
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the front lamp unit to the front of the vehicle.
(3) From the engine compartment, reconnect the
vehicle wire harness connector to the connector
receptacle for the front lamp unit.
(4) Position the cover to the front lamp unit.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the cover at the inboard side of the front lamp unit.
(6) Reinstall the front grille onto the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Check and adjust the front lamp alignment as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR/FRONT LAMP UNIT - ADJUST-
MENTS).
Fig. 17 Fog Lamp Switch Remove/Install
1 - FOG LAMP SWITCH
2 - LATCH (2)
3 - CLUSTER BEZEL
Fig. 18 Front Lamp Unit Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - COVER
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - LAMP UNIT
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
VALAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 13