FLUID ISSUES
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | EVALUATION/CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH VISIBLE LEAK | 1. Loose power steering hose fittings or connections. | 1. Check torque on all tube nuts (at gear and pump). Inspect clamps at all rubber hose connections for correct position, damage and tension. Tighten tube nuts to specifications as required. Reposition or replace clamps at hose connections. Clean joints and reinspect for leaks. |
| 2. Damaged or missing O-ring at power steering hose tube nuts. | 2. Remove tube nut and inspect O-ring. If damaged or missing, replace O-ring. Clean joints and reinspect for leaks. | |
| 3. Power steering line or hose failure. | 3. Clean fluid from around suspect areas. Run vehicle and inspect for leaks. Look inside reservoir to see if air is being ingested. Replace hoses as necessary. | |
| 4. Power steering component leaking (reservoir, pump, gear). | 4. Clean fluid from around suspect areas. Run vehicle and inspect for leaks. Look inside reservoir to see if air is being ingested. Replace power steering component as necessary. | |
| AERATED FLUID* | 1. Low power steering fluid level. | 1. Check fluid level and fill to proper level as necessary. Check for leaks. Make sure all air is bled from system. |
| 2. Air leak at power steering supply hose, reservoir or pump. | 2. Inspect components. Place a hand vacuum pump with Adapter 9688 on reservoir and verify that system can sustain vacuum. System should not lose more than 1 psi in 2 minutes (make sure vacuum pump is sealed well to the reservoir). Replace steering component as necessary. | |
| RESERVOIR FLUID OVERFLOW OR FLUID THAT IS MILKY IN COLOR | 1. Water contamination of power steering fluid. | 1. Inspect fluid for milky appearance. Completely drain power steering fluid. Refill and bleed system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . |
Note. * Extremely cold temperatures may cause power steering fluid aeration. The air should work its way out of the system as the fluid warms.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OUTER TIE ROD END LUBRICATION
Note. View is typical.
Scheme 26
Note. If a new tie rod end is to be installed, make sure the boot (2) is properly lubricated.
Any time the outer tie rod end is disconnected from the knuckle, before assembly, clean all old grease and debris from the boot with a clean cloth and apply outer tie rod grease P/N 68088623AA (1) to the boot (2) as shown in illustration.
| WARNING | The fluid level should be checked with engine off to prevent injury from moving components. |
| CAUTION | Mopar® Power Steering Fluid + 4 or Mopar® ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid is to be used in the power steering system. Both Fluids have the same material standard specifications (MS-9602). No other power steering or automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the system. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if another fluid is used. Do not overfill the system. |
| CAUTION | If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, pump failure could result. |
Scheme 27
Note. Be sure the vacuum tool used in the following procedure is clean and free of any fluids.
- Check the fluid level. As measured on the side of the reservoir, the level should indicate between MAX and MIN when the fluid is at normal ambient temperature. Adjust the fluid level as necessary. Refer to «FLUID, STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-485479-S24562255822012071300000) .
- Tightly insert Power Steering Cap Adapter (4), Special Tool (special tool #9688A, Cap Adapter, Power Steering Pump), into the mouth of the reservoir (3). CAUTION: Failure to use a vacuum pump reservoir (1) may allow power steering fluid to be sucked into the hand vacuum pump.
- Attach Hand Vacuum Pump (2), Special Tool (special tool #C-4207-8, Adapter) or equivalent, with reservoir (1) attached, to the Power Steering Cap Adapter (4). CAUTION: Do not run the vehicle while vacuum is applied to the power steering system. Damage to the power steering pump can occur. NOTE: When performing the following step make sure the vacuum level is maintained during the entire time period.
- Using Hand Vacuum Pump (2), apply 68-85 kPa (20-25 in. Hg) of vacuum to the system for a minimum of three minutes.
- Slowly release the vacuum and remove the special tools.
- Adjust the fluid level as necessary. Refer to 1 .
- Repeat until the fluid no longer drops when vacuum is applied. Refer to 1 through 6 .
- Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel lock-to-lock three times. NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops.
- Stop the engine and check for leaks at all connections.
- Check for any signs of air in the reservoir and check the fluid level. If air is present, repeat the procedure as necessary.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
| WARNING | Fluid level should be checked with the engine OFF to prevent personal injury from moving parts and to assure an accurate fluid level reading. |
| CAUTION | Mopar® Power Steering Fluid + 4 or Mopar® ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid is to be used in the power steering system. Both fluids have the same material standard specifications (MS-9602). No other power steering or automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the system. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if another fluid is used. Do not overfill the system. |
Note. Although not required at specific intervals, the fluid level may be checked periodically. Check the fluid level anytime there is a system noise or fluid leak suspected.
Scheme 28
The power steering fluid level can be viewed through the side of the power steering fluid reservoir. Compare the fluid level to the markings on the side of the reservoir. When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F), the fluid level should read between the MAX. and MIN. markings. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to read up to the MAX. line.