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)
REMOTE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVE
(1) Remove the filler cap from remote power steer-
ing fluid reservoir (Fig. 31).
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Remove the fluid supply hose (Fig. 31) from the
remote power steering fluid reservoir.
(6) Remove the 2 mounting screws (Fig. 31)
attaching the remote fluid reservoir to the inner
fender.
(7) Remove remote reservoir from inner fender.
INSTALL
(1) Install remote power steering fluid reservoir on
inner fender, by first inserting tab on reservoir into
hole in inner fender. Then rotate reservoir so mount-
ing tabs are against inner fender.
(2) Install and securely tighten the 2 reservoir
mounting screws (Fig. 31).
CAUTION: The power steering fluid reservoir to
power steering pump supply 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 will prevent
the hose from coming in contact with the accessory
drive belt. The power steering fluid supply hose
must be located in its correct position by clipping it
to the stud in the strut tower (Fig. 32).(3) Install the fluid supply hose onto the power
steering fluid reservoir fitting (Fig. 31). Install the
hose clamp on the fluid supply hose at the fluid res-
ervoir.Be sure hose clamp in installed past bead
on fluid reservoir fitting.
(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 to be used for
this vehicle.
(5) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump. Install the hose clamp on the
fluid supply hose at the power steering pump.Be
sure hose clamp in installed past bead on pump
fitting.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Install routing clip for power steering fluid sup-
ply hose on stud in strut tower (Fig. 32).
(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.
Fig. 31 Remote Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
Fig. 32 Power Steering Fluid Hose Routing Clip
19 - 22 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the pulley from the shaft of the power
steering pump using Puller C-4333 or C-4068 (Fig.
33).
CAUTION: Do not hammer on power steering
pump pulley. This will damage the pulley and the
power steering pump.
(2) Replace pulley if it is found to be bent, cracked,
or loose.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install the pulley with Installer C-4063 (Fig.
34). Do not use the tool adapters.
(2) Ensure that the tool and the pulley remain
aligned with the pump shaft. Prevent the pulley from
being cocked on the shaft.(3) Force pulley flush with the end of the power
steering pump shaft (Fig. 35).
(4) With serpentine belts, run engine until warm
(5 min.) and note any belt chirp. If chirp exists, move
pulley outward approximately 0.5 mm (0.020 in.). If
noise increases, press on 1.0 mm (0.040 in.).Be
careful that pulley does not contact mounting
bolts.
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW CONTROL VALVE
SEAL
DISASSEMBLE
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.
(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 (Fig. 36) on the power
steering return hose to expose the return hose to
steel tube connection. Remove hose clamp from
power steering fluid return hose (Fig. 36). Remove
power steering return hose from steel tube and allow
remaining power steering fluid to drain from power
steering pump and reservoir.
(5) Remove the power steering fluid pressure line
from the power steering pump pressure fitting (Fig.
37). Drain excess power steering fluid from hose.
Fig. 33 Pulley Removal
Fig. 34 Pulley Installation
Fig. 35 Pulley To Pump Shaft Location
NSSTEERING 19 - 23
The drive tangs on the pinion mate loosely with a
stub shaft to permit manual steering control to be
maintained if the drive belt on the power steering
pump should break. However, under these conditions,
steering effort will be increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING GEAR
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate for the power
steering system along with the maximum relief pres-
sure of the power steering pump. This test is to be
performed any time a power steering system problem
is present to determine if the power steering pump or
power steering gear is not functioning properly. The
following pressure and flow test is performed using
Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 2).
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 readingshould 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 the 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
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.REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING GEAR
NOTE: The power steering gear should NOT be ser-
viced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs, the complete steering gear assembly must
be replaced.
REMOVE
CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the
locked position will prevent the clockspring from
being accidentally over-extended when the steering
column is disconnected from the intermediate
steering coupler.
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
NSSTEERING 19 - 27
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left,
lightly contacting the wheel stops at least 20 times.
(6) Check the fluid level add if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle, start the engine and turn
the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
(8) Stop the engine and check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky look-
ing, allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and
repeat the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
POWER STEERING PUMPÐ2.5L DIESEL
NOTE: The power steering pump is mounted below
the fuel pump on the left side of the engine. The
vehicle should be raised on a hoist to access the
pump from below.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove serpentine drive belt. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System, for procedure.
(2) Remove power steering pump pulley. Use a hex
wrench to secure the power steering shaft while
removing the pulley bolt with a box wrench. (Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Do not use an impact wrench to remove
the pump pulley ± this can cause rear pump seal
damage. Do not secure power steering shaft with a
wrench on the coupling to the A/C compressor ±
this can cause rear pump seal damage.
(3) Remove coupling bolts (2) from A/C compressor
side of coupling.
(4) Loosen A/C compressor bolts and separate com-
pressor from bracket. Do not disconnect A/C hoses.
(5) Remove bolts (2) securing the power steering
pump to the power steering bracket.
(6) Disconnect power steering pump supply hose at
the pump and drain fluid.
(7) Disconnect power steering pressure hose at the
steering gear assembly.
(8) Remove power steering pump.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pump on engine.
(2) Tighten pump bracket bolts to 47 N´m (35 ft.
lbs.).(3) Reverse the above procedures in steps 8
through 1 to complete installation.
(4) Add power steering fluid and perform Power
Steering Pump Initial Operation.
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Pulley Removal
Fig. 3 Left SIde Motor MountÐVM DIesel
19 - 2 STEERINGNS/GS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
BODY COMPONENT SERVICE
INDEX
page page
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS.......................... 23
WIND NOISE........................... 24
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEAT STAKING......................... 24
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A-PILLAR LOWER EXTENSION TRIM........ 25
A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL................... 25
COWL COVER.......................... 25
COWL TRIM............................ 25
FLOOR CARPET........................ 26
FRONT DOOR APPLIQUE................. 28
FRONT DOOR CHECK STRAP.............. 28
FRONT DOOR FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDINGS . 29
FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN WEATHER-STRIP . . 30
FRONT DOOR GLASS.................... 29
FRONT DOOR HINGE.................... 30
FRONT DOOR INNER BELT MOLDING....... 31
FRONT DOOR LATCH STRIKER............ 32
FRONT DOOR LATCH.................... 31
FRONT DOOR LOCK CYLINDER............ 32
FRONT DOOR OUTER BELT MOLDING....... 33
FRONT DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE........... 33
FRONT DOOR REFLECTOR............... 34
FRONT DOOR SILL PLATE................ 34
FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL................ 34
FRONT DOOR WEATHER-STRIP............ 36
FRONT DOOR WINDOW CRANK............ 36
FRONT DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR....... 36
FRONT DOOR.......................... 27
FRONT SEAT........................... 37
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD..... 37
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LATCH STRIKER . . 38
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LATCH......... 38
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LOCKOUT LINK . . 38
FUEL FILLER HOUSING ± WITH BLOCKER
LATCH .............................. 39
GRILLE............................... 39
HEADLINING........................... 39
HOOD HINGE.......................... 41
HOOD LATCH STRIKER................... 42
HOOD LATCH.......................... 41
HOOD RELEASE CABLE.................. 42
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE................. 42
HOOD................................ 40
JACK STORAGE COVER.................. 43
LEFT D-PILLAR TRIM PANEL............... 43
LEFT QUARTER TRIM PANEL.............. 44
LIFTGATE CHMSL ACCESS PANEL.......... 47
LIFTGATE HINGE........................ 47LIFTGATE LATCH STRIKER................ 47
LIFTGATE LATCH........................ 47
LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER............... 48
LIFTGATE OUTSIDE HANDLE.............. 48
LIFTGATE PROP ASSEMBLY............... 49
LIFTGATE SILL PLATE.................... 49
LIFTGATE STABILIZER WEDGE STRIKER..... 49
LIFTGATE STABILIZER WEDGE............. 49
LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL................... 50
LIFTGATE UPPER FRAME MOLDING........ 50
LIFTGATE UPPER FRAME SIDE MOLDINGS . . . 51
LIFTGATE............................. 46
LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM COVER............ 51
LUGGAGE RACK CROSSBAR.............. 51
LUGGAGE RACK RISER COVER............ 52
LUGGAGE RACK SIDE RAIL............... 52
OVERHEAD GRAB-HANDLES.............. 52
QUARTER GLASS....................... 52
QUARTER TRIM BOLSTER................ 53
RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL CROSSMEMBER . 53
RAIL LAMP MODULE..................... 54
REAR HEADER TRIM..................... 55
REAR HVAC LOUVER AND BEZEL.......... 55
RIGHT D-PILLAR TRIM PANEL.............. 55
RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL............. 56
ROOF APERTURE (RAP) MOLDING.......... 57
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FIRST REAR QUAD
BUCKET............................. 58
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FIRST REAR ± TWO
PASSENGER BENCH................... 58
SEAT BELT BUCKLE SECOND REAR ± THREE
PASSENGER BENCH................... 59
SEAT BELT BUCKLE ± FRONT INBOARD..... 57
SEAT BELT FIRST REAR ANCHOR BRACKET ±
LWB ................................ 59
SEAT BELT FIRST REAR OUTBOARD ± LWB
FOUR DOOR.......................... 60
SEAT BELT FIRST REAR OUTBOARD ± SWB
FOUR DOOR.......................... 60
SEAT BELT LEFT FIRST REAR OUTBOARD ±
LWB THREE DOOR..................... 61
SEAT BELT LEFT FIRST REAR OUTBOARD ±
SWB THREE DOOR.................... 61
SEAT BELT SECOND REAR OUTBOARD ±
SWB ................................ 61
SEAT BELT SECOND RIGHT REAR OUTBOARD
±LWB ............................... 62
SEAT BELT ± OUTBOARD FRONT........... 59
SECOND RIGHT REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT
± LWB W/REAR HVAC................... 62
23 - 22 BODYNS
SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER KNOB . . 64
SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER±BOR
C-PILLAR............................ 64
SIDE VIEW MIRROR..................... 64
SLIDING DOOR CENTER HINGE............ 66
SLIDING DOOR CENTER STOP TRIM COVER . . 66
SLIDING DOOR CENTER STRIKER ASSEMBLY . 67
SLIDING DOOR HOLD OPEN LATCH STRIKER . 67
SLIDING DOOR HOLD OPEN LATCH......... 67
SLIDING DOOR INSIDE LATCH HANDLE
BELLCRANK.......................... 68
SLIDING DOOR INSIDE LATCH HANDLE...... 68
SLIDING DOOR INSIDE LATCH RELEASE
MECHANISM.......................... 69
SLIDING DOOR LATCH STRIKER........... 69
SLIDING DOOR LATCH/LOCK CONTROL..... 70
SLIDING DOOR LOWER ROLLER ARM
BRACKET............................ 71
SLIDING DOOR LOWER ROLLER ARM....... 71SLIDING DOOR OUTSIDE LATCH RELEASE
HANDLE............................. 72
SLIDING DOOR REAR LATCH.............. 73
SLIDING DOOR SILL PLATE............... 73
SLIDING DOOR STABILIZER SOCKET........ 74
SLIDING DOOR STABILIZER............... 73
SLIDING DOOR STOP BUMPER............ 74
SLIDING DOOR TRIM PANEL............... 74
SLIDING DOOR UPPER ROLLER............ 75
SLIDING DOOR WEATHER-STRIP........... 75
SLIDING DOOR......................... 64
STICK-ON BODY SIDE MOLDING........... 75
SUN VISOR SUPPORT................... 78
SUN VISOR............................ 76
UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM COVER............. 78
UPPER C-PILLAR TRIM................... 80
ADJUSTMENTS
SLIDING DOOR ADJUSTMENTS............ 80
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water-test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK
TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations refer to Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, General Information
section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
NSBODY 23 - 23