1999 DODGE RAM Service Repair Manual

Belt tension out of
specification .......... B ........... Require adjustment or
replacement.
Belt worn beyond
adjustment range ....... B ............ Require replacement.
Belt worn so it contacts
bottom of pulley ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Binding ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fluid at or beyond
service interval ....... 3 ........... Suggest fluid change.
Fluid contaminated ...... B ........ (3) Require flushing and
refilling of the system.
Fluid level incorrect ... B ..... Require adjustment of fluid
level.
Inadequate assist ....... A .......... ( 4) Further inspection
required.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Noise ................... 2 .......... ( 5) Further inspection
required.
Pulley bent ............. A ... Require repair or replacement
of pulley.
Pulley missing .......... C .. Require replacement of pulley.
Remote reservoir
leaking ................ A .......... Require replacement of
reservoir,
Reservoir cap broken .... A ..... Require replacement of cap.
Reservoir cap missing ... C ..... Require replacement of cap.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Determine cause of incorrect alignment and require repair.
( 2) - Determine cause of noise and suggest repair.
( 3) - Determine and correct source of contamination. OEM
specifications must be followed for fluid type.
( 4) - If pump is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to pump, suggest repair or
replacement.









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RADIUS ARMS
RADIUS ARM INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.

Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Holes distorted ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.









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RELAY RODS
RELAY ROD INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace relay rod.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace relay rod.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace relay rod.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace relay rod.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
relay rod.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Binding ................. A .......... ( 1) Further inspection
required.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Grease fitting broken ... A ...... Require replacement grease
fitting.
Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease seal missing ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease seal torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 5) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 5)( 6) Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 7) Require replacement.

Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.









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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware bent . B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A . Require replacement of corroded
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace shock or
strut.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace shock or strut.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
shock or strut.
Binding ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Body dented ............. A .......... (1) Further inspection
required.
Body punctured .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Brake hose bracket
bent ................... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Brake hose bracket
missing ................ C ............ Require replacement.
Brake hose bracket
threads damaged ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Brake hose bracket
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... C ............ Require replacement.
Compression bumper
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
compression bumper.
Compression bumper
split .................. 1 .......... Suggest replacement of
compression bumper.
Damping (none) .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Dust boot (bellows)
split .................. 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.

Dust boot (bellows)
missing ................ 2 ......... (2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust boot (bellows)
torn ................... 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust shield broken ...... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Dust shield missing ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) is not removable
using appropriate tool . A .. ( 3) Require replacement of nut
and/or housing.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) threads damaged ... A ... Require repair or replacement
of nut.
Gland nut (strut housing
cap) threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Housing dented .......... A .......... ( 1) Further inspection
required.
Housing punctured ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Jounce bumper missing ... C ... Require replacement of jounce
bumper.
Jounce bumper split ..... 1 ... Suggest replacement of jounce
bumper.
Leaking oil, enough for
fluid to be running down
the body ............... A ........ ( 4) Require replacement.
Noise ................... 2 .......... ( 5) Further inspection
required.
Piston rod bent ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Piston rod broken ....... A ............ Require replacement.
Piston rod has surface
defect ................. 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Piston rod threads
damaged ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Piston rod threads
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Shock missing ........... C ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing bent ...... A ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) is not removable
using appropriate tool . A ......... ( 3) Require replacement
of nut and/or housing.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) threads damaged ... A ... Require repair or replacement
of nut.
Strut housing cap (gland
nut) threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Strut housing severely
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Strut housing threads
damaged ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Strut housing threads
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Tire cupping ............ A .......... ( 6) Further inspection
required.

(1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock
or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict
movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially
critical on mono-tube shocks.
( 2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - Only required if replacing cartridge.
( 4) - CAUTION: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously,
the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The
technician must identify the source of the oil.
( 5) - If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest
replacement.
( 6) - Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire
cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension
system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing
to the tire cupping, require replacement.









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SPINDLES
SPINDLE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Race seat area
undersized ............. B ............ Require replacement.
Scored .................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.









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SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
When springs are replaced, it is suggested, but not required,
that both springs on an axle be replaced to maintain equal height from
side to side and to provide a balanced ride and proper handling.
When variable rate springs are installed in place of
conventional coil springs, they must be installed in axle sets to
ensure proper handling, uniform ride, and proper chassis height.
Erroneous height measurements may result from: improper tire
inflation, non-standard tire or wheel size, and heavy load in vehicle
or trunk.
SPRING (COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR) INSPECTION

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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent .................. B .... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................ A .... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity .. A .. Require replacement of corroded
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect ............. A ........... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose ................. A .... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ............... C ... Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ....... A .... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ..... A ...... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Broken (all springs
except secondary
leave(s) on multi-leaf
springs) .............. A ............. Require replacement.
Coil clash ............. .. .. (1) Require ride height check.
Coil spring insulator
deteriorated .......... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring insulator
missing ............... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring insulator
split ................. 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulator.
Coil spring plastic
coating deteriorated -
rust present .......... A ...... ( 2) Refer to manufacturer's
service requirements.
Composite spring
damaged ............... .. .......... ( 3) Further inspection
required.
Cracked (all springs
except composite leaf and
secondary leave(s) on
multi-leaf springs) ... A ............. Require replacement.
Installed incorrectly .. B .................. Require repair.
Leaf spring insulators
missing ............... 2 ........... Suggest replacement of
insulators.
Secondary leaf on multi-
leaf spring broken .... 1 .... Suggest repair or replacement
Secondary leaf on multi-
leaf spring cracked ... 1 .... Suggest repair or replacement
Torsion bar

adjuster bent ......... A ............ (4) Require repair or
replacement of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
seized ................ A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of adjuster.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads damaged ....... A .... ( 4) Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Torsion bar adjuster
threads stripped
(threads missing) ..... A ...... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Vehicle suspension height
not within OEM
specifications ........ B ............ Require adjustment or
replacement.
( 1) - If vehicle is within manufacturer's height
specifications, no service is suggested or required.
( 2) - Some manufacturers require replacement under these
conditions.
( 3) - Check vehicle ride height. If ride height is OK, no
service is suggested or required.
( 4) - Only required if ride height needs to be adjusted.









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STEEL POWER STEERING LINES
CAUTION: When replacing steel power steering lines, be sure to use
a replacement product that meets or exceeds OEM design
specifications.
STEEL POWER STEERING LINE INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Blocked ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fitting incorrect
(such as compression
fitting) ............... B ............ Require replacement.
Flare type incorrect .... B ........... Required replacement.
Leaking ................. A ........... Require tightening or
replacement.
Line type incorrect ..... B ............ Require replacement.