1996 CHRYSLER VOYAGER steering wheel

LOW ASSIST, NO ASSIST, HARD STEERING
POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STIFF, HARD TO TURN, SURGES,
MOMENTARY INCREASE IN
EFFORT WHEN TURNING.1. Tires not properly inflated. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Low power steering fluid level. 2. Add power steering fluid as
required to power steering fluid
reservoir to obtain proper level.
Perform leakage diagnosis on power
steering system.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.3. Tighten the power steering pump
drive belt to the specified tension. If
drive belt is defective, replace and
correctly tension.
4. Lack of lubrication in lower control
arm ball joint.4. Replace lower ball joint.
5. Worn lower ball joint. 5. Replace lower ball joint.
6. Low power steering pump
pressure. (Verify using Power
Steering System Test Procedure)6. Verify cause using the Power
Steering System Test Procedure.
Replace the power steering pump if
necessary.
7. High internal leak in steering gear
assembly.7. Check steering system using the
Power Steering System Test
Procedure. If steering gear is
defective replace steering gear.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
RETURN TO CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not
inflated to specified pressure.1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.3. Realign steering column U-joints.
4. Mispositioned dash cover. 4. Reposition dash cover.
To evaluate items 6 and 7, disconnect
the intermediate shaft. Turn the
steering wheel and feel or listen for
internal rubbing in steering column.
5. Steering wheel rubbing. 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.6. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
7. Binding shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.7. Replace the steering column.Note:
Before replacing steering column,
disconnect intermediate steering
coupler from steering column shaft
and remove steering wheel,
clockspring and shrouds from
steering column. This must be done
to verify a binding shaft bearing in
the steering column before
replacing the steering column.
8. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.8. Replace steering column coupler.
9. Excessive friction in steering gear. 9. Replace steering gear.
10. Excessive friction in front strut
mount bearing10. Replace the strut mount or strut
mount pivot bearing.
NSSTEERING 19 - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

LOOSE STEERING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL
KICKBACK OR TOO MUCH
STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir
to the specified level. Perform
procedure to bleed the air out of the
power steering system. Perform
leakage diagnosis.
2. Steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.2. Check steering gear to front
suspension crossmember mounting
bolt torque. Tighten to specified
torque if found to be loose.
3. Worn, broken or loose steering
column to steering gear coupler.3. Check for worn universal joint,
broken isolator or loose fasteners.
4. Free play in steering column. 4.Check components of steering
system and repair or replace as
required. Note: Inspect steering
column with steering wheel installed
and steering column shaft
disconnected from intermediate
coupler. Verify that steering wheel
attaching nut is tightened to the
specified torque. Verify that the 4
mounting nuts for the steering
column are tightened to the specified
torque.
5. Loose lower control arm ball joint. 5. Check and or replace the ball joint
or control arm as required.
6. Loose steering knuckle to lower
ball joint stud attaching nut.6. Check attaching nut and tighten if
required to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearings loose or
worn.7. Tighten hub nut to specified
torque or replace with new parts as
necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod ends. 8. Check free play of outer tie rod
ends and replace if required.
9. Loose inner tie rod ends. 9. Replace steering gear assembly.
10. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace steering gear assembly.
11. Intermediate steering shaft
coupler flex joint binding.11. Replace intermediate steering
shaft/coupler.
19 - 6 STEERINGNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

VEHICLE LEADS TO THE SIDE
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.1. Radial tire lead. 1.Rotate tires as recommended in
the Tire And Wheel Group of this
service manual.
2. Front suspension misaligned. 2. Align the front suspension as
required. Refer to the Wheel
Alignment Procedure in the
Suspension Group of this service
manual for the required wheel
alignment procedure.
3. Wheel braking. 3. Check for dragging brakes. Refer
to the procedures in the Brake
Group of this service manual.
4. Unbalanced steering gear valve.
(If this is the cause, the steering
efforts will be very light in direction
of lead and heavier in the opposite
direction.4. Replace steering gear.
STEERING WHEEL HAS FORE
AND AFT LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel to steering column
shaft retaining nut not properly
tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the retaining nut to its
specified torque specification.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel mounting nuts.3. Verify that the 4 mounting nuts for
the steering column are tightened to
the specified torque.
4. Binding intermediate steering
shaft coupler.4. Disconnect intermediate steering
coupler and see if looseness no
longer exists. If yes replace
intermendiate steering coupler.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH: NO
VISIBLE SIGNS OF A LEAK ON
THE STEERING GEAR, POWER
STEERING PUMP, FLOOR OR
ANYWHERE ELSE.1. Overfilled power steering pump
fluid reservoir.1. Adjust the power steering fluid fill
to the correct level.
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH:
VISIBLE LEAK ON STEERING
GEAR, POWER STEERING
PUMP, FLOOR OR ANYWHERE
ELSE.2. Power steering hose connections
at the power steering pump or
steering gear.2. Check for loose fittings and if
found, tighten the fitting to its
specified torque. If fittings are tight
examine the fittings for damaged or
missing O-ring seals and replace as
required.
3. Power steering pump or power
steering gear leaking.3. Identify the location of the leak
and repair or replace the component
as required. Refer to Power Steering
Pump and/or Power Steering Gear in
this group of the service manual for
required procedures.
NSSTEERING 19 - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at power steering pump. Use a container for dripping
fluid.
(3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool from kit
6815 to both hoses using adapter fittings. Connect
spare pressure hose, to power steering pump pres-
sure hose fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815.
(5) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.
(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(7) Pressure gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading
should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.9
GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing power steering pump maximum pressure
output and flow control valve operation. Do not
leave valve closed for more than 5 seconds as the
pump could be damaged.
(8) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be within specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 9653 to 10342 kPa (1400 to 1500 psi.).
²If power steering pump pressures are within the
specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other, then replace power steering pump.
²If pressures are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other but below specifications, then replace power
steering pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(9) Open test valve. Turn steering wheel to the
extreme left and right positions until against the
stops, recording the highest indicated pressure at
each position. Compare pressure gauge readings to
power steering pump specifications. If highest output
pressures are not the same against either stop, the
steering gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL CHECK
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
MOVING PARTS. DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC TRANS-
MISSION FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM. DO NOT OVERFILL THE POWER STEERING
SYSTEM.
Wipe reservoir filler cap free of dirt. Then check
fluid level. The dipstick should indicate COLD when
fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approxi-
mately 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF). In all pumps add
fluid as necessary, use onlyMopar Power Steering
Fluid, or equivalent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE
OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
CAUTION: The fluid level should be checked with
engine off to prevent injury from moving compo-
nents. Use only MoparTPower Steering Fluid. Do
not use automatic transmission fluid. Do not over-
fill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateFULL COLDwhen the
fluid is at normal temperature of approximately 21ÉC
to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF).
(1) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(2) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(3) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops.
(6) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(8) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and refill
as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
19 - 10 STEERINGNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(18) Remove the 3 previously loosened bolts
attaching the front bracket to the power steering
pump and separate the power steering pump from
the front bracket prior to removing the pump from
the vehicle.
(19) The power steering pump is removed from the
vehicle by pulling it out through the exhaust tunnel
area in the floor pan of the vehicle.
INSTALL
(1) Install power steering pump back in vehicle
using the reverse order of its removal through the
exhaust tunnel are of the vehicle.
(2) Install the power steering pump on its cast
mounting bracket and loosely install nut to hold
pump in place (Fig. 9).
(3) Install the front bracket on the power steering
pump and loosely install the 3 mounting bolts (Fig.
10). Then install the nut and bolt attaching the front
bracket to the cast bracket (Fig. 10).
(4) Tighten the 3 power steering pump mounting
bolts (Fig. 10) to a torque of 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Before installing power steering fluid pres-
sure hose on power steering pump, inspect the
O-ring on the pressure hose for damage and
replace if necessary.
(5) Install the power steering fluid pressure line
onto the output fitting of the power steering pump
(Fig. 8). Tighten the pressure line to pump fitting
tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the power steering fluid, low pressure
return hose on the power steering pump low pressure
fitting (Fig. 8).Be sure hose clamps are properly
reinstalled.
(7) Install the power steering fluid supply hose
from the power steering fluid reservoir, on the power
steering pump fluid fitting (Fig. 7).Be sure hose is
clear of accessory drive belts all hose clamps
are properly reinstalled.
(8) Install the power steering pump drive belt on
pulley. See Cooling, Group 7 for detailed installation
procedure.
(9) Install the accessory drive splash shield (Fig.
6).
(10) Install the power steering fluid return hose on
the steel tube at the front suspension cradle (Fig. 5).
(11) Install a screw type hose clamp on the power
steering hose to steel tube connection.Be sure hose
clamps are properly reinstalled.Tighten the screw
clamp to a torque of 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: The protective heat shield sleeves must
cover the entire rubber hose and hose to tube con-
nection portion of both the power steering fluid
pressure and return hoses (Fig. 5). This is requiredto prevent the overheating of the power steering
hoses.
(12) When used, properly position the protective
heat sleeves on the power steering hoses (Fig. 5).
Then, tie strap the heat sleeves to the power steering
hoses to keep them in their proper position.
(13) Install the exhaust pipe on the exhaust man-
ifold. Install all exhaust system hangers/isolators on
the exhaust system brackets.
(14) Connect the oxygen sensor wiring harness to
the vehicle wiring harness. Install wiring harness
grommet in the floor pan of the vehicle.
(15) Lower vehicle.
(16) Adjust the power steering pump drive belt.
See Cooling, Group 7 for detailed adjustment proce-
dure.
(17) Tighten the top nut and bottom bolt on the
power steering pump front mounting bracket (Fig. 3)
to a torque of 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid
in power steering system. Only use MoparT, Power
Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
(18) Fill the remote power steering pump fluid res-
ervoir to correct fluid level.
(19) Install cap on power steering fluid reservoir.
(20) Connect the negative battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(21) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks. See Checking Fluid Level.
3.0 LITER POWER STEERING PUMP
REMOVE
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE COM-
PONENTS AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
(1) Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(3) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
NSSTEERING 19 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(15) Fill the remote power steering pump fluid res-
ervoir to correct fluid level.
(16) Install cap on power steering fluid reservoir.
(17) Connect the negative battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(18) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks. See Checking Fluid Level.
3.3/3.8 LITER POWER STEERING PUMP
REMOVE
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE COM-
PONENTS AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
(1) Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the
battery and isolate cable.
(2) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(3) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(4) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting, in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual for the required lifting procedure.
(5) Disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness
from the vehicle wiring harness. Access to connection
at vehicle wiring harness is through the oxygen sen-
sor wiring harness grommet in the floor pan of the
vehicle.
NOTE: The exhaust system needs to be removed
from the engine to allow for an area to remove the
power steering pump from the vehicle.
(6) Remove the catalytic converter from the
exhaust manifold. Then remove all the exhaust sys-
tem hangers/isolators from the brackets on the
exhaust system.
(7) Move the exhaust system as far rearward and
to the left side of the vehicle as possible (Fig. 17).
(8) Raise the heat sleeve on the power steering
hoses to expose the hose to steel tube connection.
Remove the hose from the power steering fluid
return line on the front suspension cradle (Fig. 18).
Allow the remaining power steering fluid to drain
from the pump and fluid reservoir through the
removed return hose.
(9) Remove the accessory drive splash shield (Fig.
19).
Fig. 17 Exhaust Position For Removing Power
Steering Pump
Fig. 18 Power Steering Return Hose At Return Line
Fig. 19 Accessory Drive Splash Shield
19 - 16 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

NOTE: Before installing power steering pressure
hose on power steering pump, inspect the O-ring
on the power steering pressure hose for damage
and replace if required.
(4) Install the power steering fluid pressure line
onto the output fitting of the power steering pump
(Fig. 21). Tighten the pressure line to pump fitting
tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the power steering fluid, low pressure
return hose on the power steering pump low pressure
fitting (Fig. 21).Be sure hose clamps are prop-
erly reinstalled.
(6) Install the power steering fluid supply hose
from the power steering fluid reservoir, on the power
steering pump fluid fitting (Fig. 21).Be sure hose is
clear of accessory drive belts and all hose
clamps are properly reinstalled.
(7) Install the serpentine drive belt (Fig. 20). See
Cooling, Group 7 for detailed installation procedure.
(8) Install the power steering fluid return hose on
the steel tube at the front suspension cradle (Fig.
18).
(9) Install a screw type hose clamp on the power
steering hose to steel tube connection.Be sure hose
clamps are properly reinstalled.Tighten the screw
clamp to a torque of 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: The protective heat shield sleeves must
cover the entire rubber hose and hose to tube con-
nection portion of both the power steering fluid
pressure and return hoses (Fig. 18). This is required
to keep the power steering hoses from becoming
overheated.
(10) When used, properly position the protective
heat sleeves on the power steering hoses (Fig. 18).
Then, tie strap the heat sleeves to the power steering
hoses to keep them in their proper position.
(11) Install the exhaust pipe on the exhaust man-
ifold. Install all exhaust system hangers/isolators on
the exhaust system brackets.
(12) Connect the oxygen sensor wiring harness to
the vehicle wiring harness. Install wiring harness
grommet in the floor pan of the vehicle.
(13) Install the accessory drive splash shield (Fig.
19).
(14) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid
in power steering system. Only use MoparT, Power
Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
(15) Fill the remote power steering pump fluid res-
ervoir to correct fluid level.
(16) Install cap on power steering fluid reservoir.(17) Connect the negative battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(18) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks. See Checking Fluid Level.
POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR TO PUMP
SUPPLY HOSE
REMOVE
(1) Remove the filler cap from remote power steer-
ing fluid reservoir (Fig. 24).
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(3) Remove power steering fluid supply hose rout-
ing clip (Fig. 25) from stud in strut tower.
(4) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
Fig. 24 Fluid Supply Hose At Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir
Fig. 25 Power Steering Fluid Hose Routing Clip
19 - 18 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual, for the required lifting procedure to be used for
this vehicle.
(5) Remove at power steering pump, the power
steering fluid hose coming from the power steering
fluid reservoir. Let the power steering fluid drain out
of the reservoir and hose.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Remove hose clamp attaching the power steer-
ing fluid supply hose to the power steering fluid res-
ervoir (Fig. 24).
(8) Remove the power steering fluid supply hose
from the vehicle. Hose is removed from the top of the
engine compartment.
INSTALL
CAUTION: On V-6 engine applications, the power
steering fluid reservoir to power steering hose must
be routed tightly against the strut tower and parallel
to the dash panel. It must also be routed under the
wiring harness and below the drip tube. This rout-
ing will prevent the power steering fluid supply
hose from coming in contact with the accessory
drive belt.
(1) Install and correctly route the power steering
fluid supply hose from remote fluid reservoir down to
power steering pump.
(2) Install the fluid supply hose onto the power
steering fluid reservoir (Fig. 24). Install the hose
clamp on the fluid supply hose.Be sure hose clamp
is installed past bead on fluid reservoir fitting.
(3) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual, for the required lifting procedure to be used for
this vehicle.
(4) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump. Install the hose clamp on the
fluid supply hose.Be sure hose clamp is installed
past bead on pump fitting.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Install routing clip on power steering fluid sup-
ply hose. Be sure routing clip is installed in a posi-
tion to correctly align with stud in strut tower.
(7) Install routing clip for power steering fluid sup-
ply hose on stud in strut tower (Fig. 25).
(8) Fill the remote fluid reservoir to the proper
level and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) min-
utes.
(9) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(10) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above pro-
cedure until the fluid level remains constant after
running the engine.
(11) Raise the front wheels off the ground.(12) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops.
(13) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(14) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(15) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(16) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
Service all power steering hoses with vehicle raised
on hoist. Cap all open ends of hoses, power steering
pump fittings and steering gear ports to prevent
entry of foreign material into the components.
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
For part reference and part location for the vehicle
that is being serviced, refer to the following figure
numbers. These show the hose bracket locations,
hose routings and fitting locations by the engine
application of the vehicle. Use these figure numbers
when referring to the removal or installation proce-
dures for the power steering hoses listed below.
REMOVE
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle See Hoisting, Group 0. Put oil
drain pan under vehicle to catch power steering fluid.
(4) Raise the heat sleeve on the power steering
fluid return hose (Fig. 26) to expose the return hose
to steel tube connection. Remove the hose clamp from
the power steering fluid return hose (Fig. 26).
Remove power steering fluid return hose from steel
tube and allow power steering fluid to drain from
pump.
NSSTEERING 19 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)