Power Steering System: Other Dodge Dakota III

STEERING COLUMN

If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployed the column must be inspected. This inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the column mounting capsules visually and manually push and pull them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST be replaced.

OUTER TIE ROD END

Note. If the outer tie rod end is equipped with a lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle before performing test.

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
2. Remove the front tires.
3. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the vehicle steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
4. Position indicator plunger on the topside of the outer tie rod end. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the outer tie rod end.
5. Position a pry bar in order to pry downwards on the outer tie rod end.
6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the outer tie rod end «(Refer to REMOVAL)»(ref-247608-S22155228812007020100000) .
7. If the outer tie rod end is within specs reinstall the front tires «(Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-247607-S28535931232007020100000) .

PUMP LEAKAGE

The pump is serviced as an assembly and should not be disassembled. Plastic pump reservoirs can be replace and the reservoir O-ring.

Check for leaks in the following areas

1. Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
2. Pump to reservoir O-ring
3. Reservoir cap
4. Pressure and return lines
5. Flow control valve fitting

RETURN HOSE - COOLER TO RESERVOIR

1. Siphon the power steering system.
2. Disconnect the return hose (4) at the reservoir (2).
3. Disconnect the return hose (4) at the cooler (1).
4. Remove the return hose from the vehicle.

Scheme 54

1. Siphon the power steering system.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Disconnect the return hose (4) at the gear (6).
4. Disconnect the return hose (4) at the reservoir (2).
5. Remove the return hose from the vehicle.

PRESSURE HOSE

1. Siphon the power steering system.
2. Remove the pressure hose (2) at the pump (4).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the pressure hose (2) at the gear (4).
5. Remove the pressure hose from the vehicle.

RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO COOLER

1. Install the return hose to the vehicle.
2. Reconnect the return hose (6) at the cooler (1).
3. Reconnect the return hose (6) at the gear (7). Tighten the hose to 37 N.m (27 ft. lbs.).
4. Route the return hose and secure.
5. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
6. Refill the power steering system, «(Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-247608-S27956298952007020100000) .

1. Install the return hose to the vehicle.
2. Reconnect the return hose (4) at the cooler (1).
3. Reconnect the return hose (4) at the reservoir (2). Tighten the hose to 38 N.m (28 ft. lbs.).
4. Refill the power steering system, «(Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-247608-S27956298952007020100000) .

RETURN HOSE - WITHOUT COOLER

1. Install the return hose to the vehicle.
2. Reconnect the return hose (4) at the reservoir (2).
3. Reconnect the return hose (4) at the gear (6). Tighten the hose to 38 N.m (28 ft. lbs.).
4. Route the return hose and secure.
5. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
6. Refill the power steering system, «(Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-247608-S27956298952007020100000) .

1. Install the pressure hose (2) to the vehicle.
2. Reconnect the pressure hose (2) at the gear (4). Tighten the hose to 31 N.m (23 ft. lbs.).
3. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
4. Reconnect the pressure hose (2) at the pump (4). Tighten the hose to 34 N.m (25 ft. lbs.).
5. Refill the power steering system, «(Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-247608-S27956298952007020100000) .