2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER steering

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 sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
3. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.3. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
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 sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
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 sus-
pension components.2. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
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 sus-
pension components.4. Tighten or replace components as nec-
essary.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE ADJUSTMENT
CAMBER AND CASTER ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE
(TOE ONLY)..
The wheel toe position adjustment is the final
adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering
wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.(2) Loosen the tie rod jam nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for
one-half of the total toe position specification. This
will ensure the steering wheel will be centered
when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the
inner tie rod as necessary.
2 - 18 WHEEL ALIGNMENTVA

(4) Tighten the tie rod jam nut to 50 N´m (37 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Verify the specifications
(6) Turn off engine.
SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION FRONT SPECIFICATION
Toe-In 0É ( 0.16É)
Camber 0É ( 0.75É)
Camber
Left to Right Difference
Max1.33É
Caster 0É ( 0.5É)
Steering Knuckle Inclina-
tion0É ( 0.5É)
Steering Knuckle Inclina-
tion
Left to Right Difference
Max1É
REAR SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION REAR SPECIFICATION
Toe-In
Max0É ( 0.25É)
Camber
Max0É (-0.66É/+0.33É)
Inclination of Rear
Wheels (Individual Wheel
Toe)= Maximum Inclina-
tion of Rear Axle
Max0É ( 0.25É)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Outer Tie Rod End Jam
Nut50 37 -
VAWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 19

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
ROTORS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT (SRW)..............20
REMOVAL - REAR (SRW)...............20
REMOVAL - FRONT (DRW)..............21
REMOVAL - REAR (DRW)...............21
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT (SRW)..........22
INSTALLATION - REAR (SRW)...........22
INSTALLATION - FRONT (DRW)..........22
INSTALLATION - REAR (DRW)...........22
SUPPORT PLATE
REMOVAL - REAR......................23
INSTALLATION - REAR...................23
PARKING BRAKE
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................23
SPECIAL TOOLS
PARK BRAKE........................24
CABLE TENSIONER
REMOVAL.............................24INSTALLATION.........................24
CABLES
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT....................24
REMOVAL - REAR.....................25
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT................25
INSTALLATION - REAR.................26
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - PARKING BRAKE CABLES . 26
LEVER
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................27
SHOES
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - (SRW)....................27
REMOVAL - (DRW)....................27
CLEANING - REAR DRUM IN HAT BRAKE....28
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - (SRW).................28
INSTALLATION - (DRW).................28
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................28
BRAKES - BASE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE SYS-
TEM
Base brake components consist of the brake pads,
calipers, brake drum in hat rotor in the rear, rotors,
brake lines, master cylinder, booster, and parking
brake components.
Brake diagnosis involves determining if the prob-
lem is related to a mechanical, hydraulic, or vacuum
operated component.
The first diagnosis step is the preliminary check.
PRELIMINARY BRAKE CHECK
(1) Check condition of tires and wheels. Damaged
wheels and worn, damaged, or underinflated tires
can cause pull, shudder, vibration, and a condition
similar to grab.
(2) If complaint was based on noise when braking,
check suspension components. Jounce front and rear
of vehicle and listen for noise that might be caused
by loose, worn or damaged suspension or steering
components.
(3) Inspect brake fluid level and condition. Note
that the brake reservoir fluid level will decrease in
proportion to normal lining wear.Also note that
brake fluid tends to darken over time. This is
normal and should not be mistaken for contam-
ination.(a) If fluid level is abnormally low, look for evi-
dence of leaks at calipers, wheel cylinders, brake
lines, and master cylinder.
(b) If fluid appears contaminated, drain out a
sample to examine. System will have to be flushed
if fluid is separated into layers, or contains a sub-
stance other than brake fluid. The system seals
and cups will also have to be replaced after flush-
ing. Use clean brake fluid to flush the system.
(4) Check parking brake operation. Verify free
movement and full release of cables and pedal. Also
note if vehicle was being operated with parking
brake partially applied.
(5) Check brake pedal operation. Verify that pedal
does not bind and has adequate free play. If pedal
lacks free play, check pedal and power booster for
being loose or for bind condition. Do not road test
until condition is corrected.
(6) Check booster vacuum check valve and hose.
(7) If components checked appear OK, road test
the vehicle.
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.
5 - 2 BRAKES - BASEVA

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

(6) Install the front wheels.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR (SRW)
(1) Install the brake caliper to brake caliper
adapter (Fig. 11). Tighten the guide bolt to 25 N´m
(221 in. lbs.) for M8 bolt or 30 N´m (266 in. lbs.) for
M10 bolt.
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(2) Install the brake hose at the brake caliper (Fig.
11). Tighten the bolt to 14 N´m (124 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the wear indicator cable and the wear
indicator (Fig. 11). Tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Bleed the brake system.
(5) Check the brake system for any leaks.
(6) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR (DRW)
(1) Install the brake caliper to brake caliper
adapter (Fig. 12). Tighten the guide bolt to 25 N´m
(221 in. lbs.) for M8 bolt or 30 N´m (266 in. lbs.) for
M10 bolt.
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(2) Install the brake hose at the brake caliper (Fig.
12). Tighten the bolt to 14 N´m (124 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the wear indicator cable and the wear
indicator (Fig. 12). Tighten to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(4) Bleed the brake system.
(5) Check the brake system for any leaks.
(6) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
DISC BRAKE CALIPER
ADAPTER
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT
(1) Unscrew the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper from the caliper
adapter (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/ME-
CHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).(5) Remove the disc brake pads (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter.
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Unscrew the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper.
(5) Remove the disc brake pads.
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper adapter.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the steering
knuckle. Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the disc brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper. Tighten the bolt
to 14 N´m (124 in. lbs.) (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the axle
mount. Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.) for M12X1.5
bolt or 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) for M14X1.5 bolt.
(2) Install the disc brake pads (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
5 - 14 BRAKES - BASEVA

FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, ALB
Controller, caliper seals, Antilock Brakes hydraulic
unit and all hydraulic fluid hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
caps before checking fluid level. If not cleaned, dirt
could enter the fluid.
The fluid fill level is indicated on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir (Fig. 13).
The correct fluid level is to the MAX indicator on
the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the
proper level. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTE-
NANCE/FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION).
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid to be used in this vehicle must be
approved to MB 331.0, such as MOPARtpart num-
ber 0459625AC. If the approved product is not avail-
able, use a DOT 4 brake fluid: minimum dry boiling
point (ERBP) 500ÉF, minimum wet boiling point
(WERBP) 356ÉF, maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s,conforming to FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925. No other
type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for
usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only approved
brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed
container.
Use brake fluid
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVAL
(1) Using a suction gun remove as much brake
fluid from the reservoir as possible (Fig. 14).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector for the
brake fluid level indicator (Fig. 14).
(3) Remove the fluid reservoir (Fig. 14).Seal off
the ends and bore holes with plugs.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fluid reservoir and fill with fluid
(Fig. 14).
(2) Bleed the brake system.
Fig. 13 FLUID LEVEL TYPICAL
1 - FLUID RESERVOIR
2 - MAX LEVEL MARK
Fig. 14 FLUID RESERVOIR
1 - SUCTION GUN
2 - BRAKE FLUID CAP
3 - BRAKE FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
5 - FLUID RESERVOIR
VABRAKES - BASE 5 - 15

BRAKES - ABS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BRAKES - ABS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART........30
ELECTRICAL
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
TONE WHEEL
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................32REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
YAW RATE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
HCU (HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT)
DESCRIPTION.........................36
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
BRAKES - ABS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Brake Lines To Hydraulic
unit16 Ð 12
ELECTRICAL
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: Wheel speed sensor should be installed all
the way into the clamping bushings, the wheel
speed sensor will self adjust when the vehicle is
moved.
The ABS brake system uses 4 wheel speed sensors.
A sensor is mounted to each front hub/bearings in
the front. A rear sensor is mounted to each rear sup-
port plate.
OPERATION
The Wheel Speed Sensor consists of a magnet sur-
rounded by windings from a single strand of wire.
The sensor sends a small AC signal to the CAB. This
signal is generated by magnetic induction. The mag-netic induction is created when a toothed sensor ring
(exciter ring or tone wheel) passes the stationary
magnetic WSS.
When the ring gear is rotated, the exciter ring
passes the tip of the WSS. As the exciter ring tooth
approaches the tip of the WSS, the magnetic lines of
force expand, causing the magnetic field to cut across
the sensor's windings. This, in turn causes current to
flow through the WSS circuit (Fig. 1) in one direc-
tion. When the exciter ring tooth moves away from
the sensor tip, the magnetic lines of force collapse
cutting the winding in the opposite direction. This
causes the current to flow in the opposite direction.
Every time a tooth of the exciter ring passes the tip
of the WSS, an AC signal is generated. Each AC sig-
nal (positive to negative signal or sinewave) is inter-
preted by the CAB. It then compares the frequency of
the sinewave to a time value to calculate vehicle
speed. The CAB continues to monitor the frequency
5 - 30 BRAKES - ABSVA

INSTALLATION
(1) Connect separate wheel speed sensor cables
with shrink-fit sleeves and shrink-fit tubing (Fig. 3).
Only do this step if replacing the sensor.
(2) Install the clamping bushing into the knuckle
(Fig. 3)Only do this step if replacing the sensor
or the clamping bushing was damaged.
(3) Install the wheel speed sensor all the way into
the axle tube, the wheel speed sensor will self adjust
when the vehicle is moved (Fig. 3).
(4) Install the rear wheels.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
TONE WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hub/bearing assembly (DRW)
(Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR
AXLE/AXLE BEARINGS - REMOVAL).
(2) Insert a hooked prybar between the hub/bear-
ing and the inside of the tone wheel and pry upwards
slightly and work your way around the tone wheel
until the wheel is loose (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove the tone wheel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the tone wheel to the hub/bearing with
a thin bead of silicone around the tone wheel.
(2) Tap the tone wheel down with a soft hammer
until seated.
(3) Install the hub/bearing (DRW) (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE/AXLE
BEARINGS - INSTALLATION).
STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 3 REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSORS
1 - SHRINK-FIT SLEEVE
2 - SPEED SENSOR
3 - CLAMPING BUSHING
4 - SHRINK TUBE
Fig. 4 TONE WHEEL REMOVAL
1 - HOOKED PRYBAR
2 - TONE WHEEL
3 - HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
Fig. 5 STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
1 - UPPER STEERING COLUMN COVER
2 - CLOCKSPRING
3 - STEERING ANGLE SENSOR
4 - LOWER STEERING COLUMN COVER
5 - FRONT COVER
6 - STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
5 - 32 BRAKES - ABSVA