1988 PONTIAC FIERO suspension

1988
SER
This manual applies to the 1988 Pontiac Firebird Models.
It contains the latest product information available at the
time of publication approval. lnformation pertaining to
the operation of the vehicle is contained in the Owner's
Manual which accompanies each vehicle. The right is
reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
Any references to brand names in this manual is intended
merely as an example of the types of
lubricant% tools,
materials, etc, recommended for use in servicing 1988
Pontiac Models. In all cases, an equivalent may be used.
PONTIAC DIVISION
GENERAL
MOTORS CORPORATION
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48053
1987 General Motors Corp. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means,
including but not limited to electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of General Motors Corp. This includes all text,
illustrations, tables and charts.
S-881 OF 9-87 Printed in Canada
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION NAME
GENERAL INFORMATION
OA. General lnformation
OB. Maintenance & Lubrication
1 SECT.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
1A. Heating and Ventilation
1 B. Air Conditioning
1D1. R-4 AIC Com~ressor Overhaul
FRAME AND BUMPERS
2B. Bumpers 2C. Chassis Sheet Metal
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
AND TIRES
3. Diagnosis
3A. Wheel Alignment
3B5. Steering Wheels and Columns 3B6. Steering Linkage 3B7. Power Steering Gear and Pump
3C. Front Suspension
3D. Rear Suspension
3E. Tires and Wheels
FINAL DRIVE
4A. Propeller Shaft
4B. Rear Axle
4B1. Bora-Warner Axle
BRAKES 5. Brakes 5A3. Comoosite Master Cvlinder 5B1. Disc r rake Caliper ~ssembly - 300013100 Series 5B6. Disc Brake Caliper Assembly - 3548
Series
5C3. Direct Torque Drum Brake Assembly 5D2. Power Head Assembly - Tandem Diaohraam 5F. ~~ecifications and Special Tools
ENGINE 6. Engine General lnformation 6A2. 2.8L 6A3. 5.OL & 5.7L 6B. Engine Cooling
6C. En~ine Fuel
6D. ~ngine Electrical 6D1. Battery 6D2. Cranking System 6D3. Charging System 6D4. Ignition System 6D5. Engine Wiring
6E. Driveabilitv and Emissions
6E2. ~missions' 6E3. Emissions - PFI
6F. Engine Exhaust
TRANSMISSION 7A. Automatic Transmission - General
lnformation
7A1. Automatic Transmission - On-Car
Service
700R4. Automatic Transmission Hydraulic Diagnosis
700R4. Automatic Transmission Unit Repair
76. 5-Speed Manual Transmission
7C. Clutch
CHASSIS ELECTRICAL 8A. Electrical Diagnosis
8B. Lighting and Horns
8C. Instrument
Panel, Gages
& Console
8E. Windshield Wiper &Washer System
ACCESSORIES 9A. Radio Systems and Antennas 9B. Cruise Control 9G. Miscellaneous Accessories
I BODY SERVICE MANUAL END
OF
MANUAL

OA-6 GENERAL INFORMATION
USING FRAME CONTACT HOIST USING
FRAME CONTACT HOIST
REARWARD OF FRONT TIRE ' FORWARD OF REAR TIRE
USING SUSPENSION CONTACT HOIST
LIFTING ON REAR AXLE USING
SUSPENSION CONTACT HOIST
UNDER FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM
520016-0A
Fig. 8 Vehicle Lifting Points "F" Model

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION OB-1
SECTION OB
NTENANCE AND LUBR
CONTENTS
Maintenance Schedule, Gasoline .............................................. OB-l
Maintenance Schedules I and 11 .............................................. OB-2
Owner Inspections
......................................................... OB-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ......................................... OB-6
PASSENGER CAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
VEHICLES
WITH GASOLINE ENGINE
NORMAL CAR USE ITEM 4
The maintenance services contained in Schedules I Carburetor or Throttle Body Mounting Bolt
and 11 are based on the assumption that your car will be Torque* used as designed:
Check torque of mounting bolts and/or nuts. @ To carry passengers and cargo within the limits
shown on the Tire Placard located on the edge of the ITEM 5 driver's door.
@ On reasonable road surfaces within legal driving Engine Idle Speed Adjustment*
limits. (Engines
without Idle Speed Control or Idle Air
Control) - Adjust to specifications shown on the under- @ On unleaded gasoline.
hood label. If no specifications are shown on the label, no
adjustment is necessary. Calibrated test equipment must
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE be used. SERVICES
The services listed in Maintenance Scheduies I and ITEM 6
11 are further explained below. When the following main- ~i~~ and wheel aotation tenance services are performed, make sure all parts are
replaced and all necessary repairs are done before driving To equalize wear and obtain maximum tire life,
your car. Be sure to use the proper fluid and lubricants as rotate in accordance with patterns shown in Owner's
shown in Figure OB-2. Manual.
ITEM 1
Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change*
ALWAYS USE SFICC OR SF/CD ENERGY CON-
SERVING OILS OF PROPER VISCOSITY
- Also.
always change oil and filter as soon as possible after
driving in a dust storm. See your Owner's Manual for
further details.
ITEM 2
Chassis Lubrication
Lubricate all grease fittings in suspension and steer-
ing linkage. Lubricate
transmissionltransaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact
points and linkage. Also lubricate clutch cross shaft lever
every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) on rear-wheel-drive cars
only.
ITEM 3
Carburetor Choke and Hoses*
If your car is equipped with a carburetor, verify that
choke and vacuum break work properly and are within
specifications. Correct any binding caused by damage or
gum on the choke shaft. Inspect hoses for proper hookup,
cracks, chafing or decay. Correct as necessary.
Vacuum or A.I.R. Pump Drive Belt Inspection*
When a separate belt is used to drive the vacuum or
A.I.R.
pump, inspect it for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Adjust or replace as needed.
ITEM 8
Cooling System Service*
Drain, flush and refill system with new coolant. See
your Owner's Manual
for further details.
ITEM 9
Wheel Bearing Repack (Rear-Wheel-Drive Cars
Only Except Corvette)
Clean and repack front wheel bearings at each brake
relining or 15,000 miles
(25 000 km), whichever comes
first, when car is used in such service as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery. If you do not use your car in such
service, clean and repack bearings at each brake relining
or 30,000 miles
(50 000 km), whichever comes first.
Corvette models do not require wheel bearing repack.

OB-4 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
Tire and wheel operation - Be alert to a vibra-
tion of the steering wheel or seat at normal highway
speeds. This may mean a wheel balance is needed. Also, a
pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the
need for
a tire pressure adjustment or wheel alignment.
Steering system operation - Be alert to
changes in steering action. An inspection is needed when
the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free
play or if unusual sounds are noted when turning or
parking.
Headlight aim operation - Take note of light
pattern occasionally. If beam aim doesn't look right,
headlights should be adjusted.
AT EACH FUEL FILL
Engine oil level check - Check engine oil level
and add if necessary. See your Owner's
Manual for further
details.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Engine coolant level and condition - Check
engine coolant level in coolant reservoir tank and add if
necessary. Replace if dirty or rusty. See your Owner's
Manual for further details.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Windshield washer fluid level check -- Check
washer fluid level in container and add if necessary.
Hood latch operation - When opening hood on
cars equipped with hoods that open from the front, note
the operation of secondary latch. It should keep hood from
opening all the way when primary latch is released. Make
sure that hood closes firmly.
AT LEAST MONTI-ILY
Tire and wheel inspection and pressure
check--
Check tires for abnormal wear or damage. Also,
check for damaged wheels. Keep pressures as shown on
Tire Placard on the driver's door (include spare unless it is
a stowaway). Pressure should b\: checked when tires are
"cold". See "Tires" in Owner's Manual for further
infomation.
Light operation check - Check operation of
license plate light, side-marker lights, headlights includ-
ing high beams, parking lights, taillights, brake lights.
turn signals, backup lights, instrument panel and interior
lights and hazard warning flashers.
Fluid leak check - After the car has been parked
for a while, inspect the surface beneath the car for water,
oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice fuel
leaks or fumes, the cause should be found and corrected at
once.
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR (FOR EXAMPLE,
EVERY SPRING AND FALL)
Power steering pump fluid level check --
Check power steering pump fluid level in accordance with
Owner's Manual instructions and keep at proper level.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Brake master cylinder reservoir fluid level
check ---- Check fluid and keep at proper level. Note: It is
normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear
- so be sure to keep reservoir filled.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have
it inspected and repaired at once.
Clutch system service --- manual transmis-
sionltransaxle --- For cars equipped with hydraulic
clutch system, check the reservoir fluid level and add fluid
as required. All others, check clutch pedal free travel and
adjust as necessary. See your Owner's Manual for further
details.
~
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Weatherstrip Lubrication - Clean surface and
then apply a thin film of silicone grease with a clean cloth.
EACH TIME OIL IS CHANGED
Automatic and manual transmissionltrans-
axle fluid level check - Check transmission/transaxle
fluid level and add as required. (Corvette only) if equipped
with manual transmission
- check fluid in the overdrive
unit and add as required.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have
it inspected and repaired at once.
Brake systems inspection - For convenience,
the following should be done when wheels are removed
for rotation: Inspect lines and hoses for proper hookup,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also in-
spect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect
other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, park-
ing brake, etc. at the same time. Check parking brake
adjustment.
INSPECT BRAKES MORE OFTEN IF DRIVING
HABITS OR CONDITIONS RESULT IN FREQUENT
BRAKING.
Steering, suspension and front drive axle
boot and seal inspection
- Inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or
missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, bind-
ing, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. (On cars equipped with
manual steering gear, check for seal leakage.) On
front-
wheel-drive cars, clean then inspect drive axle boot seals
for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust system inspection - Inspect complete
system. Inspect 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 condi-
tions which could cause a heat buildup in the tloor pan or
could let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger
compartment.

STEERING, SUSPENSION, f IRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS 3.1
SECVION 3
STEER NG, SUSPENS
WHEELS
AGNOS
CONTENTS
........................................... General Information 3- 1 ............................................ General Diagnosis 3- 1
Power Recirculating Ball .................................. 3-3
................. Steering Linkage ........................ .. 3-3
Power Steering Pump ................... ... ............ 3-4
Steering Column
Lock System
........................... ... ................ 3-4
Column ............................................................ 3-5
........................................ Turn Signal Switch 3-6
Ignition Switch .............................................. 3-7
Key Reminder .............................................. 3-7
Dimmer Switch .................... ... ................ 3-10
Pivot and Switch Assembly ............................ 3-10
Steering Gear and Pump Leaks .......................... 3- 10
Seal Replacement Recommendations ................. 3- 10
Power Steering System Test Procedure .............. 3-12
................ Strut Dampener and Shock Absorber 3- 12
Tires ........................ .. ..................................... 3- 13
Vibrations .......................... .............. .................... 3- 14
.......................... Tapered Roller Bearings .. .... 3- 14
Trim Height .............................................. 3-14
GENERAL INFORMATION Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear
Since the problems in steering, suspension, tires
and wheels involve several systems, they must all be
considered when diagnosing a complaint. To avoid
e Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
using the wrong symptom, always road test the car
o Sagging or broken springs
first. Proceed with the following preliminary checks
Tire out of balance and correct any substandard conditions which are worn strut dampener or shock absorber found. o Hard driving
--
e Tires for wrong pressure and uneven wear
o Joints from the column to the steering gear for
loose connectors or wear
o Front and rear suspension, and the steering gear
or linkage for loose or damaged parts
Out-of-round or out-of-balance tires, bent wheels,
and loose and/or rough wheel bearings
@ Power steering system for leaks. Also check the
power steering fluid level and the pump drive belt
tension
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
Car Pulls (Leads)
Inspect
Mismatched or uneven tires
Broken or sagging springs
Radial tire lateral force
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
o Steering gear valve off center (unbalanced)
e Front brakes dragging
a Overloaded car
e Not rotating tires
Scuffed Tires
o Toe incorrect
e Excessive speed on turns
o Suspension arm bent or twisted
Wheel Tramp
Inspect
o Blister or bump on tire
o Improper strut dampener or shock absorber
action
Shimmy, Shake or Vibration
inspect
e Tire or wheel out of balance
e Worn wheel bearings
a Worn tie rod ends
o Worn lower ball joints

3-2 STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS
o Excessive wheel runout
e Blister or bump on tire
e Excessive loaded radial runout of tire and wheel
assembly
Hard Steering (Power)
lnspect
e Hydraulic system - Make test with gage J 5176
or J 25323
e Steering gear adjustment
e Bind or catch in steering gear
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Steering gear pressure port check valve (800
series)
Too Much Play In Steering
a lnspect
e Wheel bearings worn
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Joints from column to steering gear loose or worn
e Steering gear adjustment
Poor Returnability (Power)
Inspect
e Lack of lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
o Bind in ball joints
o Rind in steering column
e Front-wheel alignment
e Steering gear adjustment
e Sticking valve
o Steering gear adjustment
e Lower coupling binding on steering gear
Abnormal Noise, Front End
lnspect
Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
Damaged suspension components
Worn control arm bushings or tie rod ends
Imose stabilizer shaft
Loose wheel nuts
Loose suspension bolts
Wheel covers
Steering gear adjustment
Worn strut dampener, shock absorbers or
n~ountings
Spring improperly positioned
Wander or Poor Steering Stability
Inspect
o Mismatched or uneven tires
e Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Loose stabilizer shaft Broken
or sagging springs
e Steering gear adjustment
e Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
Erratic Steering When Braking
lnspect
e Wheel bearings worn
e Broken or sagging springs
e Leaking wheel cylinder or caliper
Warped rotors
e Incorrect or uneven caster
Low Or Uneven Trim Height
e Broken or sagging springs
@ Overloaded car
e Incorrect or weak springs
Ride Too Soft
Inspect
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect or sagging springs
Ride Too Harsh
lnspect -
e Incorrect strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect springs
Body Leans Or Sways In Corners
lnspect
e Loose stabilizer shaft
e Worn strut dampeners, shock absorbers or
mounting
a Broken or sagging springs
e Overloaded car
Suspension Bottoms
lnspect
a Overloaded car
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect, broken or sagging spring
"Dog" Tracking
lnspect
e Damaged rear suspension arm or worn bushings
e Bent rear axle
e Frame or underbody alignment incorrect

STEERING, SUSPENSION, VIBES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS 3-3
Steering Wheel Kick-Back (Power)
Inspect
e Air in system
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Joints from column to steering gear loose or worn
e Tie rod ends loose
Worn or missing check valve
(800 series)
e Wheel bearings worn
e See "Too Much Play In Steering" for other
possible causes.
Steering Wheel Surges Or Jerks (Power)
Inspect
Hydraulic system - Make pressure test with gage
J 5176-D or
J 25323
e Sluggish steering gear valve
Loose pump drive belt
Cupped Tires
Inspect
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
e Strut dampeners or shock absorbers weak
e Wheel bearing worn
e Excessive tire or wheel runout
e Worn ball joint
a Loose steering gear adjustment
POWER RECIRCULATING BALL
SEERING GEAR DIAGNOSIS
Hissing Noise
There is some noise in all power steering systems.
One of the most common is a hissing sound when the
steering wheel is turned and the car is not moving. This
noise will be most evident when turning the wheel
while the brakes are applied. There is no relationship
between this noise and steering performance. Do not
replace the valve unless the "hissing" noise is extremely
objectionable. A replacement valve will also have a
slight noise, and is not always a cure for the condition.
Check that the intermediate shaft joints are not loose.
Rattle or Chucking Noise
Inspect -
Pressure hose grounding out
e Tie rod ends loose
e Steering gear attachment loose
a Loose pitman shaft "over-center" adjustment.
A slight rattle may occur on turns because of
increased clearance off the "high point". This is
normal and clearance must not be reduced below
specified limits to eliminate this slight rattle.
Poor Return of Steering Wheel to Center
Front-wheel alignment
Wheel bearing worn
Tie rod end binding
Ball joint binding
Steering wheel rubbing against turn signal
housing
Steering gear adjustments
Tight or frozen intermediate steering shaft
Sticky or plugged spool valve
Momentary Increase in Effort Whsn Turning
Wheel Fast to Right or Left
Inspect
High internal leakage
Steering Wheel Surges or Jerks When Turning
With
Engine Running Especially During Parking
ln8pe~t
e Insufficient pump pressure
Sticky flow control valve
Excessive Wheel Kickback or Loose Steering
Air in system
Steering gear attachment loose
Tie rod ends loose
Wheel bearings worn
Steering gear flexible coupling loose on shaft or
rubber disc mounting nuts loose
Loose thrust bearing preload adjustment
Excessive "over-center" lash
Worn pressure port check valve
Hard Steering or Lack of Assist
(Especially During Parking)
-
Brakes applied while turning steering wheel
Intermediate shaft damaged or worn
e Sticky flow control valve
Insufficient pump pressure
Excessive internal pump leakage
Excessive internal steering gear leakage
STEERING LINKAGE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive Play or Looseness in Steering Systern
inspect
r, Worn upper ball joints
e Steering gear worm bearings loosely adjusted

3.4 STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS
e Excessive pitman shaft to ball nut lash in steering
gear
e Worn intermediate rod or tie rod sockets
Excessive Looseness in Tie Rod or Intermediate
Rod Pivots, or Excessive Vertical Lash in
Idler
Support
Inspect -
e Seal damage and leakage resulting in loss of
lubricant, corrosion and excessive wear
Hard Steering
0 Inspect
e Tight or frozen intermediate rod, tie rod or idler
socket
e Steering gear adjusted too tight
POWER STEERING PUMP DIAGNOSIS
Foarning, Milky Power Steering Fluid, Low Fluid
Level, and Possible Low Pressure
This can be caused by air in the fluid, and loss of
fluid due to internal pump leakage causing overflow.
Check for leak and correct. Bleed the system.
Extremely cold temperatures will cause air bubbles in
the system if the fluid level is low. If the fluid level is
correct and pump still foams, remove pump from car
and separate reservoir from housing. Check soft plug
and housing for cracks. If housing is cracked, replace
housing.
Low Pressure Due to Steering Pump
Inspect
e Flow control valve stuck or inoperative
e Pressure plate not flat against cam ring
e Extreme wear of cam ring
e Scored pressure plate, thrust plate or rotor
e Vanes sticking in rotor slots
Q Cracked or broken thrust or pressure plate
e High internal leakage
Low Pressure Due To Steering Gear
Inspect
e Scored housing bore
Q Leakage at valve rings or seals
Growling Noise in Steering Pump
Inspect
e Excessive back pressure in hoses or steering gear
caused by restriction
e Scored pressure plates, thrust plate or rotor
e Worn cam ring
Groaning Noise in Steering Pump
Inspect
e Air in the fluid
Low fluid level
Q Pump mounting loose
Rattling Noise in Steering Pump
Inspect - -
e Vanes sticking in rotor slots
o Vane improperly installed
o Damaged ball bearing
Swishing Noise in Steering Pump
inspect
e Damaged flow control valve
Whining Noise in Steering Pump
Inspect
Q Pump shaft bearing scored
e Scored pressure plates and vanes
STEERING COLUMN DIAGNOSIS
LOCK SYSTEM
Will Not Unlock
Inspect
o Shear flange on sector shaft collapsed
Q Damaged lock bolt
e Damaged lock cylinder
o Damaged housing
e Damaged sector
e Damaged rack
e Damaged park lock cable
Will Not Lock
Inspect
Lock bolt spring broken or worn
Damaged sector
Damaged lock cylinder
Burr on lock bolt
Damaged housing
Improper shift linkage adjustment
Damaged rack
Interference between bowl and rack coupling
Ignition switch stuck
Actuator rod restricted
Sector installed incorrectly
Park lock cable damaged