1998 DODGE RAM 1500 flat tire

VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
LABEL
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle certification label (Fig. 9) is attached to
every DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle. The label
certifies that the vehicle conforms to all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Standards. The label also lists:
²Month and year of vehicle manufacture.
²Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The gross
front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR's) are
based on a minimum rim size and maximum cold tire
inflation pressure.
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
²Type of vehicle.
²Type of rear wheels.
²Bar code.
²Month, Day and Hour (MDH) of final assembly.
²Paint and Trim codes.
²Country of origin.The label is located on the driver-side door
shut-face.
Fig. 9 VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL - TYPICAL
DRINTRODUCTION 11

(6) Position the hub spacer (Fig. 8) and brake
shield (Fig. 9) on bolts just installed in knuckle.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel speed
sensor the brake shield must be positioned on the
hub bearing (Fig. 10).
(7) Align the rotor hub with the drive shaft and
start the shaft into the rotor hub splines.NOTE: Position wheel speed sensor wire at the top
of the knuckle if equipped.
(8) Align the bolt holes in the hub bearing flange
with the bolts installed in the knuckle. Then thread
the bolts into the bearing flange far enough to hold
the assembly in place.
(9) Install the remaining bolts. Tighten the hub/
bearing bolts to 202 N´m (149 ft. lbs.
(10) Install the washer and axle nut and tighten a
beginning torque of 179 N´m (132 ft. lbs.).
(11) Rotate the axle 5 to 10 times to seat the hub
bearing.
(12) Tighten to a final torque of 356 N´m (263 ft.
lbs.).
(13) Align the axle nut to the next forward cotter
pin hole and install a new cotter pin in the axle nut.
(14) Install the brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the sensor wire to the steering knuckle
and frame and if equipped. Connect the wheel speed
sensor wire under the hood.
(16) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(17) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(18) Apply the brakes several times to seat the
brake shoes and caliper piston. Do not move the vehi-
cle until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
Fig. 8 Hub Spacer
1 - ROTOR HUB BOLTS
2 - HUB SPACER (POSITION FLAT TO REAR)
3 - APPLY ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO SPLINES
Fig. 9 Brake Shield
1 - BRAKE SHIELD
2 - HUB BEARING BOLTS
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 10 Brake Shield With Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 - HUB BEARING
3 - SHIELD
DRFRONT - LINK/COIL 2 - 33
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

UPPER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - UPPER BALL
JOINT
To properly diagnose the upper ball joint two read-
ings from the dial indicator are necessary, The two
readings must be added together to find a total ball
joint movement as identified in the steps below.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Attach a dial indicator with the indicator rest-
ing on either the front or back sides of the steering
knuckle as close to the upper ball joint as possible
(Fig. 18).
(3) Set the dial indicator to zero.
(4) Grab the tire by pushing in on the top of the
tire and pulling out on the bottom of the tire. Record
the reading on the dial indicatorThis will be the
first reading(Fig. 18).
(5) Set the dial indicator back to zero.
(6) Grab the tire by pulling in on the top of the
tire and pushing out on the bottom of the tire.
Record the reading on the dial indicatorThis will be
the second reading(Fig. 18).
(7) Add the two reading together for a total upper
ball joint movement, If this reading is above 1.52 mm
(0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is
necessary (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/UP-
PER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
(1) Position special tool 6761 (RECEIVER) and
8445±3 (DRIVER) with C-4212±F as shown to
remove upper ball stud (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position special tool 8445±2 (DRIVER) and
8975±5 (RECEIVER) with C-42121±F as shown to
install upper ball stud (Fig. 20).
Fig. 18 UPPER BALL JOINT MOVEMENT
1 - UPPER BALL JOINT
2 - AXLE YOKE
3 - DIAL INDICATOR
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE FLAT
Fig. 19 UPPER BALL JOINT REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
6761
3 - KNUCKLE
4 - SPECIAL TOOL
8445-3
Fig. 20 UPPER BALL JOINT INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C4212-F
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8445-2
3 - BALL JOINT
4 - KNUCKLE
5 - SPECIAL TOOL
8975-5
2 - 36 FRONT - LINK/COILDR

FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
BRAKE JUNCTION BLOCK
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................24
MASTER CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MASTER
CYLINDER/POWER BOOSTER...........25
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MASTER
CYLINDER BLEEDING..................26
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL EXCEPT HYDROBOOST . . . 26
REMOVAL - HYDROBOOST.............26
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL EXCEPT
HYDROBOOST.......................27
INSTALLATION - HYDROBOOST..........27
PEDAL
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................29
HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE BOOSTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
BOOSTER...........................30
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BLEEDING......31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
ROTORS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DISC BRAKE ROTOR..................32
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT....................33
REMOVAL - REAR.....................34REMOVAL - REAR DUAL WHEELS........34
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT................34
INSTALLATION - REAR.................34
INSTALLATION - REAR DUAL WHEELS....35
SUPPORT PLATE
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
PARKING BRAKE
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................36
CABLES
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT PARKING BRAKE
CABLE..............................36
REMOVAL - REAR PARK BRAKE CABLE . . . 37
REMOVAL - RIGHT REAR CABLE.........37
REMOVAL - LEFT REAR CABLE..........38
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT PARKING BRAKE
CABLE..............................38
INSTALLATION - REAR PARK BRAKE
CABLE..............................38
INSTALLATION - RIGHT REAR CABLE.....38
INSTALLATION - LEFT REAR CABLE......39
SHOES
REMOVAL.............................39
CLEANING - REAR DRUM IN HAT BRAKE....39
INSPECTION - REAR DRUM IN HAT BRAKE . . 39
INSTALLATION.........................40
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - PARKING BRAKE SHOES . . 41
ADJUSTMENT - WITH ADJUSTING TOOL . . . 42
PEDAL
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
CABLE TENSIONER
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................43
RELEASE HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
BRAKES - BASE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM
Base brake components consist of the brake pads,
calipers, brake drum in hat rotor in the rear, rotors,
brake lines, master cylinder, booster, and parking
brake components.
Brake diagnosis involves determining if the prob-
lem is related to a mechanical, hydraulic, or vacuum
operated component.
The first diagnosis step is the preliminary check.
PRELIMINARY BRAKE CHECK
(1) Check condition of tires and wheels. Damaged
wheels and worn, damaged, or underinflated tires
can cause pull, shudder, vibration, and a condition
similar to grab.
(2) If complaint was based on noise when braking,
check suspension components. Jounce front and rear
of vehicle and listen for noise that might be caused
by loose, worn or damaged suspension or steering
components.
(3) Inspect brake fluid level and condition. Note
that the brake reservoir fluid level will decrease in
proportion to normal lining wear.Also note that
brake fluid tends to darken over time. This is
5 - 2 BRAKES - BASEDR

²Drum brake shoes binding on worn/damaged
support plates.
²Mis-assembled components.
²Long booster output rod.
If brake drag occurs at all wheels, the problem
may be related to a blocked master cylinder return
port, or faulty power booster (binds-does not release).
BRAKE FADE
Brake fade is usually a product of overheating
caused by brake drag. However, brake overheating
and resulting fade can also be caused by riding the
brake pedal, making repeated high deceleration stops
in a short time span, or constant braking on steep
mountain roads. Refer to the Brake Drag information
in this section for causes.
BRAKE PULL
Front brake pull condition could result from:
²Contaminated lining in one caliper
²Seized caliper piston
²Binding caliper
²Loose caliper
²Rusty caliper slide surfaces
²Improper brake pads
²Damaged rotor
A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension
component are further causes of pull. A damaged
front tire (bruised, ply separation) can also cause
pull.
A common and frequently misdiagnosed pull condi-
tion is where direction of pull changes after a few
stops. The cause is a combination of brake drag fol-
lowed by fade at one of the brake units.
As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so
reduced that fade occurs. Since the opposite brake
unit is still functioning normally, its braking effect is
magnified. This causes pull to switch direction in
favor of the normally functioning brake unit.
An additional point when diagnosing a change in
pull condition concerns brake cool down. Remember
that pull will return to the original direction, if the
dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down (and is
not seriously damaged).
REAR BRAKE GRAB OR PULL
Rear grab or pull is usually caused by improperly
adjusted or seized parking brake cables, contami-
nated lining, bent or binding shoes and support
plates, or improperly assembled components. This is
particularly true when only one rear wheel is
involved. However, when both rear wheels are
affected, the master cylinder or proportioning valve
could be at fault.BRAKES DO NOT HOLD AFTER DRIVING THROUGH DEEP
WATER PUDDLES
This condition is generally caused by water soaked
lining. If the lining is only wet, it can be dried by
driving with the brakes very lightly applied for a
mile or two. However, if the lining is both soaked and
dirt contaminated, cleaning and/or replacement will
be necessary.
BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION
Brake lining contamination is mostly a product of
leaking calipers or worn seals, driving through deep
water puddles, or lining that has become covered
with grease and grit during repair. Contaminated lin-
ing should be replaced to avoid further brake prob-
lems.
WHEEL AND TIRE PROBLEMS
Some conditions attributed to brake components
may actually be caused by a wheel or tire problem.
A damaged wheel can cause shudder, vibration and
pull. A worn or damaged tire can also cause pull.
Severely worn tires with very little tread left can
produce a grab-like condition as the tire loses and
recovers traction. Flat-spotted tires can cause vibra-
tion and generate shudder during brake operation. A
tire with internal damage such as a severe bruise,
cut, or ply separation can cause pull and vibration.
BRAKE NOISES
Some brake noise is common with rear drum
brakes and on some disc brakes during the first few
stops after a vehicle has been parked overnight or
stored. This is primarily due to the formation of trace
corrosion (light rust) on metal surfaces. This light
corrosion is typically cleared from the metal surfaces
after a few brake applications causing the noise to
subside.
BRAKE SQUEAK/SQUEAL
Brake squeak or squeal may be due to linings that
are wet or contaminated with brake fluid, grease, or
oil. Glazed linings and rotors with hard spots can
also contribute to squeak. Dirt and foreign material
embedded in the brake lining will also cause squeak/
squeal.
A very loud squeak or squeal is frequently a sign of
severely worn brake lining. If the lining has worn
through to the brake pads in spots, metal-to-metal
contact occurs. If the condition is allowed to continue,
rotors can become so scored that replacement is nec-
essary.
BRAKE CHATTER
Brake chatter is usually caused by loose or worn
components, or glazed/burnt lining. Rotors with hard
spots can also contribute to chatter. Additional causes
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASEDR
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

(3) Install the bolts attaching headlamp unit to the
fender (Fig. 11).
(4) Align the seal and install the push pins.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
ADJUSTMENTS
Headlamps can be aligned using the screen method
provided in this section.
LAMP ALIGNMENT SCREEN PREPARATION
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicu-
lar to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft) away from front
of headlamp lens (Fig. 12).
(2) If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62
meters (25 ft) away from and parallel to the wall.
(3) Up 1.27 meters (5 feet) from the floor, tape a
line on the wall at the centerline of the vehicle. Sight
along the centerline of the vehicle (from rear of vehi-
cle forward) to verify accuracy of the line placement.
(4) Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow
suspension to stabilize.
(5) Jounce front suspension three times by pushing
downward on front bumper and releasing.
(6) Measure the distance from the center of head-
lamp lens to the floor. Transfer measurement to thealignment screen (with tape). Use this line for
up/down adjustment reference.
(7) Measure distance from the centerline of the
vehicle to the center of each headlamp being aligned.
Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each
side of vehicle centerline. Use these lines for left/
right adjustment reference.
VEHICLE PREPARATION FOR HEADLAMP
ALIGNMENT
(1) Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam
indicator operation.
(2) Correct defective components that could hinder
proper headlamp alignment.
(3) Verify proper tire inflation.
(4) Clean headlamp lenses.
(5) Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.
(6) Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5
lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated
gallon of missing fuel.
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
A properly aimed low beam headlamp will project
top edge of high intensity pattern on screen from 50
mm (2 in.) above to 50 mm (2 in.) below headlamp
Fig. 12 Headlamp Alignment Screen - Typical
1 - CENTER OF VEHICLE
2 - CENTER OF HEADLAMP3 - 7.62 METERS (25 FT.)
4 - FRONT OF HEADLAMP
8L - 16 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORDR
HEADLAMP UNIT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Reach through the glove box opening and
behind the glove box lamp and switch mounting
bracket to feed the instrument panel wire harness
connectors out through the hole in the glove box
lamp and switch housing mounting bracket.
(2) Position the glove box lamp and switch unit to
the instrument panel.
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the connector receptacle on the back of
the glove box lamp and switch unit.
(4) Push the glove box lamp and switch unit into
the hole in the mounting bracket on the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement.
(5) Install the glove box onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - INSTALLATION) for the procedures.
(6) Close the glove box.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped
with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The
lamp lenses are the only visible components of these
lamps. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, reflector
and lens within the overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps
are controlled by the instrument cluster which pro-
vides power at all times, regardless of the ignition
switch position. The ground circuit for the lamps is
switched through the integral reading and courtesy
lamp switches or through the door ajar switches.
Each lamp is designed and aimed to provide illumi-
nation that will be directed only to that side of the
vehicle on which the lamp is located.
The reading and courtesy lamp lenses and bulbs
are available for service replacement. The reading
and courtesy lamp switches, bulb holders and wiring
are only available as part of the overhead console
wire harness. If either of the lamp switches or bulb
holders is faulty or damaged, the entire overhead
console wire harness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs,
refer to the appropriate wiring information.
OPERATION
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the over-
head console are activated by the door ajar switches
via the instrument cluster. When all of the doors are
closed, these lamps can be individually activated by
depressing the corresponding lens. When any door is
open, depressing the lamp lenses to activate the lamp
switches will not turn the lamps off.The instrument cluster monitors the door ajar
switches. When a door is open the instrument cluster
grounds the low side drivers to turn on the lamps.
Upon closing all doors, the instrument cluster ini-
tiates a 30 second timer. If any of the doors are
opened during the ªtime outº cycle, the instrument
cluster will reset the timer until all doors are closed.
The instrument cluster will faid to off when the doors
are closed and the ignition is turned ON, the time
out expires or the power locks are activated.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a long, narrow, flat-bladed tool between
the curved (outboard) edge of the reading and cour-
tesy lamp lens and the overhead console housing
(Fig. 4).
(3) Gently pry inward and downward against the
lens until the latch tab in the center of the outboard
edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens is disen-
gaged from the overhead console housing.
(4) Pull firmly on the lens toward the outboard
side of the vehicle to disengage the two pivot tabs on
the inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp
lens are disengaged from the overhead console hous-
ing.
(5) Remove the reading and courtesy lamp lens
from the overhead console housing.
Fig. 4 Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulb
Removal
1 - LENS
2 - FLAT BLADE
3 - CONSOLE
8L - 28 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORDR
GLOVE BOX LAMP/SWITCH (Continued)

DRIVER POWER SEAT SWITCH TEST TABLE
DRIVER SWITCH
POSITIONCONTINUITY BETWEEN
HORIZONTAL
FORWARDA-L, B-K
HORIZONTAL
REARWARDA-K, B-L
FRONT TILT UP A-M, B-N
FRONT TILT DOWN A-N, B-M
REAR TILT UP A-E, B-J
REAR TILT DOWN A-J, B-E
LUMBAR OFF O-P, O-R, P-R
LUMPAR UP (INFLATE) O-P, Q-R
LUMBAR DOWN
(DEFLATE)O-R, P-Q
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the seat cushion side shield from the
seat. Refer to the Body section of the service manual
for the procedure.
(3) Pull the switch bezel or side shield unit out
from the seat far enough to access the switch wire
harness connector. Gently pry the locking tabs of the
switch away from the wire harness connector and
carefully unplug the connector from the power seat
switch module.
(4) Remove the screws that secure the power seat
switch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power seat switch on the seat
cushion side shield and install the screws that secure
the power seat switch to seat cushion side shield.
(2) Connect the electrical connector.
(3) Install the seat cushion side shield on the seat.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) If equipped, install the screw that secures the
recliner lever to the recliner mechanism release shaft
on the outboard side of the front seat.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
PASSENGER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The power seat on this model can be adjusted in
eight different directions, up, down, front up, front
down, rear up, rear down, rearward and forward.
The power seat switch (Fig. 3) on this model has an
additional switch knob for adjusting the power lum-bar support. The power seat switch is located on the
outboard side of the seat cushion on the seat cushion
side shield. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the power seat
switch functions and the seat adjusting procedures.
The individual switches in the power seat switch
assembly cannot be repaired. If one switch is dam-
aged or faulty, the entire power seat switch assembly
must be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power switch control knob or knobs are
actuated, a battery feed and a ground path are
applied through the switch contacts to the power seat
track or recliner adjuster motor. The selected
adjuster motor operates to move the seat track or
recliner through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the adjuster motor to
run in the opposite direction.
No power seat switch should be held applied in any
direction after the adjuster has reached its travel
limit. The power seat adjuster motors each contain a
self-resetting circuit breaker to protect them from
overload. However, consecutive or frequent resetting
of the circuit breaker must not be allowed to con-
tinue, or the motor may be damaged.
Fig. 3 DR Power Seat Switch
1 - POWER SEAT SWITCH ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
3 - COMPLETE SEAT ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
4 - REAR SEAT CUSHION ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
5 - LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON
DRPOWER SEATS 8N - 15
DRIVER SEAT SWITCH (Continued)