
MAINTENANCE - WITH ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
ASSYST provides information on the best possible
timing for maintenance work.
NOTE: The engine manufacturer strongly recom-
mends the use of synthetic engine oils, such as
TMobil 1 SAE 0W-40.
When the next maintenance service is due, this
will be indicated in the multi-function display with
the wrench icon symbol displayed in km/miles or
days.
²One wrench icon showing indicates Oil Service
is necessary.
²Two wrench icons showing indicates Mainte-
nance Service is necessary ± displayed in km/miles or
days.
If the display shows the number of days, a clock
symbol will also appear in the multi-function display.
You should have the maintenance performed
within the stated period/distance.
The service indicator should be reset after an oil
service and/or maintenance service has been per-
formed.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of the vehicle, it is
recommended that the following tasks be performed
on a regular basis (i.e. weekly or whenever the vehi-
cle is refueled). Check:
²Engine oil level
²Brake system, clutch mechanism ± fluid level
²Battery ± acid level
²Windshield washer system and headlamp clean-
ing system ± fluid level
²Mechanical assemblies (e. g. engine, transmis-
sion, etc.) ± check for leaks
²Condition of tires and tires pressures
²All exterior lights
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehi-
cle, the maintenance requirements and lubrication
intervals specified by the body manufacturer must be
adhered to, in addition to all standard maintenance
requirements.
Brake Fluid
Only use brake fluids approved by the manufac-
turer (DOT 4 plus).
Coolant
Corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the
coolant should be checked before the onset of winter
(once year in countries with high prevailing temper-
atures).Replace the coolant every five years or 100,000
miles.
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replace-
ment
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are to
be renewed during routine maintenance service. If
operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be
renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
At the minimum, change the engine oil and oil fil-
ter once a year ± even if the vehicle mileage per year
is extremely low. For standard oil service schedules
refer to the chapter oil service and maintenance ser-
vice.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system guide-
lines.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding
0.05% by weight, the service intervals should be split
in half.
SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Service
²Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system,
refill as necessary.
²If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause ± as a
separate order.
²Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
²Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
²ASSYST maintenance computer reset
Function check
²Signalling system, warning and indicator lamps
²Headlamps, exterior lighting
²Windshield wipers, windshield washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
²Check for abrasion points and ensure that lines
are correctly routed!
²All lines and hoses, sensor cables
²Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts, rubber
boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers
Check fluid levels for the following systems,
correct as necessary.
NOTE: Should there be a loss of fluid which cannot
be explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the
cause.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Engine cooling system. Check corrosion inhibi-
tor/antifreeze, refill as necessary.
²Hydraulic brake system
²Battery
²Windshield washer system
Engine
²Fuel filter renewal
²Air cleaner with maintenance indicator:
²Check degree of contamination.
²Air cleaner filter element renewed as necessary.
Chassis and body
²Trailer coupling:
Check operation, play and retaining fixtures
²Secondary rubber springs:
Visual check
²Tire pressures:
Correct as necessary, including spare tire
²Check thickness of brake pads
²Brake test
²Check condition of steering mechanism
²Heating/ventilation dust filter renewal
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK
Automatic transmission once only at 80,000
miles/128000 km
Oil and filter change
During every second maintenance service
Air cleaner without maintenance indicator:
Air cleaner filter element renewal
Check poly-V-belt for wear and signs of damage
During every 6th maintenance service
Rear axle
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK AFTER YEARS
Every 3 years
Air cleaner filter element renewal (note installa-
tion date)
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Coolant renewal
Note coolant composition
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

NOTE: In order to remove tension from the strut,
Raise the lower control arm approximately 10 mm
with a jack.
(2) Install the lower ball joint into the steering
knuckle. Tighten to 280 N´m (206 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the strut bolts to the steering knuckle
(Fig. 8). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the stop plate (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/SPRING STOP PLATES - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Lower the lower control arm.
(6) Attach the tie rod to the steering knuckle (Fig.
8). Tighten the nut to 130 N´m (96 ft. lbs.)
(7) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION)
(Fig. 8).
(8) Install the front tire & wheel assembly (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Remove the spring blocks between the spring
and the spring clamp plates, While the vehicles
wheels are on the ground.
(11) Roll the vehicle approximately 1 mm forwards
and the backwards, and rock firmly.(12) Tighten the lower control arm nuts and bolts
to the frame to 150 N´m (110 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 8).
(13) Apply brake to actuate brake pressure.
SPRING
REMOVAL
(1)To do this next step the vehicle must be
on the ground.Remove the front and rear bolts on
the left and right spring clamp plates (Fig. 9).
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front wheels.
(4) Remove the brake caliper adapter (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).Do not
allow the caliper to hang by the hose, support
the caliper accordingly.
(5) Remove the ABS sensor from the mounting
bore in the steering knuckle (Fig. 9).
(6) Remove the outer tie rod retaining nut and
separate the tie rod from the knuckle (Fig. 9) using
special tool C-3894±A.
NOTE: In order to remove tension from the strut,
Raise the lower control arm approximately 10 mm
with a jack.
(7) Remove the strut bolts from the steering
knuckle.
(8) Remove both stop plate bolts and rotate the
plates upwards with the stabilizer link attached.
(9) Lower the lower control arm.
(10) Remove the lower ball joint nut from the
steering knuckle.
(11) Separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle
using special tool 9282.
(12) Remove the lower control arm nuts and bolts
from the frame.
(13) Remove the lower control arm from the frame
(Fig. 9).
NOTE: To avoid damaging the transverse leaf
spring, cushion the pad on the jack accordingly.
(14) Support the transverse leaf spring in the cen-
ter with a jack.
(15) Remove the left and right spring clamp plates
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/SPRING CLAMP
PLATES - REMOVAL) (Fig. 9).
NOTE: The upper spring blocks between the engine
cradle and the spring are color coded, Make sure
not to mix the blocks per sides. The blocks are dif-
ferent in sizes to accommodate the weight of the
vehicle and driver in order for the vehicle to sit
level.
Fig. 8 LOWER CONTROL ARM
1 - STRUT
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT
3 - STOP PLATE BOLT
4 - STOP PLATE
5 - CALIPER ADPTER BOLT
6 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
7 - LOCKING BOLT
8 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
9 - OUTER TIE ROD END RETAINING NUT
10 - OUTER TIE ROD END
11 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
12 - LOWER BALL JOINT
13 - LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS
14 - STRUT BOLT
VAFRONT 2 - 7
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION.........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION.........................17STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT........................19
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
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
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
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
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
suspension components.2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
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
suspension components.4. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
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.
2 - 18 WHEEL ALIGNMENTVA
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

ROAD TESTING
(1) If complaint involved low brake pedal, pump
pedal and note if it comes back up to normal height.
(2) Check brake pedal response with transmission
in Neutral and engine running. Pedal should remain
firm under constant foot pressure.
(3) During road test, make normal and firm brake
stops in 25-40 mph range. Note faulty brake opera-
tion such as low pedal, hard pedal, fade, pedal pulsa-
tion, pull, grab, drag, noise, etc.
(4) Attempt to stop the vehicle with the parking
brake only and note grab, drag, noise, etc.
PEDAL FALLS AWAY
A brake pedal that falls away under steady foot
pressure is generally the result of a system leak. The
leak point could be at a brake line, fitting, hose, or
caliper/wheel cylinder. If leakage is severe, fluid will
be evident at or around the leaking component.
Internal leakage (seal by-pass) in the master cylin-
der caused by worn or damaged piston cups, may
also be the problem cause.
An internal leak in the ABS or RWAL system may
also be the problem with no physical evidence.
LOW PEDAL
If a low pedal is experienced, pump the pedal sev-
eral times. If the pedal comes back up worn linings,
rotors, drums, or rear brakes out of adjustment are
the most likely causes. The proper course of action is
to inspect and replace all worn component and make
the proper adjustments.
SPONGY PEDAL
A spongy pedal is most often caused by air in the
system. However, thin brake drums or substandard
brake lines and hoses can also cause a spongy pedal.
The proper course of action is to bleed the system,
and replace thin drums and substandard quality
brake hoses if suspected.
HARD PEDAL OR HIGH PEDAL EFFORT
A hard pedal or high pedal effort may be due to
lining that is water soaked, contaminated, glazed, or
badly worn. The power booster or check valve could
also be faulty.
PEDAL PULSATION
Pedal pulsation is caused by components that are
loose, or beyond tolerance limits.
The primary cause of pulsation are disc brake
rotors with excessive lateral runout or thickness vari-
ation, or out of round brake drums. Other causes are
loose wheel bearings or calipers and worn, damaged
tires.NOTE: Some pedal pulsation may be felt during
ABS activation.
BRAKE DRAG
Brake drag occurs when the lining is in constant
contact with the rotor or drum. Drag can occur at one
wheel, all wheels, fronts only, or rears only.
Drag is a product of incomplete brake shoe release.
Drag can be minor or severe enough to overheat the
linings, rotors and drums.
Minor drag will usually cause slight surface char-
ring of the lining. It can also generate hard spots in
rotors and drums from the overheat-cool down pro-
cess. In most cases, the rotors, drums, wheels and
tires are quite warm to the touch after the vehicle is
stopped.
Severe drag can char the brake lining all the way
through. It can also distort and score rotors and
drums to the point of replacement. The wheels, tires
and brake components will be extremely hot. In
severe cases, the lining may generate smoke as it
chars from overheating.
Common causes of brake drag are:
²Seized or improperly adjusted parking brake
cables.
²Loose/worn wheel bearing.
²Seized caliper or wheel cylinder piston.
²Caliper binding on corroded bushings or rusted
slide surfaces.
²Loose caliper mounting.
²Drum brake shoes binding on worn/damaged
support plates.
²Mis-assembled components.
²Long booster output rod.
If brake drag occurs at all wheels, the problem
may be related to a blocked master cylinder return
port, or faulty power booster (binds-does not release).
BRAKE FADE
Brake fade is usually a product of overheating
caused by brake drag. However, brake overheating
and resulting fade can also be caused by riding the
brake pedal, making repeated high deceleration stops
in a short time span, or constant braking on steep
mountain roads. Refer to the Brake Drag information
in this section for causes.
BRAKE PULL
Front brake pull condition could result from:
²Contaminated lining in one caliper
²Seized caliper piston
²Binding caliper
²Loose caliper
²Rusty caliper slide surfaces
²Improper brake pads
²Damaged rotor
VABRAKES - BASE 5 - 3
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

(4) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig.
27).
(5) Apply the parking brake.
(6) Install two lug studs to secure the disc brake
rotor when the locking bolt is removed.
(7) Remove the wheel flange ring (Fig. 27).
(8) Remove the locking bolt for the disc brake rotor
(Fig. 27).
(9) Remove the two lug nuts.
(10) Release the parking brake.
(11) loosen the park brake adjuster to allow clear-
ance for the rotor removal (Fig. 27).
(12) Remove the rear disc brake rotor.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT (SRW)
(1) Install the disc brake rotor to the hub and
install two lug studs to hold rotor in place.
(2) Install the locking bolt for the rotor (Fig. 24).
Tighten to 23 N´m (204 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig. 24).
Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the brake pads (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE PADS/SHOES
- INSTALLATION) (Fig. 24).
(5) Press and release the brake pedal several times
until pressure has built up.(6) Check fluid in reservoir and correct if neces-
sary.
(7) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR (SRW)
(1) Install the disc brake rotor to the hub and
install two lug studs to hold rotor in place (Fig. 25).
(2) Apply the parking brake.
(3) Install the locking bolt for the rotor (Fig. 25).
Tighten to 23 N´m (204 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig. 25).
Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.) (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALI-
PER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the brake pads (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE PADS/SHOES
- INSTALLATION) (Fig. 25).
(6) Release the parking brake.
(7) Adjust the parking brake (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - ADJUST-
MENTS).
(8) Press and release the brake pedal several times
until pressure has built up.
(9) Check fluid in reservoir and correct if neces-
sary.
(10) Install the rear wheels.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - FRONT (DRW)
(1) Install the disc brake rotor to the hub and
install two lug studs to hold rotor in place.
(2) Install the locking bolt for the rotor (Fig. 26).
Tighten to 23 N´m (204 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig. 26).
Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the wheel flange ring. Tighten to 180
N´m (133 ft. lbs.)
(5) Install the brake pads (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE PADS/SHOES
- INSTALLATION) (Fig. 26).
(6) Press and release the brake pedal several times
until pressure has built up.
(7) Check fluid in reservoir and correct if neces-
sary.
(8) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR (DRW)
(1) Install the disc brake rotor to the hub and
install two lug studs to hold rotor in place (Fig. 27).
(2) Apply the parking brake.
Fig. 27 REAR DISC BRAKE ROTOR WITH DUAL
REAR WHEELS
1 - ADAPTER BOLT
2 - ADAPTER
3 - GUIDE PIN/BOLT
4 - WEAR INDICATOR
5 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
6 - RETAINING SPRING
7 - DISC BRAKE PADS
8 - WHEEL FLANGE RING MOUNITNG BOLT
9 - WHEEL FLANGE RING
10 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
VABRAKES - BASE 5 - 21
ROTORS (Continued)

(3) Install the locking bolt for the rotor (Fig. 27).
Tighten to 23 N´m (204 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig. 27).
Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the wheel flange ring (Fig. 27) Tighten
to 200 N´m (148 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the brake pads (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE PADS/SHOES
- INSTALLATION) (Fig. 27).
(7) Release the parking brake.
(8) Adjust the parking brake (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - ADJUST-
MENTS).
(9) Press and release the brake pedal several times
until pressure has built up.
(10) Check fluid in reservoir and correct if neces-
sary.
(11) Install the rear wheels.
(12) Lower the vehicle.
SUPPORT PLATE
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the disc brake rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).(4) Remove the rear park brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the park brake cable from he support
plate.
(6) Remove the rear axle bearing (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE/AXLE
BEARINGS - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove brake support plate.
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Press the brake support plate with the axle
bearing onto the axle shaft (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE/AXLE BEARINGS
- INSTALLATION).
(2) Install the park brake cable to the support
plate.
(3) Install the rear park brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install the disc brake rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Adjust the rear park brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - ADJUST-
MENTS).
(7) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
PARKING BRAKE
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Pressure Transformer Unit
For Brake Cables To
Frame Crossmember25 Ð 221
Hand Brake Lever To Seat
Frame25 Ð 221
5 - 22 BRAKES - BASEVA
ROTORS (Continued)