
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Power steering pump growl results from the development of high pressure fluid flow. Normally this noise
should not be high enough to be objectionable. Abnormal situations, such as a low oil level causing
aeration or hose touching the vehicle body, can create a noise level that could bring complaints.
WHINE OR GROWL (PUMP
NOISE)1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid
reservoir to proper level and
perform leakage diagnosis.
(Recheck fluid level after power
steering fluid is free of air.)
2. Power steering hose touching
vehicle body or frame.2. Reposition power steering
hose. Replace hose if tube ends
are bent.
3. Extreme wear of power
steering pump internal parts.3. Replace power steering pump
and flush system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose clamp on power steering
fluid low pressure hose.1. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
2. Missing O-Ring on power
steering pressure hose
connection.2. Inspect connection and replace
O-Ring as required.
3. Low power steering fluid level 3. Fill power steering fluid
reservoir to proper level and
perform leakage diagnosis.
4. Air leak between power
steering fluid reservoir and power
steering pump.4. Inspect and/or replace power
steering fluid reservoir or supply
hose as required.
SQUEAK OR RUBBING
SOUND1. Sound coming from steering
column.1.Check for squeak in steering
column. Inspect for contact
between shroud, intermediate
shaft, column, and steering wheel.
Realign if necessary.Note: Check
steering column for noise
without clockspriing installed
and with the steering column
shaft removed from the steering
intermediate shaft. This must be
done before removing the
steering column for a noise
complaint.
2. Check for lack or grease on
steering column dash panel to
lower coupler seal.
2.Clockspring 3. Replace Clockspring
3. Sound internal to steering gear. 4. Replace steering gear
assembly.
SCRUBBING OR KNOCKING
SOUND1. Incorrect tire size. 1. Verify that tire size on vehicle is
the same as originally supplied.
2. Check clearance between tires
and other vehicle components,
through the full travel of the
suspension.2. Correct as necessary.
3. Check for interference between
steering gear and other
components.3.Correct as necessary.
4.Incorrect steering gear supplied. 4. Replace steering gear with
correct steering gear for specific
vehicle.
NSSTEERING 19 - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

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)

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)

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)

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)

(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) With the ignition key in the locked position
turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering
wheel is in the locked position.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the
steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear
intermediate coupler (Fig. 3).
(5) 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.
(6) Remove the front tires.
(7) Raise the heat sleeve (Fig. 4) on the power
steering return hose to expose the return hose to
steel tube connection. Remove the return hose from
the metal tube of the power steering fluid return line
(Fig. 4). Then allow the remaining power steering
fluid to drain from the system through the hose and
metal tube.
(8) Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to
steering knuckle (Fig. 5).Nut is to be removed
from tie rod end using the following procedure,
hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while
loosening and removing nut with wrench.
(9) Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuck-
les, using Puller Special Tool MB-990635 or
MB-991113 (Fig. 6).
Fig. 3 Steering Column Shaft To Intermediate Shaft
Attachment
Fig. 4 Power Steering Fluid Return Hose
Connection
Fig. 5 Removing/Installing Tie Rod End Attaching
Nut
Fig. 6 Tie Rod End Removal From Steering Knuckle
19 - 28 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(10) Remove the 2 bolts and loosen the third (Fig.
7) attaching the antilock brakes hydraulic control
unit (HCU) to the front suspension cradle. Then
rotate the HCU rearward to allow access to the cra-
dle plate attaching nut and bolt just forward of the
HCU.
(11) Remove the 10 nuts and bolts (Fig. 8) attach-
ing the cradle plate to the bottom of the front sus-
pension cradle. Then remove the cradle plate from
the cradle.
(12) Remove the bracket (Fig. 9) attaching the
power steering fluid tubes to the front suspension
cradle.
(13) Using a 18mm crowfoot, (Fig. 10) remove the
power steering fluid pressure and return lines (Fig.
10) from the power steering gear.
(14) Remove the 3 bolts and nuts (Fig. 11) mount-
ing the steering gear to the front suspension cradle.
Fig. 7 HCU Bracket Attaching Bolts
Fig. 8 Front Suspension Cradle Plate And Attaching
Bolts
Fig. 9 Power Steering Tube Bracket
Fig. 10 Power Steering Fluid Pressure And Return
Hoses At Steering Gear
Fig. 11 Steering Gear Mounting To Suspension
Cradle
NSSTEERING 19 - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)