2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER steering

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT.................................1
REAR..................................11WHEEL ALIGNMENT......................17
FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART.........1
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................2
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
HUB / BEARING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -...............4
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................5
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................7SPRING
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................8
SPRING CLAMP PLATES
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................9
SPRING STOP PLATES
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
STRUT
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
FRONT
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Lower Ball Joint To Steer-
ing Knuckle280 206 Ð
Strut To Steering Knuckle 185 136 Ð
Strut To Body 100 74 Ð
Bottom Spring Clamp
Plate To Front Axle
M12 X 1.5 Bolt130 96 Ð
VASUSPENSION 2 - 1

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the wheel hub with the tapered roller
bearing on the stub axle (Fig. 4).
(2) Grease the outer tapered roller bearing thor-
oughly and push onto the steering knuckle (Fig. 4).
NOTE: The smooth side of the thrust washer must
point toward the wheel bearing.
(3) Install the thrust washer (Fig. 4).
(4) Install the clamping nut (Fig. 4). Tighten to 12
N´m (9 ft. lbs.) and then loosen a half of a turn.
(5) Check for wheel bearing end play. End play
should be 0.02- 0.04 mm (0.000787 - 0.00158 in.)
(Fig. 3) (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/HUB /
BEARING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(6) Pack the grease cap half with grease and coat
at the edge with sealant and install the cap (Fig. 4).
(7) Install the disc brake rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the wheel flange ring (if equipped with
dual rear wheels) (Fig. 5).
(10) Install the front tire & wheels assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTAL-
LATION).
(11) Lower the vehicle.
KNUCKLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the hub/bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - REMOVAL).
(5) Separate the outer tie rod from the steering
knuckle (Fig. 6) using special tool C-3894±A.
(6) Raise the lower control arm approximately 10
mm using a jack.In order to eliminate tensile
force in the damper strut.
(7) Remove the ABS sensor from the knuckle by
pulling straight out.
(8) Remove the strut at the knuckle (Fig. 6).
(9) Separate the lower ball joint from the steering
knuckle using special tool 9282 (Fig. 6).
(10) Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle
(Fig. 6).
Fig. 4 FRONT WHEEL HUB WITH SINGLE REAR
WHEELS (SRW)
1 - CALIPER ADAPTER BOLT
2 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
3 - INNER BEARING
4 - WHEEL HUB
5 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
6 - OUTER BEARING
7 - THRUST WASHER
8 - CLAMPING NUT
9 - GREASE CAP
10 - LOCKING BOLT
11 - GREASE SEAL
12 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 5 FRONT WHEEL HUB WITH DUAL REAR
WHEELS (DRW)
1 - ADAPTER BOLT
2 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
3 - INNER BEARING RACE
4 - WHEEL HUB
5 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
6 - LOCKING BOLT
7 - WHEEL FLANGE RING
8 - OUTER BEARING
9 - THRUST WASHER
10 - CLAMPING NUT
11 - GREASE CAP
12 - WHEEL FLANGE RING MOUNTING BOLT
13 - GREASE SEAL
14 - STEERING KNUCKLE
VAFRONT 2 - 5

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering knuckle on the lower ball
joint stud (Fig. 6).
(2) Install the lower ball joint nut (Fig. 6). Tighten
to 280 N´m (206 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the strut to the steering knuckle (Fig.
6). Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the outer tie rod end to the steering
knuckle (Fig. 6) and tighten the nut to 130 N´m (96
ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the ABS sensor by pushing the sensor
all the way into the knuckle and the sensor will self
adjust when the wheel is turned.
(6) Install the hub/bearing (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/HUB / BEARING - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the disc brake caliper adapter with the
brake caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/
MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Check and set toe if necessary (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the front strut (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/STRUT - REMOVAL).(4) Remove the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the lower ball joint using special tool
9294-1 (Driver) with 9294-2 (Reciever) and C-4212±F.
(Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the ball joint into the lower control arm
using special tool 9294-3 (Installer ring) inserted in
9294-2 (Reciever) and C-4212±F (Fig. 7).
(2) Install the front strut (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/FRONT/STRUT - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the steering knuckle (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Check the front wheel alignment (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Insert spring blocks special tool 9288 between
the spring and the spring clamp plates, While the
vehicles wheels are on the ground.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).Hang
the caliper. Do not allow brake hose to support
the caliper weight.
(5) Remove the retaining nut holding the tie rod to
the steering knuckle (Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STRUT
2 - STRUT BOLT
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT
5 - OUTER TIE ROD END RETAINING NUT
6 - INNER TIE ROD END
7 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
Fig. 7 LOWER BALL JOINT
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2 - LOWER BALL JOINT
2 - 6 FRONTVA

(6) Seperate the tie rod off the steering knuckle
(Fig. 8) 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 (Fig. 8).
(8) Remove the stop plate bolts and rotate the
plate upwards with the stabilizer link attached (Fig.
8).
(9) Lower the lower control arm.
(10) Remove the lower ball joint nut from the
steering knuckle (Fig. 8).
(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 (Fig. 8).
(13) Remove the lower control arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arm to the frame.
Hand tighten the nuts and bolts.
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.
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

(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.
(16) Lower the jack and remove the transverse leaf
spring towards the side.INSTALLATION
NOTE: To avoid damaging the transverse leaf
spring, cushion the pad on the jack accordingly.
NOTE: Hand tighten all bolts until vehicle is on the
ground, unless the bushings may become distorted.
NOTE: The height blocks between the engine cradle
and the spring are color coded, Make sure not to
mix the blocks per sides. The blocks are different in
sizes to accommodate the weight of the vehicle and
driver in order for the vehicle to sit level.
(1) Install the transverse leaf spring in the center
with a jack with all the rubber mounts attached.
(2) Install the lower control arm to the frame (Fig.
9).
(3) Install the knuckle on the lower ball joint.
(4) Raise the lower control arm approximately 10
mm with a jack.
(5) Install both stop plate bolts to the lower control
arm
(6) Install the strut bolts to the steering knuckle.
(7) Reinstall the tie rod to the steering knuckle
(Fig. 9). Tighten to 150 N´m (110 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the ABS sensor all the way into the
steering knuckle, the sensor will adjust automatically
when the vehicle is moved (Fig. 9).
(9) Install the disc brake caliper adapter (Fig. 9).
Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the front wheels.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
(12) Install the spring clamp plates (Fig. 9).
Tighten (M-10 bolts) to 65 N´m (48 ft. lbs.) (M-12
bolts) to 130 N´m (96 ft. lbs.).
(13) Roll the vehicle approximately 1 mm forwards
and the backwards, and rock firmly.
(14) Tighten the nuts on the lower control arm to
the frame to 150 N´m (110 ft. lbs.).
(15) Apply brake to actuate brake pressure.
SPRING CLAMP PLATES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Install a jack under the lower ball joint and
lower the weight of the vehicle enough to allow a
wrench between the lower control arm and the
bracket tighten the nut.
(3) Remove the front and rear bolts to the spring
clamp plates.
(4) Remove the four inner retaining bolts and
nuts.
Fig. 9 FRONT SPRING
1 - NUT
2 - STRUT
3 - STOP PLATE
4 - STOP PLATE BOLT
5 - CALIPER ADAPTER BOLT
6 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
7 - OUTER TIE ROD END NUT
8 - ABS SENSOR
9 - SPEED SENSOR
10 - LOWER CONTROL ARM RETAINING NUTS
11 - OUTER TIE ROD END
12 - RUBBER SPRING MOUNT
13 - SHEAR BUSHING
14 - SPRING CLAMP PLATE BOLT
15 - SPRING CLAMP PLATE
16 - LOWER RUBBER SPRING MOUNT
17 - SPRING
18 - STRUT BOLTS
19 - LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS
2 - 8 FRONTVA

(3) Install the stabilizer bar clamp and bolts (Fig.
11). Tighten the bolts to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(4) Lower the vehicle.
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Insert a pry bar between the stabilizer link and
something solid to pry on.
(3) Pry the stabilizer link off the stabilizer bar and
the spring stop plate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a mild detergent soap the to rubber
bushings on the stabilizer link.
(2) Install the stabilizer links onto the stabilizer
bar and spring stop plate by pushing on the link.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
STRUT
REMOVAL
(1) On the drivers side remove the floor covering
off to the side.
(2) On the passengers side take off the cover for
the tools.
(3) Remove the cover for the upper strut mounting
(Fig. 12).
(4) Remove the nut on the upper strut mounting
(Fig. 12).
(5) Raise and support the vehicle.
(6) Remove the front wheels.
(7) Raise the lower control arm approximately 10
mm with a jack to remove the tension from the strut.
(8) Remove the strut from the steering knuckle
(Fig. 12).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Hand tighten the strut upper mounting nut
until the vehicle is on the ground, otherwise the
bushings may become distorted.
(1) Install strut to the steering knuckle (Fig. 12).
Tighten to 185 N´m (136 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the lower control to install the upper
part of the strut into the footwell. Tighten to 100
N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Install the nut covers (Fig. 12).
(6) Refit the floor covering and the tool cover.
Fig. 12 STRUT
1 - COVER
2 - NUT
3 - RUBBER MOUNT
4 - STRUT
5 - STRUT BOLT
6 - LOCKING BOLT
2 - 10 FRONTVA

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK.............................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART......12
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK......13
REMOVAL...........................13
INSTALLATION.......................13
SPRING
DESCRIPTION........................14
OPERATION.........................14
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - (SRW)...................14REMOVAL - (DRW)...................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - (SRW)...............14
INSTALLATION - (DRW)...............15
SPRING SHACKLE
REMOVAL...........................15
INSTALLATION.......................15
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL...........................15
INSTALLATION.......................15
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL...........................16
INSTALLATION.......................16
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
²Shock Absorbers
²Jounce Bumpers
²Stabilizer Bar
²Leaf Springs
²Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle 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 bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mountingbushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
VAREAR 2 - 11

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION.........................17STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE
ADJUSTMENT........................18
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