2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER change wheel

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

(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

REAR AXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR AXLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................12
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN AND FILL . . 13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................16
SPECIFICATIONS.......................18
SPECIAL TOOLS.......................19
SHAFT-AXLE SINGLE REAR WHEEL
REMOVAL-SINGLE REAR WHEEL..........23
INSTALLATION-SINGLE REAR WHEEL.......24
BEARING/SEAL-AXLE
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................26
SHAFT-AXLE DUAL REAR WHEELS
REMOVAL-DUAL REAR WHEEL............27
INSTALLATION-DUAL REAR WHEEL........28
BEARING/SEAL-AXLE HUB
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................29DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL.............................31
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY-SINGLE REAR WHEEL.....32
DISASSEMBLY-DUAL REAR WHEEL.......33
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY-SINGLE REAR WHEEL........34
ASSEMBLY-DUAL REAR WHEEL..........36
INSTALLATION.........................37
BEARINGS-DIFFERENTIAL CASE
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
SEAL-PINION
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
GEAR-PINION/RING
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR AXLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seals and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, tooth
contact, worn/damaged gears, or the carrier housing
not having the proper offset and squareness.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by
driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly:
²Check for insufficient lubricant.
²Incorrect ring gear backlash.
²Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not causenoise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-
cle turns. A worn pinion shaft can also cause a snap-
ping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can
all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.
Pinion bearingshave a constant-pitch noise. This
noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Differential bearings usually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
3 - 12 REAR AXLEVA

INSTALLATION - DUAL REAR WHEEL
(1) Coat axle shaft flange with Mopar Metal
Assembly Paste.
(2) Slide axle shaft (2) into axle tube.
(3) Install axle shaft hub (1) nuts (3) and tighten
to N´m 65 (48 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 21).
(4) Install wheels.
BEARING / SEAL - AXLE HUB
REMOVAL
(1) Remove brake caliper with support.
(2) Remove axle shaft.
(3) Back-off parking brakes.
(4) Remove outer hub nut (1) with Wrench 9290
(Fig. 22).
(5) Remove locking plate (2), inner hub nut (1) and
thrust washer (3) (Fig. 22).
CAUTION: Thrust washer is designed for left or
right side and are not interchangeable.
(6) Pull hub off axle tube.
Fig. 21 AXLE SHAFT
1 - WHEEL HUB
2 - AXLE SHAFT
3 - AXLE NUT
Fig. 22 HUB NUTS
1 - NUTS
2 - LOCKING PLATE
3 - THRUST WASHER
3 - 28 REAR AXLEVA

(9) Install outer hub (1) bearing (2) (Fig. 26).
(10) Install thrust washer (2) (Fig. 27).
CAUTION: Thrust washer is designed for left or
right side and are not interchangeable.(11) Install inner hub (1) nut (2) (Fig. 28).
(12) Tighten inner hub nut with Wrench 9290 to
300 N´m (221 ft. lbs.) while spinning the wheel hub
constantly. Turn back inner nut and then tighten
until it touches the thrust washer without play. Then
tighten 1/8 turn.
(13) Install locking plate (2) (Fig. 29).
(14) Install outer hub nut and tighten with
Wrench 9290 to 250 N´m (184 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install axle shaft.
(16) Install brake caliper and support.
(17) Adjust parking brakes.
Fig. 26 OUTER HUB BEARING
1 - HUB
2 - BEARING
Fig. 27 THRUST WASHER
1 - HUB
2 - WASHER
Fig. 28 INNER HUB NUT
1 - HUB
2 - NUT
Fig. 29 LOCKING PLATE
1 - HUB
2 - PLATE
3 - 30 REAR AXLEVA

(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
A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension
component are further causes of pull. A damaged
front tire (bruised, ply separation) can also cause
pull.
A common and frequently misdiagnosed pull condi-
tion is where direction of pull changes after a few
stops. The cause is a combination of brake drag fol-
lowed by fade at one of the brake units.
VABRAKES - BASE 5 - 3

As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so
reduced that fade occurs. Since the opposite brake
unit is still functioning normally, its braking effect is
magnified. This causes pull to switch direction in
favor of the normally functioning brake unit.
An additional point when diagnosing a change in
pull condition concerns brake cool down. Remember
that pull will return to the original direction, if the
dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down (and is
not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE GRAB OR PULL
Rear grab or pull is usually caused by improperly
adjusted or seized parking brake cables, contami-
nated lining, bent or binding shoes and support
plates, or improperly assembled components. This is
particularly true when only one rear wheel is
involved. However, when both rear wheels are
affected, the master cylinder or proportioning valve
could be at fault.
BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH DEEP
WATER PUDDLES
This condition is generally caused by water soaked
lining. If the lining is only wet, it can be dried by
driving with the brakes very lightly applied for a
mile or two. However, if the lining is both soaked and
dirt contaminated, cleaning and/or replacement will
be necessary.
BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION
Brake lining contamination is mostly a product of
leaking calipers or worn seals, driving through deep
water puddles, or lining that has become covered
with grease and grit during repair. Contaminated lin-
ing should be replaced to avoid further brake prob-
lems.
WHEEL AND TIRE PROBLEMS
Some conditions attributed to brake components
may actually be caused by a wheel or tire problem.
A damaged wheel can cause shudder, vibration and
pull. A worn or damaged tire can also cause pull.
Severely worn tires with very little tread left can
produce a grab-like condition as the tire loses and
recovers traction. Flat-spotted tires can cause vibra-
tion and generate shudder during brake operation. A
tire with internal damage such as a severe bruise,
cut, or ply separation can cause pull and vibration.
BRAKE NOISES
Some brake noise is common with rear drum
brakes and on some disc brakes during the first few
stops after a vehicle has been parked overnight or
stored. This is primarily due to the formation of trace
corrosion (light rust) on metal surfaces. This light
corrosion is typically cleared from the metal surfacesafter a few brake applications causing the noise to
subside.
BRAKE SQUEAK / SQUEAL
Brake squeak or squeal may be due to linings that
are wet or contaminated with brake fluid, grease, or
oil. Glazed linings and rotors with hard spots can
also contribute to squeak. Dirt and foreign material
embedded in the brake lining will also cause squeak/
squeal.
A very loud squeak or squeal is frequently a sign of
severely worn brake lining. If the lining has worn
through to the brake pads in spots, metal-to-metal
contact occurs. If the condition is allowed to continue,
rotors can become so scored that replacement is nec-
essary.
BRAKE CHATTER
Brake chatter is usually caused by loose or worn
components, or glazed/burnt lining. Rotors with hard
spots can also contribute to chatter. Additional causes
of chatter are out-of-tolerance rotors, brake lining not
securely attached to the shoes, loose wheel bearings
and contaminated brake lining.
THUMP / CLUNK NOISE
Thumping or clunk noises during braking are fre-
quentlynotcaused by brake components. In many
cases, such noises are caused by loose or damaged
steering, suspension, or engine components. However,
calipers that bind on the slide surfaces can generate
a thump or clunk noise.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANUAL BLEEDING
Use approved brake fluid (Refer to LUBRICATION
& MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES - DESCRIP-
TION). Use fresh, clean fluid from a sealed container
at all times.
(1) Remove reservoir filler caps and fill reservoir.
(2) If calipers, or wheel cylinders were overhauled,
open all caliper and wheel cylinder bleed screws.
Then close each bleed screw as fluid starts to drip
from it. Top off master cylinder reservoir once more
before proceeding.
(3) Attach one end of bleed hose to bleed screw
and insert opposite end in glass container partially
filled with brake fluid (Fig. 1). Be sure end of bleed
hose is immersed in fluid.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASEVA

N2 and N3 Speed Sensors
The N2 and N3 Input Speed Sensors are two Hall-
effect speed sensors that are mounted internally in
the transmission and are used by the TCM to calcu-
late the transmission's input speed. Since the input
speed cannot be measured directly, two of the drive
elements are measured. Two input speed sensors
were required because both drive elements are not
active in all gears.
CAN C Bus Indirect Input Signals
A 2.5-volt bias (operating voltage) is present on the
CAN C bus any time the ignition switch is in the
RUN position. Both the TCM and the ABS apply this
bias. On this vehicle, the CAN C bus is used for mod-
ule data exchange only. The indirect inputs used on
the NAG1 electronic control system are:
²Wheel Speed Sensors.
²Brake Switch.
²Engine RPM.
²Engine Temperature.
²Cruise Control Status.
²Gear Limit Request.
²Throttle Position - 0% at idle, 100% at WOT. If
open, TCM assumes idle (0% throttle opening).
²Odometer Mileage
²Maximum Effective Torque.
²Engine in Limp-In Mode/Mileage Where DTC
Was Set.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI)
The BTSI solenoid prevents shifting out of the
PARK position until the ignition key is in the RUN
position and the brake pedal is pressed. The TCM
controls the ground while the ignition switch supplies
power to the BTSI solenoid. The PCM monitors the
brake switch and broadcasts brake switch status
messages over the CAN C bus. If the park brake is
depressed and there is power (Run/Start) to SLA, the
BTSI solenoid deactivates.
SHIFT SCHEDULES
The basic shift schedule includes up and down-
shifts for all five gears. The TCM adapts the shift
program according to driving style, accelerator pedal
position and deviation of vehicle speed. Influencing
factors are:
²Road Conditions.
²Incline, Decline and Altitude.
²Trailer Operation, Loading.
²Engine Coolant Temperature.
²Cruise Control Operation.
²Sporty Driving Style.
²Low and High ATF Temperature.
Upshift
To :1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5
Activat-
ed By
Sole-
noid:1-2/4-5 2-3 3-4 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point
(at
35.2%
of throt-
tle)17.8
km/h
(11.6
mph)32.1
km/h
(19.95
mph)67.5
km/h
(41.94
mph)73.8
km/h
(45.86
mph)
Down-
shift
From:5-4 4-3 3-2 2-1
Activat-
ed By
Sole-
noid:1-2/4-5 3-4 2-3 1-2/4-5
Shift
Point55.7
km/h
(34.61
mph)40.5
km/h
(25.17
mph)24.4
km/h
(15.16
mph)15.1
km/h
(9.38
mph)
DOWNSHIFT SAFETY
Selector lever downshifts are not performed if inad-
missible high engine rpm is sensed.
ADAPTATION
To equalize tolerances and wear, an automatic
adaptation takes place for:
²Shift Time.
²Clutch Filling Time.
²Clutch Filling Pressure.
²Torque Converter Lock-Up Control.
Adaptation data may be stored permanently and to
some extent, can be diagnosed.
Driving Style Adaptation
The shift point is modified in steps based on the
information from the inputs. The control module
looks at inputs such as:
²vehicle acceleration and deceleration (calculated
by the TCM).
²rate of change as well as the position of the
throttle pedal (fuel injection information from the
ECM).
²lateral acceleration (calculated by the TCM).
²gear change frequency (how often the shift
occurs).
Based on how aggressive the driver is, the TCM
moves up the shift so that the present gear is held a
8E - 8 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA