Page 1593 of 2889
Page 1594 of 2889

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................2
POWER STEERING SYSTEM...............2
POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE . . . 4COLUMN................................6
GEAR.................................14
PUMP.................................31
LINKAGE - 2WD.........................38
LINKAGE - 4WD.........................40
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
The power steering system consist of a steering col-
umn, steering gear and hydraulic pump. The gear is
mounted to the frame rail and attaches to the steer-
ing linkage. The pump is a constant flow rate and
displacement vane-type pump. The pump supplies
hydraulic fluid pressure to the power steering gear
(Fig. 1).
Vehicles equipped with trailer tow option have a
power steering pump oil cooler.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Gear & Pump
1 - HYDRAULIC PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY
3 - FITTINGS
4 - STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY (RECIRCULATING BALL GEAR
SHOWN)
5 - PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY
BR/BESTEERING 19 - 1
Page 1595 of 2889

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Repair steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Loose or damaged steering linkage. 3. Inspect and repair steering
linkage.
4. Internal gear noise. 4. Repair steering gear.
5. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.5. Reposition hose.
6. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.6. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
2. Wrong gear. 2. Verify gear.
19 - 2 STEERINGBR/BE
STEERING (Continued)
Page 1596 of 2889

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3. Lube, inspect and repair as
necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn or out of
adjustment.7. Repair or replace gear.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Lack of lubrication. 4. Inspect and lubricate steering and
suspension compnents.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
6. Internal gear leak. 6. Pressure and flow test, and repair
as necessary.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate steering and
suspension compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Test and adjust gear as
necessary.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Adjust gear to specification.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
BR/BESTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
FLOW AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the opera-
tion of the power steering system on the vehicle. This
test will provide the flow rate of the power steering
pump along with the maximum relief pressure. Per-
form test any time a power steering system problem
is present. This test will determine if the power
steering pump or power steering gear is not function-
ing properly. The following pressure and flow test is
performed using Power Steering Analyzer Tool kit
6815 (Fig. 2) and Adapter Kit 6893.
POWER STEERING ANALYZER INSTALLATION
WITHOUT HYDRAULIC BOOSTER
(1) Remove the high pressure hose from the power
steering pump.
(2) Connect Tube 6844 into the pump hose fitting.(3) Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power
Steering Analyzer to Tube 6844.
(4) Connect Adapter 6826 to Power Steering Ana-
lyzer test valve end.
(5) Connect the power steering hose from the
steering gear to Adapter 6826.
WITH HYDRAULIC BOOSTER
(1) Remove high pressure hose which goes to the
steering gear from the tube coming out of the booster.
(2) Connect Adapter 6826 to the Power Steering
Analyzer pressure gauge hose.
(3) Connect pressure gauge hose to the tube com-
ing out of the booster.
(4) Connect Tube 6844 to the steering gear hose
and Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.
FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
(1) Check belt condition and tension.
(2) Open the test valve completely.
(3) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off
engine.
(4) Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start
engine again and let idle.
(5) Gauge should read below 1034 kPa (150 psi), if
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in
the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
(6) Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and
read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below
specification (Refer to pump specification chart for
GPM) the pump should be replaced.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than three seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
Fig. 2 Pressure Test Gauge
1 - GAUGE HOSE
2 - TUBE
3 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
4 - ANALYZER
19 - 4 STEERINGBR/BE
STEERING (Continued)
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(7) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
²Pressures above specifications but not within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
²Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other
but below specifications, replace pump.
(8) Open the test valve and turn the steering
wheel to the extreme left and right positions three
times against the stops. Record the highest pressure
reading at each position. Compare the readings to
the pump specifications chart. If pressures readings
are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leak-
ing internally and must be repaired.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against
the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.PUMP SPECIFICATION
ENGINERELIEF PRESSURE
(P.S.I.)FLOW
(G.P.M.) at
1500 RPM
3.9L 1450 to 1550 2.7 to 3.1
5.2L 1450 to 1550 2.7 to 3.1
5.9L 1450 to 1550 2.7 to 3.1
8.0L 1450 to 1550 2.7 to 3.1
5.9L
Diesel1450 to 1550 3.1 to 3.5
All With
Hydraulic
Booster1450 to 1550 3.1 to 3.5
NOTE: After preforming test and removing Power
Steering Analyzer, check power steering fluid level.
BR/BESTEERING 19 - 5
STEERING (Continued)
Page 1599 of 2889

COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
SPECIFICATIONS.........................9
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY LOCK
CYLINDER............................10
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................11IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................11
OPERATION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11
IGNITION SWITCH......................11
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL..............................13
INSTALLATION...........................13
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 1) has been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring,
switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering
column components can be serviced without remov-
ing the steering column from the vehicle.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or the air-
bag, refer to the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS below.
Fig. 1 Steering Column
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TILT LEVER
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - PANEL BRACKET
5 - SPACER
6 - TOE PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - LOWER SHROUD
9 - CLOCK SPRING
10 - NUT
19 - 6 COLUMNBR/BE
Page 1600 of 2889

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft
or shift tube. This may cause the shaft/shift tube to
collapse or damage the bearing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not
remove shaft lock plate, plate retainer, park lock
link or slider. This will damage the column (Fig. 2)
and (Fig. 3) .
REMOVAL
(1) Position the front wheels straight ahead.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery.(3) Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate
puller,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged
into the steering wheel and not into the clock-
spring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Fail-
ure to do so may damage the steering wheel.
(5) Remove the shift link rod in the engine com-
partment (if equipped). Pry the rod out from the
grommet in the shift lever.
(6) Scribe or paint reference mark on the column
shaft-to-coupler. This will aid in column shaft instal-
lation alignment. Remove the steering column shaft-
to-coupler bolt (Fig. 4).
(7) Remove the steering column opening cover/
knee blocker, (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the PRNDL cable on column shift vehi-
cles. Put the shift lever inParkposition. Pull the
cable and twist to remove from the position arm.
Push the tab up on bottom of the cable retainer, then
squeeze sides to remove retainer from the column
(Fig. 5).
(9) Remove the tilt lever (if equipped) from the col-
umn.
(10) Remove the upper and lower lock housing
shroud and remove the lower fixed shroud.
(11) Remove the turn signal multi-function switch
connector with a 7mm socket (Fig. 6).
(12) Loosen the upper Support Bracket nuts to
allow some slack. This will aid in removal of the
upper fixed shroud.
Fig. 2 Observe Cautions
1 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE IGNITION LOCKING LINK
2 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE PARK LOCK SLIDER
3 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE SHAFT LOCK PLATE
Fig. 3 Observe Cautions
1 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE SHAFT LOCK PLATE RETAINER
BR/BECOLUMN 19 - 7
COLUMN (Continued)