wheel MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Manual Online

(3) Install the stabilizer bar clamp and bolts (Fig.
11). Tighten the bolts to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(4) Lower the vehicle.
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Insert a pry bar between the stabilizer link and
something solid to pry on.
(3) Pry the stabilizer link off the stabilizer bar and
the spring stop plate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a mild detergent soap the to rubber
bushings on the stabilizer link.
(2) Install the stabilizer links onto the stabilizer
bar and spring stop plate by pushing on the link.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) On the drivers side remove the floor covering
off to the side.
(2) On the passengers side take off the cover for
the tools.
(3) Remove the cover for the upper strut mounting
(Fig. 12).
(4) Remove the nut on the upper strut mounting
(Fig. 12).
(5) Raise and support the vehicle.
(6) Remove the front wheels.
(7) Raise the lower control arm approximately 10
mm with a jack to remove the tension from the strut.
(8) Remove the strut from the steering knuckle
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Hand tighten the strut upper mounting nut
until the vehicle is on the ground, otherwise the
bushings may become distorted.
(1) Install strut to the steering knuckle (Fig. 12).
Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the lower control to install the upper
part of the strut into the footwell. Tighten to 100
N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Install the nut covers (Fig. 12).
(6) Refit the floor covering and the tool cover.
Fig. 12 STRUT
1 - COVER
2 - NUT
3 - RUBBER MOUNT
4 - STRUT
5 - STRUT BOLT
6 - LOCKING BOLT
2 - 10 FRONTVA

SPRING
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension system uses a multi-leaf
springs and a solid drive axle. The forward end of the
springs are mounted to the body rail hangers
through rubber bushings. The rearward end of the
springs are attached to the body by the use of shack-
les. The spring and shackles use rubber bushings.
OPERATION
The springs control ride quality and maintain vehi-
cle ride height. The shackles allow the springs to
change their length as the vehicle moves over various
road conditions.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - (SRW)
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle.
(3) Remove the U-bolt and spring plate (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove the spring from the front spring
bracket (Fig. 2).
(5) Remove the rear spring with the spring shackle
from the spring bracket (Fig. 2).
(6) Lower the rear axle and remove the rear
spring.
(7) Remove the spring shackle from the spring (if
needed) (Fig. 2).
REMOVAL - (DRW)
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle.
(3) Remove the U-bolt and spring plate (Fig. 3).
(4) Remove the spring from the front spring
bracket (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove the rear spring with the spring shackle
from the spring bracket (Fig. 3).
(6) Lower the rear axle and remove the rear
spring.
(7) Remove the spring shackle from the spring (if
needed) (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - (SRW)
NOTE: Larger spring bushing goes toward the front.
(1) Install the spring shackle to the spring (if
removed) (Fig. 2). Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the spring to the front spring bracket
(Fig. 2). Tighten to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the spring to the rear spring bracket
(Fig. 2). Tighten to 85 N´m (63 ft. lbs.).
(4) Raise the rear axle and attach the spring plate
and U-bolts (Fig. 2). Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 2 REAR LEAF SPRING WITH SINGLE REAR
WHEELS
1 - NUT
2 - LEAF SPRING
3 - U-BOLTS
4 - PLATE
5 - SPRING BOLT
6 - SHACKLE BOLT
7 - SPRING SHACKLE
8 - U-BOLT NUTS
Fig. 3 REAR LEAF SPRING WITH DUAL REAR
WHEELS
1 - U-BOLTS
2 - NUT
3 - BOLT
4 - SPRING SHACKLE
5 - U-BOLT MOUNTING NUT
6 - U-BOLT BRACKET ALIGNING PLATE
7 - LEAF SPRING
2 - 14 REARVA

INSTALLATION - (DRW)
NOTE: Larger spring bushing goes toward the front.
(1) Install the spring shackle to the spring (if
removed) (Fig. 3). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the spring to the front spring bracket
(Fig. 3). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the spring to the rear spring bracket
(Fig. 3). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(4) Raise the rear axle and attach the spring plate
and U-bolts (Fig. 3). Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
SPRING SHACKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle.
(3) Remove both the rear spring shackles from the
spring bracket.
(4) Lower the rear axle and remove the rear spring
shackle from the spring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the spring shackle to the spring.
Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the rear axle while installing the spring
shackle to the spring bracket. Tighten to 85 N´m (63
ft. lbs.).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer links at the bar (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar clamp at the axle
(Fig. 4).
(4) Remove the bracket (Fig. 4)
(5) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the stabilizer bar to the axle.
(2) Install the stabilizer bar clamps and bracket,
center the bar then tighten to 25 N´m (18ft. lbs.)
(SRW) (Fig. 4) or Tighten to 70 N´m (52 ft. lbs.) for
(DRW) (Fig. 5).
(3) Install the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer links
and tighten to 95 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 4) or (Fig. 5).
(4) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 4 SWAY BAR WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS
(SRW)
1 - M12 NUT
2 - BUSHING
3 - SWAY BAR LINK
4 - M12 BOLT
5-SWAYBAR
6 - CLAMP
7-M8BOLT
8 - BRACKET
9 - FOUR POINT NUT M8
10 - WASHER
11-M8NUT
12 - BUSHING
13 - MOUNT
VAREAR 2 - 15

STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer links at the bar (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove the stabilizer link at the frame.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer links
and tighten to 95 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 4).
(2) Lower the vehicle.
(3) Install the stabilizer link to the frame. Tighten
to 95 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 5 SWAY BAR WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS
(DRW)
1 - STABILIZER LINK
2 - SWAY BRA BOLT
3 - SWAY BAR NUT
4-SWAYBAR
5 - RUBBER MOUNT
6 - SWAY BAR CLAMP
7 - CLAMP MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - 16 REARVA

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

DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT.......................1REAR AXLE.............................12
PROPELLER SHAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PROPELLER SHAFT....................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................4
SPECIFICATIONS........................6
SPECIAL TOOLS........................6PROPELLER SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................9
CENTER BEARING
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PROPELLER SHAFT
PROPELLER SHAFT VIBRATION
Out-of-round tires or wheels that are out of bal-
ance, will cause a low frequency vibration.
Driveline vibration can be from loose or damaged
engine mounts.
Propeller shaft vibration increases with vehicle
speed. A vibration within a specific speed is not usu-
ally caused by a out of balanced propeller shaft.
Worn universal joints or an incorrect propeller shaft
angle, usually cause such a vibration.
VADIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE 3 - 1

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

(11) Start engine and re-check for vibration. If lit-
tle or no change in vibration is evident, move clamp
to the next positions and repeat vibration test.
NOTE: If there is no difference in vibration at the
other positions, the vibration may not be propeller
shaft.
(12) If vibration decreased, install a second clamp
(Fig. 2) and repeat vibration test.
(13) If additional clamp causes additional vibra-
tion, separate clamps 1/2 inch above and below the
mark. Repeat the vibration test (Fig. 3).(14) Increase distance between clamps and repeat
test until vibration is at the lowest level. Bend the
slack end of the clamps so the screws will not loosen.
(15) If vibration remains unacceptable, preform
the procedure to the front end of the propeller shaft.
(16) Install the wheel and tires. Lower the vehicle.
PROPELLER SHAFT RUNOUT
(1) Clean the propeller shaft surface where the
dial indicator will contact the shaft.
(2) The dial indicator must be installed perpendic-
ular to the shaft surface.
(3) Measure runout at the center and ends of the
shaft away from weld areas, to ensure weld process
will not effect the measurements.
(4) Refer to Runout Specifications chart.
(5) If propeller shaft is out of specification, remove
propeller shaft and index the shaft 180É. Install the
propeller shaft and measure shaft runout again.
(6) If propeller shaft is now within specifications,
mark shaft and yokes for proper orientation.
(7) If propeller shaft runout is not within specifica-
tions, check runout of the transmission and axle.
Correct as necessary and repeat propeller shaft
runout measurement.
(8) Replace propeller shaft if the runout still
exceeds the limits.
Fig. 1 Clamp Screw At Position 1
1 - CLAMP
2 - SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 2 Two Clamp Screws At The Same Position
Fig. 3 Clamp Screws Separated
1-1¤2INCH
VAPROPELLER SHAFT 3 - 3