1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Steering column

CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
PTO Switch Near G107 N/S
Radio C1 (Base) GY Rear of Radio 35, 36
Radio C1 (Premium) BK Rear of Radio 36
Radio C2 (Premium) BK Rear of Radio 36
Radio Antenna - At Antenna Base 37
Radio Antenna Cable - Right Kick Panel 36, 37
Recirculation Door Actuator BK Right Side of HVAC N/S
Red Brake Warning Indicator
SwitchBK Near Master Cylinder 22, 25, 29
Remote Radio Switch-Left BK At Steering Wheel N/S
Remote Radio Switch-Right BK At Steering Wheel N/S
Seat Belt Pretensioner-Left YL Left B-Pillar 44, 46
Seat Belt Pretensioner-Right YL Right B-Pillar 45, 47
Seat Belt Switch-Driver DK GY Left B-Pillar N/S
Seat Belt Tension Reducer
(Standard Cab)YL Left B-Pillar 44
Seat Heater Interface Module GN Under Driver Seat N/S
Sentry Key Immobilizer Module BK On Steering Column 30
Side Marker - Left Front (Dual
Wheels)BK Front of Left Rear Fender 52
Side Marker - Left Rear (Dual
Wheels)BK Rear of Left Rear Fender 52
Side Marker - Right Front (Dual
Wheels)BK Front of Right Rear Fender 52
Side Marker - Right Rear (Dual
Wheels)BK Rear of Right Rear Fender 52
Speaker-Center Instrument Panel WT Center of Instrument Panel 35, 36
Speaker-Left Front Door WT In Left Front Door 41
Speaker-Left Instrument Panel BK Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38
Speaker-Left Rear (Standard Cab) WT In Lower Left B-Pillar 44
Speaker-Left Rear Door (Quad
Cab)WT In Left Rear Door 43
Speaker-Right Front Door WT In Right Front Door 42
Speaker-Right Instrument Panel BK Right Side of Instrument Panel 35, 39
Speaker-Right Rear (Standard
Cab)BK In Lower Right B-Pillar 45
Speaker-Right Rear Door (Quad
Cab)BK In Right Rear Door 43
Speed Control Servo BK Left Front Side of Engine
Compartment23, 25
Speed Control Switch - Left
(Except ETC)GN Steering Wheel N/S
Speed Control Switch - Right
(Except ETC)GN Steering Wheel N/S
Speed Control Switch-Left (ETC) WT At Steering Wheel N/S
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 7
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

SPLICE
NUMBERLOCATION FIG.
S176 Left Side Engine Near T/O for Fuel Control Actuator N/S
S187 Rear of Engine 7
S191 Near Integrated Power Module 23
S203 Right Side Engine Compartment 23
S204 Left Side of Instrument Panel 35
S205 Left Side of Instrument Panel 35
S206 At Steering Column N/S
S207 At Steering Column N/S
S209 Center of Instrument Panel 35
S210 Center of Instrument Panel 35, 38
S212 Left Side of Instrument Panel 31, 38
S214 Left Side of Instrument Panel 31, 38
S216 Center of Instrument Panel 35, 36
S217 Left Side of Instrument Panel N/S
S218 Left Side of Instrument Panel N/S
S219 Center of Instrument Panel N/S
S220 Center of Instrument Panel N/S
S221 Center of Instrument Panel 35, 39
S222 Center of Instrument Panel 35
S224 Right Side of HVAC N/S
S225 Center of Instrument Panel 35
S226 Right Side of HVAC N/S
S228 At Steering Column N/S
S230 Right Instrument Panel 35
S231 Left Instrument Panel 38
S232 Right Engine Compartment 23
S240 Steering Column 31, 38
S241 Center Instrument Panel 35, 36
S243 Right Engine Compartment 23
S245 Left Instrument Panel 35
S300 Left Kick Panel 40, 44, 46
S301 Center of Headliner N/S
S302 Center of Headliner N/S
S303 Middle of Roof 48
S304 Center of Headliner N/S
S305 Middle of Roof 48
S306 Left Side of Frame N/S
S307 Center of Headliner N/S
S308 Left Rear Chassis 50, 51
S309 Center Rear of Chassis 51
S311 Left Front of Body 44, 46
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 11
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 30 STEERING COLUMN
8W - 91 - 40 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONDR
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

Fig. 31 LEFT STEERING COLUMN
DR8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION 8W - 91 - 41
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM....................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE........4
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING...........................5COLUMN...............................6
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..17
GEAR - LINK/COIL.......................20
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION...........................32
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL....................34
PUMP.................................39
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Power steering systems consist of:
²Steering column
²Rack and pinion steering gear
²Belt driven hydraulic steering pump
²Pump pressure and return hoses
²Oil Cooler
OPERATION
The steering column shaft is attached to the gear
pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear
rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack
pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction
of the front wheels (Fig. 1).
Power assist is provided by an engine mounted
hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid pres-
sure to the steering gear.
Fig. 1 STEERING COMPONENTS
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RESERVOIR
3 - HOSES
4 - TIE ROD ENDS
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS
6 - RACK & PINION
DRSTEERING 19 - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
19 - 2 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DRSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)

COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION..........................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
COLUMN.............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................9
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION
SWITCH.............................9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION
SWITCH AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER.......11
KEY CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD . 14
REMOVAL - 4X4 HD...................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4
HD.................................14
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD................15
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
TILT LEVER KNOB RELEASE
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 1) has been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring,
switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering
column components can be serviced without remov-
ing the steering column from the vehicle.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
refer to Restraints and follow all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT INACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column
shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bear-
ing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not
remove shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will
damage the column.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the
park lock slider or link.
19 - 6 COLUMNDR