2008 DODGE VIPER suspension

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
5

NBattery Save Feature...................210
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............212
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............213
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........214
NSteering Linkage......................214
NBody Lubrication.....................215
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............215
NWindshield Wiper Blades................217
NWindshield Washers...................217
NExhaust System......................218
NCooling System.......................219
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224NFuel System.........................224
NBrake System........................225
NTransmission........................228
NHydraulic Clutch.....................228
NRear Axle...........................230
NWheel Bearings.......................230
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................230
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........234
NFuses (Power Distribution Center).........234
NFuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center).....237
mVehicle Storage........................238
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Overfilling the power steering fluid reservoir can
result in spilling power steering fluid on hot engine
parts and the power steering fluid catching fire.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
This vehicle has suspension ball joints that require peri-
odic inspection and lubrication.
Inspection
The ball joints should be inspected whenever other
service or maintenance is performed on the vehicle.
Damaged seals should be replaced to prevent leakage or
contamination of the grease. If there is any movement
within the ball joint, the knuckle or control arm must be
replaced, as the ball joints are not serviceable by them-
selves. See your authorized dealer for service.
Lubrication
The ball joints are lubricated at the factory with special
grease. Therefore, when lubricating the ball joints, use
only special long life chassis grease such as Multi-
Mileage Lubricant, which is intended for this purpose.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual for
the specified lubrication intervals.
Steering Linkage
There are two tie rod end ball joints that require periodic
inspection.
Inspection
The ball joint seals on the tie rod ends should be
inspected whenever other service or maintenance is
performed on the vehicle. Damaged seals should be
replaced to prevent leakage or contamination of the
grease. If damaged, the tie rod end must be replaced, as
the seals are not serviceable by themselves. See your
authorized dealer for service.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and sup-
ported by the suspension, with the vehicle on the ground
or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The axle
lubricant level should be between the bottom of the filler
plug and a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) below
the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only the
manufacturer's recommended axle lubricant. Refer to the
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the correct
fluid type.
NOTE:The Limited Slip Differential requires that a
friction control additive be added when draining and
refilling the axle lubricant.
Change Axle Lubricant
Drain and fill the axle at the intervals specified in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. Change the
lubricant immediately if contaminated with water. See
your authorized dealer for service.
Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings are permanently sealed. No regular
maintenance is required for these components.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Your manufacturer's dealer offers a complete line of
products for cleaning your vehicle. Follow the instruc-
tions on each container.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend taking this vehicle through a
commercial car wash.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE:Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
258 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Changeengine oilandengine oil filter,if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.LLXX X
Inspect and replace theair cleaner filterif
necessary.X
Inspect the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Change the brake fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
260 SCHEDULE ªBº
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Changeengine oilandengine oil filter,if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.LLXX X
Inspect and replace theair cleaner filterif
necessary.X
Inspect and replace thePCV valveif neces-
sary.X
Change the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the transmission fluid.X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Change the rear axle fluid. X X
Change the brake and clutch fluid. X
Change the brake fluid.X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 261
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Changeengine oilandengine oil filter,if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.LLXX X
Inspect and replace theengine air cleaner fil-
terif necessary.X
Inspect and replace the Auto Tension Drive
Belt if necessary.X
Change the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Change the brake and clutch fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
262 SCHEDULE ªBº
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S