RAM 2500 Truck 2WD L6-359 5.9L DSL Turbo VIN D FI (1997)
Then, if conditions permit, perform one stop allowing ABS to activate.
Record any individual wheels that may have locked-up.
Normal ABS operation will allow a wheel to intermittently lock-up. This intermittent lock-up is a controlled lock-up. If a wheel fully locks-up and does
not release, then the ABS did not control the lock-up.
^
Did the drift condition differ during the one ABS stop?
NOTE:
IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK (RWAL) ONLY, THE ABS CONTROLS THE REAR WHEELS ONLY.
Continue driving the vehicle for five to ten minutes with limited braking if possible (allowing brakes to cool).
Repeat Step 2, brake drift evaluation.
Return to dealership, making several "snubs" along the way. These snubs are moderate brake applies from 50 mph to 30 mph, or 40 mph to 20 mph. The
object is to retain the heat generated from braking in the brakes so brake drag measurements can be taken during the following brake evaluation.
3.
If the vehicle did drift, perform the Brake System Evaluation test.
Brake System Evaluation
NOTE:
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PERFORM THE BRAKE DRAG TORQUE MEASUREMENT ON THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE ROAD TEST (BRAKES MUST BE HOT).
WARNING:
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN HANDLING THE WHEELS AND BRAKE COMPONENTS WHEN PERFORMING BRAKE DRAG
TORQUE MEASUREMENTS. THESE COMPONENTS WILL BE VERY HOT.
**NOTE:
THE LAST BRAKE APPLY BEFORE PERFORMING THE BRAKE DRAG TORQUE TEST (STEP 3) SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE
LEAST PEDAL TRAVEL POSSIBLE SO THAT BRAKE PRESSURE IS AT A MINIMUM.**
1.
On 4X4 vehicles that DO NOT have a functioning axle disconnect, shift the transfer case into neutral.
2.
Raise the vehicle on an appropriate lift.
3.
Measure the Drag Torque of each front hub/rotor assembly. The measurement should be taken with either a dial or beam type foot pound torque
wrench and the rotation must be in a forward direction (Right Side = clockwise - Left Side = counter clockwise).
a.
For all 4X2 vehicles and 4X4 vehicles equipped with the Dana 44 front axle (all 1500 series 4X4 and 7500 lb. GVW 2500 series 4X4), the
measurement will be taken with a torque wrench attached to a lug nut. The torque wrench must be perpendicular to the spindle.
b.
For 4X4 vehicles equipped with the Dana 60 front axle (8800 lb.. GVW 2500 series 4X4 and all 3500 series 4X4), remove the cotter pin
that secures the hub nut to the axle shaft. The measurement will be taken at the hub nut with a torque wrench. The hub nut on a Dana 60
front axle is a 1-11/16 inch hex head nut.
4.
Rotate the hub/rotor assembly in a forward direction. The initial torque required to get the hub to rotate is called "break away torque." The break
away torque will be higher and should be disregarded. **Measure and record the rotational torque of the left front wheel. Then, measure and
record the rotational torque of the right front wheel. The difference between the left and right side rotational torque should be less then 20 Nm (15
ft. lbs.) of torque.** If the measured torque exceeds the maximum specification, remove the front wheels and proceed to the next step. If the
measured torque is within specifications, remove the front wheels and proceed to Step 6.
5.
**Remove the caliper assembly from the side of the vehicle that has the higher drag torque and rotate the hub, bearing, and rotor assembly in a
forward direction.**
WARNING:
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN HANDLING THE WHEELS AND BRAKE COMPONENTS. THESE COMPONENTS WILL BE VERY
HOT.
The break away torque will be higher and should be disregarded. The rotational torque should be less then 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) of torque. **If
rotational torque exceeds the specification (with calipers removed), the bearing/hub or differential should be repaired or replaced.** If the
rotational torque is now less then the specification, replace caliper assembly. Refer to the 1997 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No.
81-370-7108), Groups 2, 3, and/or 5 for proper caliper, bearing/hub and/or differential service.
