Body and Frame: Service and Repair

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY LUBRICATION

All mechanisms and linkages should be lubricated when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation and provide protection against rust and excessive wear. The weatherstrip seals should be lubricated to prolong their life as well as to improve door sealing.
All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operating mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned. Pivot/sliding contact areas on the mechanisms should then be lubricated.
1. When necessary, lubricate the operating mechanisms with the specified lubricants.
2. Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil passenger's clothing.
3. Before applying lubricant, the component should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess lubricant should be removed.
4. The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch striker, and safety latch should be lubricated periodically.
5 The door lock cylinders should be lubricated twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
- Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
- Apply a small amount to the key and insert it into the lock cylinder.
- Rotate it to the locked position and then back to the unlocked position several times.
- Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

WARNING: USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL - BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT. DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other components. Damage to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible material on the interior of vehicle is removed from the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can result.

Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when welding.
Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from the battery when servicing electrical components that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to electrical system can result.

Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.

Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage to finish or color can result.

Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can break.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses many different types of push-in fasteners to secure the interior and exterior trim to the body. Most of these fasteners can be reused to assemble the trim during various repair procedures. At times, a push-in fastener cannot be removed without damaging the fastener or the component it is holding. If it is not possible to remove a fastener without damaging a component or body, cut or break the fastener and use a new one when installing the component. Never pry or pound on a plastic or pressed-board trim component. Using a suitable fork-type prying device, pry the fastener from the retaining hole behind the component being removed. When installing, verify fastener alignment with the retaining hole by hand. Push directly on or over the fastener until it seats. Apply a low-force pull to the panel to verify that it is secure.

When it is necessary to remove components to service another, it should not be necessary to apply excessive force or bend a component to remove it. Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden fasteners or captured edges holding the component in place.

Body Lubricants: