1999 DODGE RAM Service Repair Manual

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.

Restricted .............. A ............ Require replacement.
Routed incorrectly ...... B ..... Require routing correction.
Rust-pitted ............ 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Rust pitted, affecting
structural integrity .. A ............ Require replacement.









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STEERING ARMS
STEERING ARM 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
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.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Check for damaged stud.









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STEERING DAMPERS
The following procedures are only required if the vehicle was
originally equipped from the factory with a steering damper. If the
steering damper is an add-on unit, then the unit may be removed
instead of repairing or replacing.
STEERING DAMPER INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware bent . B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part, if available;
otherwise, replace steering
damper.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,

replace steering damper.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A . Require replacement of corroded
part, if available; otherwise,
replace steering damper.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace steering
damper.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace steering
damper.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace steering damper.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace steering damper.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
steering damper.
Binding ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Damper body dented ...... A .......... (1) Further inspection
required.
Damper body punctured ... A ............ Require replacement.
Damping (none) .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Dust boot (bellows)
missing ................ 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust boot (bellows)
split .................. 2 ......... ( 2) Suggest replacement
of boot.
Dust shield broken ...... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Dust shield missing ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Leaking oil, enough for
fluid to be running
down the body .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Loose ................... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Noise ................... 2 .......... ( 3) 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
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Piston rod threads
damaged ................ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Require replacement of units where dents restrict damper

piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict movement, no
service is suggested or required. Especially critical on
mono-tube dampers.
(2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - If noise is isolated to damper, suggest replacement.









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STEERING GEARS (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION)
If diagnosis has determined that complete disassembly is
necessary to determine the extent of the system failure, the
suggestion may be made to rebuild or replace the power steering pump.
Repair or replacement of the following components may be required, if
performed as part of a power steering pump overhaul or rebuild service
to meet a minimum rebuild standard.
STEERING GEAR (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION) 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.
Binding ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
Flex coupler binding .... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler loose ...... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
missing parts .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
soft/spongy ............ A . Require replacement of coupler.
Flex coupler torn ....... A . Require replacement of coupler.
Fluid contaminated ...... B ........ ( 1) Require flushing and
refilling of the system.
Gasket leaking .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of gasket.
Housing leaking ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Hydraulic fittings
leaking ................ A ... Require repair or replacement
of fittings.
Inadequate power assist . A .......... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
See note below.
Lash exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Seal leaking ............ A ... Require repair or replacement

of seal and/or mating part.
Splines damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of splines.
Splines stripped ........ A . Require replacement of splines.
Steering coupler
shield cracked ......... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Steering coupler
shield missing ......... C ............ Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. OEM
specifications must be followed for fluid type.
( 2) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.









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STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION
If diagnosis has determined that complete disassembly is
necessary to determine the extent of the system failure, the
suggestion may be made to rebuild or replace the power steering pump.
Repair or replacement of the following components may be required, if
performed as part of a power steering pump overhaul or rebuild service
to meet a minimum rebuild standard.
STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION 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.
Balance tube blocked .... A .. Require repair or replacement
of balance tube.
Balance tube missing .... C .. Require replacement of balance
tube.
Balance tube restricted . A ... Require repair or replacement
of balance tube.
Bellows boot
clamp missing .......... C ... Require replacement of clamp.
Bellows boot cracked