2000 DODGE NEON pressure

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Faulty power steering pump flow
control (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).6. Replace power steering pump.
7. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft.7. Isolate and correct condition.
8. Binding upper strut bearing. 8. Disassemble strut assembly. Correct
binding condition in strut bearing or replace
bearing.
9. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.9. Replace power steering gear.
STIFF, HARD TO TURN,
SURGE, MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN EFFORT
WHEN TURNING.1. Tires not properly inflated. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Low power steering fluid level. 2. Add power steering fluid as required to
power steering fluid reservoir to obtain
proper level. Check for leaks.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.3. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. If drive belt is worn
or glazed, replace belt.
4. Lack of lubrication in control arm
ball joints.4. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated for life ball joint, replace ball
joint or control arm.
5. Low power steering pump
pressure (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).5. Replace the power steering pump as
necessary.
6. High internal leak in power
steering gear (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).6. Replace power steering gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint. If ball
joint is a lubricated for life ball joint, replace
ball joint or control arm.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
PLSTEERING 19 - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

POWER STEERING FLUID
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH
VISIBLE LEAK.1. Loose power steering hose
fittings.1. Tighten the fitting to its specified torque.
2. Damaged or missing fitting seal,
gasket, or O-ring.2. Replace as necessary.
3. Power steering pump or power
steering gear leaking.3. Repair or replace the leaking component
as required.
AERATED FLUID. 1. Low fluid level.* 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level.
2. Air leak between power steering
fluid reservoir and pump.2. Inspect for proper sealing. Replace the
power steering pump (with reservoir).
3. Cracked power steering pump
housing.3. Replace the power steering pump.
RESERVOIR FLUID
OVERFLOW AND FLUID
IS MILKY IN COLOR1. Water contamination. 1. Drain the power steering fluid from the
system. Flush the system with fresh clean
power steering fluid, drain, then refill to the
proper level.
NOTE: * Extremely cold temperatures may cause
power steering fluid aeration, if the power steering
fluid is low.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following flow and pres-
sure test is performed using the Power Steering Ana-
lyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 3), hoses, Special
Tools 6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit,
Special Tool 6893.
(1) Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer,
Special Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose,
Special Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on
Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959,
in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety gog-
gles should be worn at all times when performing
any test procedures on the power steering system.
Fig. 3 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 ± OUTLET
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 ± INLET
PLSTEERING 19 - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(2) Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, on
Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fit-
ting, Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6959. Both Special Tool 6844 and 6826 can be
found in Adapter Set, Special Tool 6893 (Fig. 4).
(3) Unscrew the tube nut and disconnect the
power steering fluid pressure hose from the power
steering pump (Fig. 5).
(4) Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844,
attached to pressure hose from inlet (gauge end) of
Power Steering Analyzer to the pressure fitting on
the power steering pump. Tighten the tube nut to a
torque of 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect the vehicle's power steering fluid pres-
sure hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826,
which should be already installed in the outlet hose
(valve end) of Power Steering Analyzer. Tighten the
tube nut to a torque of 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Completely open the valve on the Power Steer-
ing Analyzer flow meter.
(2) Start the engine and let idle long enough to cir-
culate power steering fluid through the analyzer and
hoses, until the air is out of the fluid. Shut the off
engine.
(3) Check the power steering fluid level and add
fluid as necessary. Start the engine again and let
idle.
(4) The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure should
be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi). The flow
meter should read between 1.1 and 1.3 GPM.CAUTION: The following test procedure step
involves testing maximum pump pressure output
and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve
closed for more than five seconds as the pump
could be damaged.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 9308 to 9998 kPa (1350 to 1450 psi.).
(5) Close the flow meter valve fully three times
and record highest pressure indicated each time.All
three readings must be above specifications
and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
²If the power steering pump pressure's are above
specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other, replace the power steering pump.
²If the pressure's are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of
each other, but below specifications, replace the
power steering pump.
If the power steering pump requires replacement,
refer to the section POWER STEERING PUMP
within this group for the removal and installation
procedure.
Fig. 4 Power Steering Analyzer Adapters 6893
Fig. 5 Hose At Pump
1 ± HOSE ROUTING CLIP
2 ± RETURN HOSE CLAMP
3 ± POWER STEERING PUMP AND RESERVOIR
4 ± PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT
19 - 10 STEERINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
as pump damage may result.
(6) Completely open the valve on the Power Steer-
ing Analyzer flow meter. Turn the steering wheel to
the extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until
the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated
pressure at each position. Compare the recorded
readings to the specifications. If the highest output
pressure reading against one stop is within 50 psi of
the highest reading at the other stop, the steering
gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.
If the power steering gear requires replacement,
refer to the section POWER STEERING GEAR
within this group for the removal and installation
procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
Before opening power steering system, wipe the
reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. Remove
the cap and check the fluid level on its dipstick.
When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature,
approximately 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF), the dip-
stick level should indicateCOLD. Do not overfill the
power steering system. In all power steering systems,
use only Mopar Power Steering Fluid, or its equiva-
lent.
NOTE: Do not use any type of automatic transmis-
sion fluid in the power steering system.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
NOTE: Do not use any type of automatic transmis-
sion fluid in the power steering system.
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Siphon as much fluid as possible from the
power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(3) Back out the tube nut securing the power
steering fluid pressure hose to the gear (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Power Steering Hoses At Gear
1 ± PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT
2 ± RETURN HOSE
3 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
4 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
PLSTEERING 19 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(4) Open the routing clips on the right side of the
power steering gear and remove the power steering
fluid pressure hose tube from the routing clips. At
the same time, remove the pressure hose tube from
the gear.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the bolt securing the hose routing clip
in place on the right engine motor mount (Fig. 7).
Remove the power steering fluid pressure hose from
the routing clip.
(7) Back out the tube nut securing the power
steering fluid pressure hose to the power steering
pump and remove the hose from the pump (Fig. 7).
(8) Remove the power steering pressure hose from
the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the power steering pressure hose into
the engine compartment from the top. First, guide
the pump end of the hose under the pump, then
route the rest of the hose along the right side of the
engine. Guide the gear end of the hose down behind
the back of the engine towards the power steering
gear.
(2) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean the open
power steering hose end and the power steeringpump port. Replace the used O-ring with new. Lubri-
cate the O-ring with power steering fluid.
(3) Attach the power steering fluid pressure hose
to the outlet fitting on the bottom of the power steer-
ing pump (Fig. 7). Tighten the pressure hose tube
nut to a torque of 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the power steering fluid pressure hose
in the routing clip and attach the clip to the right
engine mount (Fig. 7). Tighten the hose routing clip
bolt to a torque of 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(5) Raise the vehicle.
CAUTION: The power steering fluid hoses must
remain away from the exhaust system, vehicle com-
ponents, and unfriendly surfaces that can cause
possible damage to the power steering hoses.
(6) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean the open
power steering hose end and the power steering gear
port. Replace the used O-ring with new. Lubricate
the O-ring with power steering fluid.
(7) Attach the power steering fluid pressure hose
to the port on the power steering gear (Fig. 6). Start
the tube nut threads into the gear, but do not tighten
it at this time.
(8) Open the routing clips on the right side of the
power steering gear and install the power steering
fluid pressure hose into the routing clips. Close the
clips.
(9) Tighten the pressure hose tube nut at the gear
to a torque of 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(10) Lower the vehicle.
(11) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION service procedure which can be
found in the POWER STEERING PUMP section of
this group to properly fill and bleed the power steer-
ing system.
(12) Check for leaks at all hose connections.
POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Siphon as much fluid as possible from the
power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, remove the hose clamp securing the
return hose to the cooler. Slide the hose off the end of
the cooler tube.
Fig. 7 Power Steering Hoses At Pump
1 ± HOSE ROUTING CLIP
2 ± RETURN HOSE CLAMP
3 ± POWER STEERING PUMP AND RESERVOIR
4 ± PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT
19 - 12 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Install the hose clamp on the power steering
cooler fluid hose past the bead formed into the steel
fitting and secure in place.
(4) Install the two screws attaching the cooler to
the front suspension crossmember. Tighten the cooler
attaching screws to a torque of 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the power steering fluid return hose on
the power steering fluid cooler tube. Install the hose
clamp on the power steering return hose securing it
to the power steering cooler. Be sure the hose clamp
is installed on the return hose past the bead on the
end of the cooler tube.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION service procedure which can be
found in the POWER STEERING PUMP section of
this group to properly fill and bleed the power steer-
ing system.
(8) Check for leaks at all connections.
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from the neg-
ative post of the battery. Be sure cable is isolated
from negative post on battery.(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(3) Locate the power steering fluid pressure switch
on the back side of the power steering gear (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the power steering fluid pressure switch.
NOTE: When removing and installing the power
steering pressure switch, use a 7/8 inch deep well
socket. The deep well socket will prevent damage
to the plastic electrical connector area of the power
steering fluid pressure switch.
(5) Unscrew and remove the power steering fluid
pressure switch from the power steering gear.
INSTALLATION
(1) By hand, screw the power steering pressure
switch into the power steering gear until it is fully
seated (Fig. 9). Tighten the power steering pressure
switch to a maximum torque of 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
Over-torquing will result in stripping the threads out
of the power steering pressure switch port in the
steering gear.
(2) Install the vehicle wiring harness connector. Be
sure the latch on the wiring harness connector is
fully engaged with the locking tab on the power
steering pressure switch.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the
correct fluid level. Use only MopartPower Steering
Fluid, or equivalent.
(5) Connect the negative cable to the negative post
of the battery.
Fig. 8 Power Steering Fluid Cooler
1 ± POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
2 ± TRANSAXLE
3 ± CLAMP
4 ± AIR DAM
5 ± CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 9 Switch Location
1 ± WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
4 ± REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
19 - 14 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Start the engine and turn the steering wheel
several times stop-to-stop to bleed any air from the
fluid in the power steering system. Stop the engine,
check the fluid level, and inspect the system for
leaks.
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
POWER STEERING HOSE:
Tube Nuts............... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
Hose Routing Clip Bolt.... 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
POWER STEERING COOLER:
Mounting Screws.......... 10N´m(90in.lbs.)
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
SWITCH:
Switch................... 8N´m(70in.lbs.)
POWER STEERING PUMP:
Pressure Hose Tube Nut.... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
Pressure Fitting........... 88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Front Mounting Bolts..... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Rear Mounting Bolt....... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Rear Support Bracket To Engine Bolts . . 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING
Power Steering Analyzer 6815
Adapters, Power Steering Analyzer 6893
PLSTEERING 19 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

POWER STEERING PUMP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING PUMP.................16
POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR.......17
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........17
POWER STEERING PUMP.................17DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
POWER STEERING PUMP (PULLEY).........19
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW
SPECIFICATIONS.......................20
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................20
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING PUMP.................20
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING PUMP
The hydraulic pressure for operation of the power
steering gear is provided by a belt driven power
steering pump (Fig. 1) manufactured by TTA. The
TTA power steering pump is a constant flow rate and
displacement vane-type pump.
In the event of a power steering pump drive belt
failure, manual steering control of the vehicle can
still be maintained. However, under these conditions,
steering effort will be significantly increased.No repair procedures are to be done on the internal
components of the power steering pump. The only
serviceable components of the power steering pump
are the power steering pump pulley and the pump
itself. The power steering fluid reservoir is serviced
with the pump.
Because of unique shaft bearings, flow control lev-
els or pump displacements, power steering pumps
may be used only on specific vehicle applications. Be
sure that all power steering pumps are only replaced
with a pump that is the correct replacement for that
specific application.
Hydraulic pressure is provided for operation of the
power steering gear by the belt driven power steering
pump (Fig. 1). It is a constant displacement, vane
type pump. The power steering pump is connected to
the steering gear by a power steering fluid pressure
hose and return hose.
Rectangular pumping vanes in the shaft driven
rotor move power steering fluid from the intake to
the cam ring pressure cavities of the power steering
pump. As the rotor begins to turn, centrifugal force
throws the vanes against the inside surface of the
cam ring to pickup residual oil. This oil is then forced
into the high pressure area. As more oil is picked up
by the vanes, the additional oil is forced into the cav-
ities of the thrust plate through two crossover holes
in the cam ring and pressure plate. The crossover
holes empty into the high pressure area between the
pressure plate and the housing end cover.
As the high pressure area is filled, oil flows under
the vanes in the rotor slots, forcing the vanes to fol-
low the inside surface of the cam ring. As the vanes
reach the restricted area of the cam ring, oil is forced
out from between the vanes. When excess oil flow is
generated during high-speed operation, a regulated
amount of oil returns to the pump intake side
through a flow control valve. The flow control valve
Fig. 1 Power Steering Pump
1 ± POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
2 ± POWER STEERING PUMP
3 ± PULLEY
4 ± PUMP PRESSURE FITTING
19 - 16 STEERINGPL