1999 DODGE RAM steering wheel

Fig. 7: Positioning Column Lock Flag
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
LOCK CYLINDER
Removal
Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. On tilt
columns, remove tilt lever. Remove upper and lower steering column
covers. Place shifter in Park (if vehicle has automatic transmission).\
With key inserted and ignition switch in RUN position, press on
retaining pin. See Fig. 8. Remove lock cylinder.
Installation
1) With key in lock cylinder, turn lock cylinder to RUN
position so retaining pin can be depressed. Install lock cylinder in
ignition switch (aligning slot) until retaining pin engages. Turn key
to OFF or LOCK position. Pull on lock cylinder to ensure retaining pin
is retained in ignition switch and cylinder will not come out.
2) Install upper and lower steering column covers. Tighten
screws to 17 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Install tilt lever (if equipped).
Connect negative battery cable. Check for proper operation of ignition
switch in all positions. Check for proper steering wheel lock
operation. Check for proper automatic shift lock operation.


STE ER IN G K NUCKLE S - 4 W D

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 DRIVE AXLES
CHRY - 4WD Steering Knuckles
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Open type steering knuckles are used on all models. Open type
knuckles provide sharper turning angle, decreasing turning radius.
Axle shafts are free floating. Steering knuckles are attached to axle
housing by ball joints.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
REMOVAL
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove brake
caliper, and support aside. DO NOT allow caliper to hang by brake
hose. On one ton models, remove adapter hub bolts and hub from rotor
and hub assembly. On all models, remove cotter pin from rotor and hub
nut.
2) Remove rotor and hub nut. Remove bolts securing rotor and
hub assembly to steering knuckle. Bolts are accessible from inboard
side of steering knuckle. Remove rotor and hub assembly. Remove hub
spacer from steering knuckle. Note spacer position for installation
reference.
3) Disconnect tie rod end and drag link studs. Remove anti-
lock brake sensor from steering knuckle. Remove ball joint cotter pins
and nuts. Discard lower nut. Using a soft-face hammer, tap steering
knuckle to free it from ball joints.
4) Clean all components with solvent, and dry with compressed
air. Inspect all parts for burrs, chips, wear, flat spots or cracks.
Replace all damaged or worn parts.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When aligning upper ball joint nut to install cotter pin,
always tighten nut to align holes. Never loosen nut to align
holes.
1) Position steering knuckle on ball joints, and install NEW
lower ball joint nut. Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS. Install upper ball joint nut, and tighten to
specification. Tighten, DO NOT loosen, nut to install NEW cotter pin.
2) Install hub bearing and axle shaft. Connect drag link stud
to steering knuckle arm. Install retaining nut, and tighten to
specification. Install NEW cotter pin. Connect tie rod end stud to
steering knuckle arm. Install retaining nut and tighten to
specification. Install NEW cotter pin. Install anti-lock brake sensor
to steering knuckle.
3) Apply anti-seize compound to splines of front drive axle.
Inspect hub grease seal and wheel bearing. Replace as necessary. From
rear of steering knuckle, install 2 rearward rotor and hub assembly
bolts in steering knuckle.
4) Apply chassis grease to hub spacer to secure on steering
knuckle. Position spacer on rotor and hub assembly bolts. Ensure
spacer is installed with flat edge toward rear of vehicle. Apply
Loctite to rotor and hub assembly bolt threads. Install rotor and hub

assembly to steering knuckle. Finger tighten bolts. Install 2
remaining rotor and hub assembly bolts. Tighten all bolts to
specification.
5) Install rotor and hub nut. Tighten nut to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install cotter pin. On one ton models,
install adapter hub bolts and hub to rotor and hub assembly. Install
brake caliper, and tighten bolts to specification. Install wheels, and
tighten lug nuts to specification.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application (1) Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Sensor Bolt ............................................ 15 (11)\
Brake Caliper Bolt ......................................... 38 (52)\
Drag Link Nut .............................................. 65 (88)\
Hub-To-Steering Knuckle Bolt ..................... 125-160 (170-217)\
Lower Ball Joint Nut
216 FBI ................................................. 80 (108)\
248 FBI ........................................ 140-160 (190-217)\
Rotor & Hub Nut .................................. 160-200 (217-271)\
Shock Absorber Lower Bolt ................................ 100 (136)\
Stabilizer Bar Bolt ........................................ 27 (37)\
Tie Rod-To-Steering Knuckle Nut ............................ 65 (88)\
Upper Ball Joint Nut
216 FBI ................................................. 75 (102)\
248 FBI .................................................. 70 (94)\
Wheel Lug Nuts .................................... 95-145 (130-195)\
( 1) - Front axles can be identified by differential cover. The 216 FBI
has rounded edges, the 248 FBI has flat angled edges.









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NOTE: Before testing, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley,
tire pressure and engine idle speed.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST
NOTE: Replacement fittings are required on Pressure Test Gauge(C
-3309E) for adapting to "O" ring type hose tube ends.
Idle Pressure Test
1) Remove high pressure hose at steering pump and connect a
spare hose to pump fitting. Connect opposite end of spare hose to
Pressure Test Gauge (C-3309E). Connect pressure hose from valve side
of steering gear to valve side of gauge. Valve must be installed on
outlet side of gauge. See Fig. 2.
2) Fully open shutoff valve on test gauge. With a thermometer
in fluid reservoir, start engine and warm fluid to 150-170
F (66-
77C). Turning wheels from stop-to-stop will aid in warming fluid. DO
NOT hold wheels against stop.
3) With engine at idle and gauge valve open, check initial
pressure. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table.
If pressure is greater than 125 psi (8.8 kg/cm

), check for restricted
hoses or crimped lines.
Fig. 2: Installing Pressure Gauge
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS
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Application psi (kg/cm
FD)
Idle Pressure ...................................... 50-80 (3.5-5.6)\
Relief Pressure
Dakota (4WD) ........................................ 1450 (101.9\
)
Ram Pickup .......................................... 1450 (101.9)\
Ram Van/Wagon ........................................ 1400 (98.4)\
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CAUTION: DO NOT leave shutoff valve closed more than 5 seconds, or
pump damage could result.

Relief Pressure Test
1) Close gauge shutoff valve completely 3 times. Record
highest pressure attained each time. All 3 readings must be greater
than specifications and within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm

) of each other. See
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If pressures
are not as specified, replace pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP (GASOLINE)\
or VACUUM/POWER STEERING PUMP (DIESEL) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
CAUTION: DO NOT hold steering wheel against stops more than 4 seconds,
or pump damage may result.
2) Open test valve and turn steering wheel to left and right
stops. Record highest pressure attained at each stop. If output
pressures are not equal against each stop, gear is leaking internally
and must be replaced. See STEERING GEAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Shut off engine, remove test gauge, and connect pressure hose.
LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
CAPACITY\
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Models Pts. (L)\
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 2.5 (1.2\
)
Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon ............................... 2.7 (1.3)\
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FLUID TYPE
CAUTION: DO NOT use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Use Mopar Power Steering Fluid (4318055).
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level with engine cold and not running. Remove
fluid level dipstick on pump reservoir. Dipstick should indicate FULL
COLD with fluid temperature of 70-80
F (21-27C). If needed, add fluid
through dipstick opening, and recheck. DO NOT overfill.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
Fill power steering pump reservoir to specified level. Start
engine and slowly turn steering wheel to left and right, but DO NOT
contact steering stops in either direction. Stop engine. Inspect
reservoir fluid level and add fluid if necessary. Bleeding process may
have to be repeated several times to completely purge all air from
system.
ADJUSTMENTS
POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
Vehicles are equipped with dynamic tensioner. No adjustment
is required.
POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY

Removal
1) Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Place drain pan
under steering gear assembly. Disconnect and cap pressure and return
hoses from steering gear. Disconnect steering column shaft coupling
from steering gear stub shaft.
2) Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect steering linkage
(center link) from pitman arm. See Fig. 9. Disconnect stabilizer bar
(if necessary). Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Remove steering gear-to-
frame bolts. Remove steering gear.
Installation
1) Install steering gear with bolts finger tight. Center
steering gear and align stub shaft with steering column. Install
steering column shaft coupling bolt and tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
2) Reposition steering gear to eliminate binding, and tighten
bolts to specification. Install pitman arm on sector shaft with
reference marks aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to
specification.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Bleed air from hydraulic system. See
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.
SECTOR SHAFT OIL SEAL
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Place wheels in straight-ahead
position. Disconnect steering linkage (center link) from pitman arm.
Disconnect stabilizer bar (if necessary).
2) Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Place drain pan under
steering gear. Remove retaining ring and steel washer. See Fig. 1.
CAUTION: DO NOT hold steering wheel in left-turn position for more
than 2 seconds.
3) Start engine and momentarily hold steering wheel in
extreme left-turn position. When pressure develops, this should force
upper oil seal, steel washer and lower oil seal from steering gear
housing. Stop engine and remove seals.
Installation
1) Ensure seal bore of steering gear is free of burrs and
sector shaft is free of pitting or roughness. Lubricate replacement
seals and steel washers with power steering fluid.
2) Wrap sector shaft with plastic tape or .005" (.13 mm)
thick shim stock. Install upper oil seal (single lip seal) and steel
washer first. Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for
remaining oil seal, steel washer and retaining ring.
CAUTION: DO NOT install upper oil seal against inner bore surface of
steering gear housing. Oil seals must be installed so each
oil seal is separately seated in shaft bore.
3) Install lower oil seal (double lip seal) and steel washer\
.
Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for steel washer
and retaining ring. Remove tape or shim stock and install retaining
ring.

CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
4) Install pitman arm on sector shaft with reference marks
aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Allow engine to idle for at least 3
minutes. DO NOT turn wheels during this time. Rotate wheels both
directions and check for leaks. Refill pump reservoir.
CENTER LINK
Removal & Installation
Separate tie rods, idler arm, steering and drag link (if
equipped) from center link. Remove center link. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification.
Fig. 9: Exploded View Of Steering Linkage
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
DRAG LINK
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pins and drag link nuts. Using Separator (C-
4150), separate drag link from steering knuckle or center link and

pitman arm. Remove drag link. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install
cotter pins.
IDLER ARM
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pin and nut from idler arm. Separate idler arm
from center link. Remove idler arm bolts. Remove idler arm. To
install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install NEW cotter pin.
PITMAN ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Remove cotter pin and nut at pitman arm-to-center link or
drag link. Separate pitman arm from center link or drag link. Mark
location of pitman arm on steering gear shaft. Remove pitman arm-to-
steering gear shaft nut. Separate pitman arm from steering gear.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against steering gear shaft to ensure
proper retention.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure reference
marks are aligned. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. Install
NEW cotter pin.
TIE ROD END
Removal
Remove cotter pin and nut from tie rod end. Using Tie Rod End
Puller (C-3894-A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle or center
link. Loosen lock nut or clamp bolt. Remove tie rod end. Note number
of turns required for removal.
NOTE: Use Tie Rod End Puller (C-3894-A) to prevent tie rod end seal\
damage.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure tie rod end
is installed at same location. Position clamp sleeve with bolt located
on bottom. Clamp opening should be aligned with slot in sleeve.
2) Tighten the tie rod end nut to specification. Install a
NEW cotter pin. Check and adjust toe-in. See appropriate
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Tighten clamp
bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
OVERHAUL
POWER STEERING PUMP OVERHAUL
Only fluid reservoirs, caps, pulleys, "O" rings, seals and
flow control valve are replaceable on pump. See Figs. 7 and 8.
Internal components are non-serviceable. If internal components fail,
replace pump. Replace reservoir, or "O" ring and seals if damaged.
NOTE: If expansion plug is deformed or dislodged, DO NOT remove it.
Replace pump housing.
STEERING GEAR OVERHAUL