Fleetwood FWD V8-252 4.1L (1986)
Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Customer Interest
Suspension - Vehicle Appears to Lean to the Left
Bulletin No. T 87-101
File in Group
3C
Number
7
Corp. Ref. No.
713402
Date
May '87
SUBJECT: LEFT LEAN
MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1987 DE VILLES AND FLEETWOODS
Some 1985-1987 De Villes and Fleetwoods may appear to lean to the left. To permit uniform spring selection, De Villes and Fleetwoods are designed
with a slight lean to the left. This is not enough to be visibly apparent to most owners. Because of tolerance stack ups, however, some vehicles may lean
to the left and result in an owner comment. Tolerance stack ups to the right will reduce the "designed in" lean to the left. Therefore, comments of leans to
the right are not likely. If an owner comments of a left lean, new springs can be selected and installed as outlined in this bulletin to repair the vehicle.
Figure 1 - Measuring Heights At Wheel Well Openings
Verifying Owner Complaint
With the vehicle on a level surface, measure heights at the wheel well opening, see Figure 1. If the difference in measurements from the left to right side
(front or rear) is 1/4 inch or less, following the procedures in this bulletin will not level the vehicle. It will only shift the lean to the right. Under these
conditions, the owner should be told that the lean is within design specifications.
If the difference is greater than 1/4 inch, use the following procedure to diagnose and repair the condition.
Initial Checks
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Check tire pressures using the specifications given on the tire placard located on the driver's door. Adjust pressures as necessary.
^
Check for a tight or sticking front or rear suspension. With the aid of a helper, push down on the rear of the vehicle and release. Allow vehicle to
settle and measure rear wheel well opening heights, see Figure 1. With the aid of a helper, lift the rear of the vehicle and release. Allow the vehicle
to settle and measure rear wheel well opening heights. If the height is not within 1/2 inch of the first measurement, check for tight, sticking or
binding suspension components. Loosen all suspension components and torque to proper specifications given in Section 3 of the appropriate
Service Information Manual. Repeat test. If height is still not within 1/2 inch, check for a sticking strut assembly by replacing the strut assembly.
Repeat this procedure for the front suspension.
