suspension MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Owner's Manual

(15) Lower engine cradle.
(16) Release support clips and remove brake lines.
(17) Remove nuts and remove jounce bumpers.
(18) Remove nuts and remove mount heat shield.
(Fig. 14)
(19) Remove stabilizer bar as necessary. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/FRONT/STABILIZER BAR -
REMOVAL)
(20) Remove steering gear. (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - REMOVAL)
(21) Using a sharp flat bladed tool, remove identi-
fication plate. (Fig. 15)INSTALLATION
(1) Using a suitable RTV sealant, attach identifica-
tion plate to engine cradle.
(2) Install steering gear onto engine cradle. (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION)
NOTE: Steering gear must be torqued in a three
step procedure below.
(3) Tighten steering gear bolts in three stages as
follows.
1. Tighten to 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.)
2. Then tighten to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.)
3. Then tighten bolts an additional 90É.
(4) Install stabilizer bar. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/STABILIZER BAR - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install heat shield and nuts.
(6) Install jounce bumpers and install nuts.
(7) Install support clips and brake lines.
(8) Raise engine cradle into place and install bolts.
(9) Tighten bolts to 125 N´m (92 ft. lbs.).
(10) Connect brake lines at couplings and tighten
to 14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
(11) Position power steering hose and install sup-
port bracket bolt.
(12) Install both power steering hoses at steering
gear. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Connect steering shaft to gear and install the
lower pinch bolt.
(14) Tighten lower pinch bolt to 24 N´m (18 ft.
lbs.).
(15) Install new tie straps holding transmission
harness to cradle.
(16) Install front spring. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/SPRING - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install engine mount nuts and tighten to 45
N´m (33 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 13 ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS
1 - ENGINE CRADLE
2 - CRADLE BOLTS (4 PER SIDE)
Fig. 14 HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD
2 - NUTS
Fig. 15 IDENTIFICATION PLATE
1 - IDENTIFICATION PLATE
2 - ENGINE CRADLE
13 - 10 FRAME & BUMPERSVA

(18) Install calipers. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION)
(19) Install new tie straps holding wheel speed
sensors and brake pad wear sensors wire harness to
cradle.
(20) Check and align vehicle to specifications.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
REAR CROSSMEMBER -
TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Support transmission with a suitable lifting
device.
(3) Remove the bolts/nuts and remove transmis-
sion mount cover. (Fig. 16)
(4) Remove crossmember nuts and crossmember.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crossmember and install nuts.
(2) Tighten crossmember nut to 45 N´m (33 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Remove transmission support.
(4) Install transmission mount bracket.
(5) Install transmission mount bolts/nuts and
tighten to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.).
TRAILER HITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Disconnect electrical connector. (Fig. 17)
Fig. 16 TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER
1 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT BOLTS (2)
2 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT COVER
3 - TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER NUTS (4)
4 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT NUTS (2)
5 - TRANSMISSION SUPPORT
6 - CROSSMEMBER
7 - TRANSMISSION MOUNT
VAFRAME & BUMPERS 13 - 11

STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash
panel seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension compo-
nents.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR KNOCK-
ING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball joints/
tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if nec-
essary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
19 - 2 STEERINGVA

INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMEN-
TARY INCREASE IN TURNING
EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as nec-
essary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as neces-
sary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
VASTEERING 19 - 3

GEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR
DESCRIPTION..........................7
REMOVAL.............................7INSTALLATION..........................7
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART.........8
GEAR
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
(1) Siphon the power steering fluid out of the res-
ervoir.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front wheels.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar from the upper part
of the stabilizer link (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/STABILIZER LINK - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the outer tie rod end nuts and sepa-
rate the tie rods from the steering knuckles (Fig. 2)
using special tool C-3894±A.
(6) Remove the left outer tie rod end from the
steering gear.
(7) Remove both spring clamp plates (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/SPRING CLAMP PLATES -
REMOVAL).(8) Remove both the high pressure and return
hoses from the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/PUMP/HOSES - REMOVAL) (Fig. 2).
(9) Remove the steering shaft clamping bolt from
the steering gear (Fig. 2).
(10) Separate the universal joint from the steering
gear (Fig. 2).
(11) Remove the steering gear bolts from the front
axle.
(12) Remove the steering gear by sliding it toward
the passengers side of the vehicle and then tilt down-
ward on the drivers side and remove from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the gear to the vehicle.
NOTE: Steering gear must be torqued in a three
step procedure below.
(2) Install the steering gear bolts (Fig. 2). Tighten
to an initial torque of 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.) Then
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR REMOVAL / INSTALL
1 - U-JOINT
2 - HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE
3 - RETURN HOSE
4 - OUTER TIE ROD END RETAINING NUT
5 - STEERING GEAR
6 - STEERING GEAR RETAINING BOLT
7 - STEERING GEAR NUT
8 - WASHER
9 - ENGINE MOUNT BOLT
10 - U-JOINT CLAMPING BOLT
VAGEAR 19 - 7

torque to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.) and a final additional
90É turn for final torque.
(3) Install the universal joint to the steering gear
(Fig. 2). Tighten to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install both the power steering hoses to the
steering gear (Fig. 2). Tighten the high pressure hose
to 37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the spring clamp plates (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/SPRING CLAMP PLATES -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the left outer tie rod end to the steering
gear.(7) Install both the outer tie rod ends to the steer-
ing knuckle (Fig. 2). Tighten to 130 N´m (96 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the upper stabilizer bar link to the sta-
bilizer bar.
(9) Install the front wheels.
(10) Fill and bleed the power steering system
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/FLUID - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Reset toe adjustment.
(12) Check steering system for leaks.
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
U-Joint To Steering Gear 24 18 212
High Pressure Hose To
Steering Gear37 27 328
Return Line To Steering
Gear37 27 328
Steering Gear To Frame
Initial Torque25 18 221
Steering Gear To Frame
Second Torque
Then additional 90É turn45 33 398
19 - 8 GEARVA

LINKAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END ................................9
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART.........9
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION..................10TIE ROD END
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
LINKAGE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END
NOTE: If the outer tie rod end is equipped with a
lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test
the vehicle before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the vehicle
steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.(4) Position indicator plunger on the topside of the
outer tie rod end.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the outer tie rod
end.
(5) Position a pry bar in order to pry downwards
on the outer tie rod end.
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the outer tie rod end (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
(7) If the outer tie rod end is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Outer Tie Rod End Nut 130 96 Ð
Outer Tie Rod End Lock-
ing Nut50 37 Ð
Steering Gear Boot
Clamp7Ð62
VALINKAGE 19 - 9

SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheels.
(3) Loosen the lock nut (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the tie rod end retaining nut (Fig. 1).
(5) Separate the tie rod end from the steering
knuckle (Fig. 1) using special tool C-3894±A.
(6) Remove the outer tie rod end from the inner tie
rod end by unscrewing (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the outer tie rod end by screwing it onto
thew inner tie rod end (Fig. 1).
(2) Install the outer tie rod end into the steering
knuckle (Fig. 1).
(3) Tighten the outer tie rod end nut (Fig. 1).
Tighten to 130 N´m (96 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the front wheels.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Perform toe adjustment.(7) Tighten the lock nut after toe adjustment (Fig.
1). Tighten to 50 N´m (37 ft. lbs.).
Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A
Fig. 1 OUTER TIE ROD END
1 - OUTER TIE ROD END RETAINING NUT
2 - TIE ROD SEPERATOR TOOL
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOCKING NUT
5 - INNER TIE ROD END
19 - 10 LINKAGEVA

ITEM FEATURES APPLICATIONS SERVICE TEMP
High Density Ure-
thane FoamTear resistant, highly resilient
and durable.Between metal and metal, met-
al and plastic. Water-resistant.
Examples: I/P, heavy metal rat-
tles, isolating brackets.-40É to 180É Fahr-
enheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Open Cell Foam
TapeSoft foam conforms to irregular
surfaces.Wire harness and connector
wrap.
Examples: Seals, gasket, wir-
ing, heat ducts.-40É to 180É Fahr-
enheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
Closed Cell Low
Density Foam TapeSoft, conformable. Water-resis-
tant.Wherever bulk is needed. Pre-
vents closing flutters and rat-
tles when applied to door wa-
tershield.
Examples: Door, I/P.-40É to 180É Fahr-
enheit
(-40É to 82É Celsius)
NYETGrease 880 Long life. Suspensions.
Examples: Strut busings, sway
bars.-40É to 390É Fahr-
enheit
(-40É to 200É Cel-
sius)
KrytoxTOil Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.When access is not possible,
oil will migrate to condition.
Vinyl, rubber, plastic, metal.
Examples: Convertible top
bushings, pull cups trim panel
inserts.-30É to 400É Fahr-
enheit
(-34É to 205É Cel-
sius)
KrytoxTGrease Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.Vinyl, rubber, plastic, metal,
glass.
Examples: Weather-strips,
backlite and windshield mold-
ings.-30É to 400É Fahr-
enheit
(-34É to 205É Cel-
sius)
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front door check bracket bolt/nut 6 Ð 53
Front door check to a-pillar M6 bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door check to a-pillar M8 bolts 35 26 Ð
Front door check to door fasteners 10 Ð 89
Front door exterior handle 10 Ð 89
Front door hinge bolts 25 18 Ð
Front door latch assembly bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door latch striker bolts 28 18 Ð
Front door regulator carrier plate bolts 10 Ð 89
Front door reinforcement bolts 21 15 Ð
Front door striker bolts 25 18 Ð
Front seat back mounting bolts 20 15 Ð
Front seat back stop bolt 20 15 Ð
Front seat mounting bolts 25 18 Ð
Hood hinge bolts/nuts 23 17 Ð
VABODY 23 - 11