suspension OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1994 Owners Manual

Problems on the Road
164
Towing from the Front-Vehicle
Hook-up
Before hooking up to a tow truck, be sure
to read all the information on
Towing
Your Vehicle earlier in this section.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or
fascia damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or car carrier equipment. Additional
ramping may be required for car carrier
equipment. Use safety chains and wheel
straps.
NOTICE:
Towing a vehicle over rough
surfaces could damage a vehicle.
Damage can occur from vehicle to
ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment. To help avoid damage,
install a towing dolly and raise
vehicle until adequate clearance
is
obtained between the ground
and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or
J-
hooks to suspension components
when using car carrier equipment.
Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
1. Attach T-hook chains on both sides
in the slotted holes in the bottom of
the frame rails, about
2 feet behind
the front wheels.
2. Attach a separate safety chain around
the outboard end of each control arm.
ProCarManuals.com

Service &Appearance Care
206
GVWR CAWR FRT CAWR RR
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE US. FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
OF MANUFALTURESHOWN ABOVE.
.MODEL.
M.P.V.
MPHY FRT TlRESlZE
RTG RIM WliKP, (COLD1
RR SPA MFD
fly GENERAL MOTORS CORP XWXX
LWKG
SERIAI. NUMBER SPEED
SEE
OWNERS MANUAL FOR ADDI'TIONAL INFORMATlOh
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label is found on
the rear edge of the driver's door.
The label shows the size
of your original
tires and the inflation pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight capacity
of
your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label also tells
you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the
actual loads
on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle, Your dealer can help
you with
this. Be sure to spread
out your load equally on both sides
of
the centerline.
Never exceed the
GVWR for your
vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you
should spread it out.
Electronic Level Control
On vehicles equipped with optional
electronic level control, the rear
of the
vehicle is automatically kept level as
you load or unload your vehicle. For
more about this option see the
Index
under Electronic Level Control.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the
right way.
NOTICE:
Your warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because
of
overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle-
like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else-they will go
as fast as
the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or
turn quickly! or if there is a crash,
they'll keep going.
ProCarManuals.com

Maintenance Schedule
238
Explanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Following are explanations of the
services listed in Schedule I and
Schedule 11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use
are listed in Section D. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or
anyone else drives the vehicle.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH” or “SG” designation may
be shown alone
or in combination
with others, such as “SH/CD,”
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To
determine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-
30 or SAE 10W-30), see
Engine Oil
in the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication - Lubricate
suspension and steering linkage.
Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage,
and parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and
linkage.
3. Tire and Wheel Rotation and
Inspection
- For proper wear and
maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this
manual. See
Tires, Inspection E.
Rotation in the Index. Check the
tires for uneven wear
or damage. If
you see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment. Check for
damaged wheels also.
Engine Accessory Drive Inspection
- Inspect the drive belt for cracks,
fraying, wear and proper tension.
Replace as needed.
I
Cooling System Servicee - Drain,
flush and refill the system with new
or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification
I
1825M. Keep coolant at the proper 1
mixture as specified. See Coolant in
the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection, corrosion
I
inhibitor level and maintains proper ’
engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses
and replace if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Tighten screw-type hose clamps.
Clean the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser. Wash tht
pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation, we
recommend
a pressure test of both the
cooling system and the pressure cap.
ProCarManuals.com

Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department or
other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any
Listed below are inspections and services which should be necessary repairs are completed at once.
performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and
Restraint Systems
Steering, Suspension
and Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot and
Seal Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
Brake System Inspection
~~ ~
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
~ ~~~
Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and
reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage.
If you see anything
that might keep
a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Inspect the front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken,
damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well
as open seams, holes, loose connections, or
other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes
into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect
drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment.
You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.
Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the
brake system. See the
Index under Brake System Warning Light. If your anti-lock brake system
warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
See the
Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Wawing Light.
ProCarManuals.com