Steering System: Diagnosis Dodge Avenger II рестайлинг

HYDRAULIC FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on this vehicle. This test will provide the flow rate (Gallons Per Minute (GPM)) of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. Perform this test any time a power steering system problem is present. This test will help determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The test is performed using tools in the Power Steering Analyzer Kit (special tool #6815, Kit, Power Steering) with appropriate hoses and adapters. Refer to SPECIAL TOOLS .

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.
2. Assemble the following hoses and adapters on the Flow Meter And Gauge (special tool #6800, Analyzer, Power Steering) (3): Gauge end (inlet) - Hose (special tool #6905, Assembly, Hose) (6) (in (special tool #6893A, Kit, Power Steering) kit), Hose (special tool #6713, Hose, Power Steering) (4) (in (special tool #6815, Kit, Power Steering) kit), Adapter Tube (special tool #6844, Adapter, Power Steering (Truck)) (5) (in (special tool #6893A, Kit, Power Steering) kit) Valve end (outlet) - Hose (special tool #6959, Assembly, Hose) (1), Adapter Fitting (special tool #6826, Adapter, LH P/S Tester) (2) NOTE: In the following steps, figures showing the four-cylinder gas engine have been used. Pump location differs depending on engine application, but a standard pressure hose tube nut fitting is used by all.
3. Unthread the tube nut (3) and disconnect the power steering pressure hose (1) at the power steering pump pressure fitting (5).
4. Connect the vehicle's power steering pressure hose (2) to Adapter Fitting (special tool #6826, Adapter, LH P/S Tester) (5) (on Hose (special tool #6959, Assembly, Hose) (1) leading to Analyzer outlet). Tighten the tube nut. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-485479-S25214947192012071300000) .
5. Connect Adapter Fitting (special tool #6844, Adapter, Power Steering (Truck)) (4) (on Hose (special tool #6713, Hose, Power Steering) (3) leading to Analyzer inlet), to the open power steering pump pressure fitting (6). Tighten the tube nut. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-485479-S25214947192012071300000) .
6. Route the hoses away from the exhaust system as well as possible.

TEST PROCEDURE

1. Completely open the valve on the Power Steering Analyzer flow meter.
2. Start the engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer and hoses, until the air is out of the fluid. Shut off the engine.
3. Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Start the engine again and let idle.
4. The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The pressure once the engine is warm should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi). The flow meter should read above 1.5 GPM. CAUTION: The following test procedure step involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than five seconds as the pump could be damaged. NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pressure is 10, 500 to 11, 900 kPa (1525 to 1725 psi).
5. Close the flow meter valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be within specifications and within 690 kPa (100 psi) of each other. If the power steering pump pressures are within specifications, but not within 690 kPa (100 psi) of each other, replace the power steering pump. If the pressures are within 690 kPa (100 psi) of each other, but are outside of specifications, replace the power steering pump. If the power steering pump requires replacement, refer to «PUMP, REMOVAL»(ref-485479-S33408543222012071300000) . CAUTION: During the next step, do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time as pump damage may result.
6. Completely open the valve on the Power Steering Analyzer flow meter. Turn the steering wheel to the extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated pressure at each position. Compare the recorded readings to the specifications. If the highest output pressure reading against one stop is not within 690 kPa (100 psi) of the highest reading at the other stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.

If the power steering gear requires replacement, refer to GEAR, REMOVAL .

STEERING DIAGNOSIS CHARTS

Note. There are three diagnosis charts following that cover NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) ISSUES, PERFORMANCE ISSUES, and FLUID ISSUES.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING COLUMN

The two steering column bracket halves are riveted together above the steering column with raised locator pads under the rivets (when viewed from the top). These rivets and locator pads can help determine if column has been compromised. If the steering column has collapsed, the rivets will slide down the slotted upper half of the bracket with the steering column. A collapse may occur with the tube housing moving into the rear bracket assembly OR the tube may move inside the tube housing. Typically if a collapse happens, the rivets/locator pads should indicate damage. However, if any of the following steps indicate a collapse, the steering column will still need replacement.

Note. All illustrations within this procedure are typical; however the steering column functionality is the same in all vehicles.

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

1. Grasp the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, and again at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock the steering wheel back and forth and up and down. If there is excessive movement or an audible clunking or grinding sound, replace the steering column. Refer to «COLUMN, REMOVAL»(ref-485479-S15316980062012071300000) .
2. Remove the steering column opening cover, and if equipped, remove the retaining screws (1) and the steering column opening cover reinforcement (2).
3. Remove screws from the lower column shroud (2) and remove both the upper and lower shrouds.
4. Remove the rear steering column mounting bolts (2). NOTE: This illustration shows two vertical front steering column mounting bolts (3). Some steering column mounting brackets may have only one vertical mounting bolt in this position and another horizontal bolt. The horizontal bolt does not need to be loosened for this procedure.
5. Loosen the front steering column retaining bolts/nuts (3) several turns, but do not remove. NOTE: A steering column which is in good condition (4) will have the rivets (2) centered on the raised locator pads (3). When a steering column is compromised (1), the rivets (2) should be moved off the locator pads (3).
6. Move the steering column assembly (1) down to view the rivets (2) in the top of the bracket (between instrument cluster and steering column). Verify that the rivets (2) have not moved off center of the locator pads (3). If the rivets (2) have moved, replace the steering column. Refer to «COLUMN, REMOVAL»(ref-485479-S15316980062012071300000) .
7. Remove the clockspring. Refer to «CLOCKSPRING, REMOVAL»(ref-485488-S39236840502012071300000) .
8. Measure the distance from the edge of the steering column housing tube (1) to the edge of the splined shaft (2). If the measurement (3) is less than 40 mm (1.574 in.), replace the steering column. Refer to «COLUMN, REMOVAL»(ref-485479-S15316980062012071300000) .
9. If the steering column passes all tests and measurements above, the steering column is not collapsed and should not need to be replaced.

INSPECTION

Inspect the column for damage any time the driver airbag has deployed.

Scheme 14

Lower the steering column from its mount and inspect the column collapse feature. If the rearmost rivets (1) have dislodged from top of their mounting pads (2), into the mounting bracket slots, the column must be replaced. NO attempt should be made to return the rivets to the top of the pads.

If any physical damage or stress cracks are present on the column, the column must be replaced.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING GEAR

Note. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with the diagnostic charts at the beginning of the Steering service information. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIE ROD

Tie rod free-play can be measured using the following hand methods

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-485472-S37758686622012071300000) .
2. Remove the front wheels. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-485473-S40943611502012071300000) .
3. Install two standard wheel mounting nuts, flat side to rotor, diagonally opposite to each on the rotor.
4. Attach a magnetic dial indicator (2) to the inside or outside of the brake rotor, then align the dial indicator's contact pointer (1) with the direction of the stud axis and touch the outer tie rod.
5. Zero the dial indicator. (3) NOTE: When checking free-play, DO NOT rotate the tie rod. Just because a tie rod rotates easily does not mean that it is necessarily faulty. Using more than light hand pressure will result in a false reading.
6. Grasp the outer tie rod near the ball stud and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down using light hand pressure. (Less than 10 lbs. of force.)
7. Measure and record any tie rod free-play movement.
8. Remove the magnetic dial indicator.
9. Remove the standard wheel mounting nuts from the two studs.

If the free-play in the tie rod exceeds 0.05 mm (.002 in.), replace the outer tie rod. Refer to TIE ROD, STEERING, REMOVAL . If the free-play is less than 0.05 mm (.002 in.) at the outer tie rod check the inner tie rod for free-play. Refer to the following procedure.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSES

Note. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with the diagnostic charts at the beginning of the Steering service information. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .