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The LX series chassis is a product of Daimler Chrysler shared engineering. The chassis delivers excellent ride comfort and control and has been a tremendous success with approximately 900,000 units in the field. As good as these vehicles are Fleet Mangers and Fleet Maintenance report high maintenance cost due to rapid tire wear. Tire wear is directly related to three idiosyncrasies in the LX chassis.
1. High Bumpsteer and Tire Scrub
2. Worn, Torn or Failed Radius Rod Bushes
3. High Negative Rear Camber Loaded with Equipment
What is Bumpsteer?
Bump steer is the toe-in or toe-out of the front wheels as the suspension goes from normal ride height through full bump (suspension system moves up) to full droop (suspension system moves down). Measurement is usually limited to 3" up and 3" down from ride height. It is specified either by a graph or measurements.
Why does bump steer cause tire wear?
The toe in and toe out motion created as the suspension articulates over the road surface literally scrubs the tread off your tires. You can create the same grinding motion with your feet. With your feet flat on the ground, grind them until your toes point out and point in. The resistance is what causes tire wear as bump steer occurs and is know as tire scrub.
The toe in and toe out motion created as the suspension articulates over the road surface literally scrubs the tread off your tires. You can create the same grinding motion with your feet. With your feet flat on the ground, grind them until your toes point out and point in. The resistance is what causes tire wear as bump steer occurs and is know as tire scrub.
How is bump steer corrected on a Chrysler LX chassis?
Bump steer is corrected by raising or lowering the steering rack in relation to the wheel knuckle at rest. At Pedders we use an EP2113 Bump Steer Correction Kit to raise the steering rack. Installation of the kit take approximately one hour and should be performed at the next scheduled prevative maintenance cycle. A wheel alignment is required as installation of the EP2113 Bumpsteer Correction Kit will change the toe.
Bump steer is corrected by raising or lowering the steering rack in relation to the wheel knuckle at rest. At Pedders we use an EP2113 Bump Steer Correction Kit to raise the steering rack. Installation of the kit take approximately one hour and should be performed at the next scheduled prevative maintenance cycle. A wheel alignment is required as installation of the EP2113 Bumpsteer Correction Kit will change the toe.
Does Pedders have a Bumpsteer Correction Kit for the LX AWD?
Yes we do. It is
EP2113A
. The installation process is the same using three eccentric bushes as opposed to the two in the RWD version.
How do our technicians diagnose Radius Rod Bush Failure?
A Radius rod bush can be inspected with the vehicle on a lift with the wheels at full droop using a shop light. As rubber ages, ozone causes the surface of the rubber to oxidize. A reddish brown ring where the radius rod bush moves is completely normal and requires no maintenance. A radius rod bush with cracks, tears or worse should be immediately replaced. Quarterly inspections are required due to the demanding use in First Responder Fleet Service.
A Radius rod bush can be inspected with the vehicle on a lift with the wheels at full droop using a shop light. As rubber ages, ozone causes the surface of the rubber to oxidize. A reddish brown ring where the radius rod bush moves is completely normal and requires no maintenance. A radius rod bush with cracks, tears or worse should be immediately replaced. Quarterly inspections are required due to the demanding use in First Responder Fleet Service.
Why do the radius rod bushes fail on the LX?
The LX is large, heavy and powerful. The sophisticated suspension geometry has a large number of OEM rubber bushes. The bushes all have a degree of compliance designed in. The total of this compliance leads to motion in the suspension components. The radius rod bush takes a great deal of this load as the front wheels are turned and during braking. The videos show the arms in motion.
How do we service a LX with Radius Rod Bush Failure?
Chrysler replacement parts are available as a complete arm assembly. Pedders
EP6567 is a severe duty cycle bush that replaces only the failed bush making it cost effective for Fleet Services. Replacement requires removing the radius arm from the vehicle. The failed bush is removed using a hydraulic press. The new Pedders
EP6567 is installed using the hydraulic press. The reconditioned arm is then installed on the vehicle. The process will take about two hours the first few time through. When your technician is familiar with the process it will take one hour.
How long will Pedders EP6567 Radius Rod Bushes last in Fleet / First Responder Service?
Pedders will replace at no cost any component we manufacture to Fleet / First Responder entities for 24 months regardless of mileage. If it isn't damaged by impact it is covered.
We have LX AWD vejicles in service. Do they have a simlar problem?
The AWD version uses a different lower front control arm, strut and sway bar. Failures are similar, but generally occur first in the control arm bush. In some respects the failure is more dramatic as the bush grinds as a destructive motion as opposed to tearing.
Does Pedders have LX AWD Lower Front Control Arm replacement bushes?
Pedders does not have AWD Lower Front Control Arm replacement bushes at this time. Our R & D Staff are working on it and we expect to have them ready for release soon.
What is the AWD LX Inspection Process?
The AWD inner lower front control arm bush is harder to see. The sub-frame bracket it bolts into obstructs close inspection. Looking very carefully you will be able to see the worst case failures. With the vehicle on a rail style lift, running with a technician at the steering wheel have them turn the steering wheel lock to lock while another technician is below observing. They will be able to see the arm shifting with failed bushes. This same process works very well to check tie rods and ball joints. They will be able catch issues more thoroughly and with greater efficiency than lifting or pulling on wheels in the traditional inspection.
What is Camber?
Camber is measured in degrees, both positive and negative. Camber can be the result of a bad alignment, wearing parts and changing the ride height on your vehicle; rather raising or lowering it. Positive camber points the top of the wheel away from the vehicle. Negative camber points the top of the wheel in towards the vehicle. Negative camber cuases excessive tire wear in the inside shoulder. This is especially true with High Rear Wheel Horse Power Fllet / First Responder vehicles. Correcting negative camber due to load reduces tire wear and saves money.
Camber is measured in degrees, both positive and negative. Camber can be the result of a bad alignment, wearing parts and changing the ride height on your vehicle; rather raising or lowering it. Positive camber points the top of the wheel away from the vehicle. Negative camber points the top of the wheel in towards the vehicle. Negative camber cuases excessive tire wear in the inside shoulder. This is especially true with High Rear Wheel Horse Power Fllet / First Responder vehicles. Correcting negative camber due to load reduces tire wear and saves money.
Why does the LX chassis develop high negative camber in Fleet / First responder service?
If the LX is equipped with Nivomat load carrying rear shock absorbers from the factory, it will not have high negative camber when loaded with equipment and passengers. The Nivomat is a self-contained hydraulic load leveling system. As long as the Nivomats are working they will level the vehicle and keep the negative camber in check. The technician can determine if a LX has Nivomat rear dampers by measuring the OD of the lower shock tube. If it is over 59mm in diameter your LX is Nivomat equipped. Most of the LXs were delivered from the factory with standard style rear dampers. The coil rate, the ability to carry load is limited with OE coils. Typically the negative rear camber will increase 1.5 to 2.5 degrees in a ladened vehicle.
How do we correct negative camber with passengers or cargo on my LX?
If the LX is equipped with Nivomat load carrying rear shock absorbers from the factory, it will not have high negative camber when loaded with equipment and passengers. The Nivomat is a self-contained hydraulic load leveling system. As long as the Nivomats are working they will level the vehicle and keep the negative camber in check. The technician can determine if a LX has Nivomat rear dampers by measuring the OD of the lower shock tube. If it is over 59mm in diameter your LX is Nivomat equipped. Most of the LXs were delivered from the factory with standard style rear dampers. The coil rate, the ability to carry load is limited with OE coils. Typically the negative rear camber will increase 1.5 to 2.5 degrees in a ladened vehicle.
How do we correct negative camber with passengers or cargo on my LX?
There is limited adjustment for camber in the LX. We could install Pedders camber correction eccentrics, but the correct repair is to increase the coil rate. Coils are like people, they age with time and use. You could replace your worn OE coils with new OE coils. They will be better, but still light in rate by enthusiast and Pedders standards. Even brand new OE coils will measure 1 to 2 degrees of negative camber with the same load. Replacing the rear coils with Pedders
7841 or
7981 HD coils. With Pedders
7841 or
7981 coils installed the change in negative camber with identical load is .5 degrees. Your vehicle will ride a bit firmer, NOT harsh with many feeling the ride quality is improved.
What is the warranty for Pedders parts used on my LX?
The warranty is straight forward and covers both parts and labor. If the Pedders parts are installed by a Pedders Dealer and bit fails in 2 years with unlimited mileage for Fleet / First Responder service. If a Pedders bit fails it will be replaced at no charge unless it is bent from impact.
The warranty is straight forward and covers both parts and labor. If the Pedders parts are installed by a Pedders Dealer and bit fails in 2 years with unlimited mileage for Fleet / First Responder service. If a Pedders bit fails it will be replaced at no charge unless it is bent from impact.
For Additonal Information:
Dan.Howard@PeddersUSA.com or Rich.Waye@PeddersUSA.com
248.522.8021
Download Pedders LX Techstop
Download Pedders LX Techstop
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