SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge
occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
WARNING: R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT
be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some
mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at
elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may
cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE
article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
AIR CLEANER FILTER
WARNING: Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the
air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. Do not drive
with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the
air cleaner off.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that
can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference
could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability,
such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS
observe the following cautions:
* DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first
referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES Section.
* DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the
original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable.
Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and
type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel speed readings.
* Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SERVICE
WARNING: Make certain that no fluid is spilled when the transaxle
fluid is inspected, or when fluid is added soon after
driving (since the engine is hot). If the fluid spills onto
the exhaust manifold, there is danger of fire.
BATTERY SERVICE
WARNING: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with
computers may lose memory data. When battery power is
restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles.
These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER
RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
WARNING: Batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas. Keep flames and
sparks away from the battery or and explosion may occur.
Never smoke when working in the vicinity of the battery.
WARNING: When checking or servicing the battery, disconnect the
negative cable. Be careful not to cause a short circuit by
(1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock
or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict
movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially
critical on mono-tube shocks.
( 2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - Only required if replacing cartridge.
( 4) - CAUTION: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously,
the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The
technician must identify the source of the oil.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest
replacement.
( 6) - Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire
cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension
system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing
to the tire cupping, require replacement.
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SPINDLES
SPINDLE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Race seat area
undersized ............. B ............ Require replacement.
Scored .................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
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SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
When springs are replaced, it is suggested, but not required,
that both springs on an axle be replaced to maintain equal height from
side to side and to provide a balanced ride and proper handling.
When variable rate springs are installed in place of
conventional coil springs, they must be installed in axle sets to
ensure proper handling, uniform ride, and proper chassis height.
Erroneous height measurements may result from: improper tire
inflation, non-standard tire or wheel size, and heavy load in vehicle
or trunk.
SPRING (COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR) INSPECTION
if possible. If proper
adjustment cannot be obtained,
require repair or replacement
of worn component.
Wheel bearing race
is loose in the
hub bore ............... A ...... Require replacement of hub
assembly and wheel bearings.
Wheel bearing races
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing races
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignment is defined as the measurement, analysis, and
adjustment of steering and suspension angles to conform to OEM
specifications. These angles usually include, but are not limited to:
caster, camber, toe, and thrust angle. Where these angles are not
adjustable and not in specification, component replacement or
correction kits may be required. Errors in set-back and steering axis
inclination (SAI) are often attributable to failed or damaged
components and must be corrected prior to performing an alignment.
Failure to replace or correct suggested parts or service may
prevent a proper alignment.
Before performing an alignment check, inspect and verify the
following:
* Tire pressure and size
* Vehicle loading
* Ride height
* Steering and suspension parts
If the inspection reveals that all the above are within
published specifications, a wheel alignment check and an alignment, if
needed, may be performed.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a technician bend or heat
any steering or suspension component, unless specified by
the vehicle manufacturer, for example, Ford forged twin
"I" beam axles. All measurements and specifications must
be noted on the inspection report.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Dog tracking, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... 2 ................ Suggest repair.
Lead, shown to
be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
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WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION
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Loose ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of affected component.
Lug nut installed
backward ............... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Lug nut mating type
incorrect .............. B ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut mating surface
dished ................. A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut rounded ......... A . (2) Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut seized .......... A . ( 2) Require replacement of nut.
Stud incorrect .......... B .... Require replacement of stud.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of component with damaged
threads.
Threads stripped ........ A .......... Require replacement of
component with stripped
threads.
( 1) - Some manufacturers require replacement of all studs on
that wheel if two or more studs or nuts on the same
wheel are broken or missing.
( 2) - Only required if removing wheel.
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WHEELS (RIMS)
WARNING: Mounting a regular tire on a high-pressure compact spare
wheel is not permitted. Attempting to mount a tire of one
diameter on a wheel of a different diameter or flange
type may result in serious injury or death. If the wheel
identification stamp is not legible, or cannot be found,
do not use the wheel until the size and type have been
properly identified. Wheels of different diameter,
offset, or width cannot be mixed on the same axle. Bead
seat tapers cannot be interchanged.
WHEEL (RIM) INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Bead leaking, caused
by wheel ............... A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Bent hub mounting
surface ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Bent rim, causing
vibration .............. 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Cast wheel porous,
causing a leak ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Clip-on balance weight is
incorrect type
for rim flange ......... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Corrosion, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Corrosion build-up on
wheel mounting
surface ................ A ................. Require repair.
Cracked ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Directional/asymmetrical
wheels mounted
incorrectly ............ B ....... Require remounting and/or
repositioning.
(1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock
or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict
movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially
critical on mono-tube shocks.
( 2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - Only required if replacing cartridge.
( 4) - CAUTION: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously,
the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The
technician must identify the source of the oil.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest
replacement.
( 6) - Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire
cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension
system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing
to the tire cupping, require replacement.
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SPINDLES
SPINDLE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Race seat area
undersized ............. B ............ Require replacement.
Scored .................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
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SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
When springs are replaced, it is suggested, but not required,
that both springs on an axle be replaced to maintain equal height from
side to side and to provide a balanced ride and proper handling.
When variable rate springs are installed in place of
conventional coil springs, they must be installed in axle sets to
ensure proper handling, uniform ride, and proper chassis height.
Erroneous height measurements may result from: improper tire
inflation, non-standard tire or wheel size, and heavy load in vehicle
or trunk.
SPRING (COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR) INSPECTION
if possible. If proper
adjustment cannot be obtained,
require repair or replacement
of worn component.
Wheel bearing race
is loose in the
hub bore ............... A ...... Require replacement of hub
assembly and wheel bearings.
Wheel bearing races
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing races
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are pitted ............. A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
Wheel bearing rollers
are worn ............... A .. Require replacement of bearing
assembly.
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignment is defined as the measurement, analysis, and
adjustment of steering and suspension angles to conform to OEM
specifications. These angles usually include, but are not limited to:
caster, camber, toe, and thrust angle. Where these angles are not
adjustable and not in specification, component replacement or
correction kits may be required. Errors in set-back and steering axis
inclination (SAI) are often attributable to failed or damaged
components and must be corrected prior to performing an alignment.
Failure to replace or correct suggested parts or service may
prevent a proper alignment.
Before performing an alignment check, inspect and verify the
following:
* Tire pressure and size
* Vehicle loading
* Ride height
* Steering and suspension parts
If the inspection reveals that all the above are within
published specifications, a wheel alignment check and an alignment, if
needed, may be performed.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a technician bend or heat
any steering or suspension component, unless specified by
the vehicle manufacturer, for example, Ford forged twin
"I" beam axles. All measurements and specifications must
be noted on the inspection report.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Dog tracking, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... 2 ................ Suggest repair.
Lead, shown to
be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
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WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION
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