Steering System: Diagnosis RAM Pickup 2500

TEST PROCEDURE

Note. Check the power steering belt to make sure that it is in good condition and properly adjusted.

Note. If fluid leaked from the steering system, it should be filled to correct level prior to starting the engine.

1. Open the test valve completely.
2. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.
3. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
4. Gauge should read below 2068 kPa (300 psi), If above specification, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary.
5. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below specification, (refer to Pump Specification chart below for GPM) the pump should be replaced. CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave the valve closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.
6. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other. If the pressures are above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace the pump. If the pressures are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace the pump. CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time because, pump damage will result.
7. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left AND right positions three times against the stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. If pressures readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.

PUMP SPECIFICATION

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING COLUMN

The steering column bracket rear mounts that the studs or bolts go through on both sides of the steering column have a plastic/metal capsule designed to fracture or move when enough force to damage the steering column has occurred. There are 2 steering column mounting capsules, one on each side of the column. A collapse may occur where the tube housing may move into the rear bracket assembly OR the tube may move inside the tube housing. Typically if this type of collapse happens, the capsules should have indicated damage. However, if the 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 capsules are the same in all vehicles.

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

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-457772-S09933711682012030200000) .
2. Remove the steering column opening cover. Refer to «COVER, Steering Column Opening , Removal»(ref-457777-S11653593852012030200000) .
3. If equipped, remove the retaining screws (1) and the steering column opening cover reinforcement (2).
4. Visually inspect for fractures in the plastic area (1) and movement in the metal area (2) of the two capsules while pushing and pulling the steering wheel up and down, and left and right.
5. If capsules are fractured or have moved, replace the steering column. Refer to «Column , Removal»(ref-457772-S09933711682012030200000) .
6. Loosen the steering column retaining bolts (or nuts) (2, 5) several turns but do not remove. Remove only one of the rear retaining bolts (or nuts) (2). Verify that the capsule has movement, but it should not slide out of the bracket assembly. If the capsule does come out of the bracket assembly, replace the steering column. Refer to «Column , Removal»(ref-457772-S09933711682012030200000) .
7. Install the previously removed bolt (or nut) (2) several turns, and remove the opposite one (2) and check that capsule in the same way. If the capsule does come out of the bracket assembly, replace the steering column. Refer to «Column , Removal»(ref-457772-S09933711682012030200000) .
8. Install the steering column retaining bolts (or nuts) (2, 5) and tighten to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.).
9. Measure the distance from the brake switch mounting bracket (4) to the flat of the rear mounting bracket (3). If less than 144 mm (5.6875 in. or 5 -11/16 in.), replace the steering column. Refer to «Column , Removal»(ref-457772-S09933711682012030200000) .
10. If the steering column passes all tests and measurements above, the steering column is not collapsed and should not need to be replaced.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIE ROD

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

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Hoisting , Standard Procedure»(ref-457775-S03796115192012030200000) .
2. Remove the front wheels.
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 END, Tie Rod , Removal END, Tie Rod, Link and Coil , 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.

Scheme 22

1. Grasp the inner tie rod near the steering gear bellows and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down. If any free-play is felt, replace the inner tie rod end. Refer to «END, Tie Rod , Removal»(ref-457772-S28246462362012030200000) «END, Tie Rod, Link and Coil , Removal»(ref-457772-S41471723292012030200000) .
2. If no free-play is felt, install the front wheels. Refer to «Wheels , Standard Procedure»(ref-457774-S22159730232012030200000) .
3. Remove support and lower the vehicle.

Scheme 23

Note. Do not twist the boot anytime during removal or installation.

1. Loosen the jam nut (3).
2. Remove the outer tie rod end nut from the ball stud.
3. Separate the tie rod ball stud (1) from the knuckle with Ball Joint Remover (special tool #9360, Remover, Ball Joint) (2) .
4. Unthread the outer tie rod end (1) from the inner tie rod.

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Remove the outer tie rod end (1) Count the number of turns when removing, this will aid in setting the toe after installation. . Refer to «END, Tie Rod , Removal»(ref-457772-S28246462362012030200000) «END, Tie Rod, Link and Coil , Removal»(ref-457772-S41471723292012030200000) .
2. Remove the jam nut (3).
3. Remove the clamps (1, 3) for the inner tie rod boot (2).
4. Remove the boot (2).
5. Install Inner Tie Rod Wrench (special tool #10087-3, Wrench, Inner Tie Rod) (2) and Inner Tie Rod Adapter Wrench (special tool #10087-2A, Adapter Wrench, Inner Tie Rod) (1) and remove the inner tie rod end.

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

1. Thread the inner tie rod (1) to the rack and pinion (2).
2. Tighten the inner tie rod end using Inner Tie Rod Wrench (special tool #10087-3, Wrench, Inner Tie Rod) (2) and Inner Tie Rod Adapter Wrench (special tool #10087-2A, Adapter Wrench, Inner Tie Rod) (1) to 169 N.m (125 ft.lbs.).
3. Install the inner tie rod end boot (2) and reclamp (1, 3) to the tie rod (4) and rack.
4. Install the jam nut (1) to the inner tie rod end (2).
5. Install the outer tie rod (3) the same number of turns when removed. Refer to «END, Tie Rod , Installation»(ref-457772-S36762826272012030200000) «END, Tie Rod, Link and Coil , Installation»(ref-457772-S09348378192012030200000) .
6. Install the front wheels.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Perform toe adjustment.
9. Tighten the jam nut (1) after toe adjustment. Tighten to 50 N.m (37 ft. lbs.).