CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel fasteners.3. Tighten fasteners to specified torque.
STEERING WHEEL, DASH
OR VEHICLE VIBRATES
DURING LOW SPEED OR
STANDSTILL STEERING
MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is tuned properly.
4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut
to the specified torque.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure and correct as necessary.
6. Grounded engine mount. 6. Repair as necessary.
7. Loose outer tie rod. 7. Replace outer tie rod.
STEERING CATCHES,
SURGES OR STICKS IN
CERTAIN POSITIONS OR
IS DIFFICULT TO TURN.
***1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
specified level and check for leaks.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front lower
control arm ball joints.3. 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.
4. Worn or binding lower control arm
ball joint.4. Replace lower control arm ball joint.
5. Lack of lubrication in steering gear
outer tie rod ends.5. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a
lubricated-for-life type. If tie rod end is a
lubricated-for-life type, replace tie rod end.
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.6. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications or replace automatic
tensioner where applicable. If drive belt is
worn or glazed, replace belt.
7. Faulty power steering pump
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Faulty power steering gear
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft/coupler.9. Isolate and correct condition.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
19 - 6 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
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 causing binding
in front lower control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm ball joint.
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.
6. Damaged, mispositioned or
unlubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding mount bearing in front
strut assembly.7. Replace mount bearing in front strut
assembly.
8. Binding shaft bearing in steering
column.8. Replace the steering column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Power steering gear loose on
cradle/crossmember.2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft worn, broken or
loose.3. Replace steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft.
4. Free play in steering column. 4. Check all components of the steering
column and repair or replace as required.
5. Worn lower control arm ball joints. 5. Replace lower control arm ball joints as
required.
6. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint
stud pinch bolt.6. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary,
and tighten to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearing loose or
worn.7. Replace hub and bearing as necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod end. 8. Replace outer tie rod end that has
excessive free play.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
9. Loose inner tie rod. 9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace power steering gear.
NOTE: * Steering shudder can be expected in new
vehicles and vehicles with recent steering system
repairs. Shudder should dissipate after the vehicle
has been driven several weeks.
NOTE: ** To evaluate this condition, it may be nec-
essary to disconnect the coupling at the base of the
steering column. Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering column. To
avoid damaging the column clockspring, note the
following. Before disconnecting coupling, place
tires in the straight-ahead position and center steer-
ing wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotate
steering wheel more than one revolution in eitherdirection and place steering wheel in original loca-
tion before reconnecting coupling. If this position is
lost, the steering column clockspring must be
recentered following the procedure found within the
procedure for steering column installation in the
steering column section.
NOTE: *** Increased low speed or stationary steer-
ing effort can be expected if the steering fluid is at
a high temperature. High fluid temperature usually
results from high engine rpm due to trailer towing,
ascending grades, or racing the engine for pro-
longed periods of time.
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 component
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 at supply hose, power
steering fluid reservoir or pump.2. Inspect for proper sealing. Repair as
necessary.
3. Cracked power steering pump
housing.3. Replace the power steering pump.
RESERVOIR FLUID
OVERFLOW AND FLUID
THAT IS MILKY IN COLOR1. Water contamination of power
steering fluid.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. Aeration should sub-
side as fluid warms.
19 - 8 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG 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 AIR BAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL
COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR THE AIR BAG 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.
WARNING: SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN
AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING ON STEERING
COLUMNS.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNOSIS ANDTESTING) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN - WARNING).
(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before beginning
the column removal procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
(3) Remove the lower shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove the traction off switch.
(5) Remove the upper shroud.
(6) Remove the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the parking brake handle link.
(9) Remove the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
(12) Remove the vibration damper weight.
(13) Remove the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
REMOVAL). (Fig. 3)
(14) Disconnect the wiring harness connectors
from the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo
lamp, SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI sole-
noid.
1 - CLOCKSPRING WIRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - FIXED SHROUD
5 - SCREW
6 - STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - DASH PANEL STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET
9 - STUDS (4)
10 - STEERING COLUMN LOCKING PIN
11 - NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLY
12 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
13 - LOWER SHROUD
14 - SCREWS
15 - STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT16 - STEERING WHEEL DAMPER
17 - CLOCKSPRING
18 - SCREW
19 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
20 - PINCH BOLT
21 - STEERING COLUMN COUPLER
22 - PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN
23 - DASH PANEL
24 - SILENCER SHELL
25 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SHIELD AND SEAL
26 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
27 - ROLL PIN
28 - POWER STEERING GEAR
29 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE/CROSSMEMBER
19 - 12 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not force steering wheel onto steer-
ing column shaft by driving it on. Pull steering
wheel down onto shaft using only the steering
wheel retaining nut.
(1) Align master splines on steering wheel and
steering shaft, and flats on steering wheel with for-
mations on clockspring. Install the steering wheel on
the steering column shaft. All wiring leads from the
clockspring must be routed as shown (Fig. 41).NOTE: Before installing the damper on the steering
wheel, inspect the damper to ensure the rubber iso-
lator on the damper is not deteriorated or damaged.
If the damper is installed with a damaged isolator a
buzz, squeak or rattle condition may develop.
(2) Install the steering wheel damper on the steer-
ing wheel. When damper is installed, it must be posi-
tioned on the steering wheel as shown in (Fig. 39).
(3) Install the steering wheel retaining nut.
Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to a torque
of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect the wiring lead from the clockspring to
the remote radio control connector (Fig. 38).
(5) Install the wiring leads from the clockspring on
the airbag, horn switch wire, and speed control
switches (Fig. 37). Attach the wire routing clip to the
studs on the airbag module.
(6) Install the airbag module in the steering wheel.
(7) Install the 3 bolts (1 in each spoke of the steer-
ing wheel) attaching the airbag module to the steer-
ing wheel. Tighten the 3 airbag module attaching
nuts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
Fig. 41 Steering Wheel And Clock Spring Wire
Routing
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - CLOCK SPRING
3 - CLOCK SPRING WIRING LEADS
RSCOLUMN19-25
STEERING WHEEL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
DIAGNOSIS..........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST . . . 31
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TESTS....................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAKAGE . . . 35
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH AND
SERVO AIR PRESSURE TESTS..........35
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR......................37
REMOVAL.............................37
DISASSEMBLY.........................40
ASSEMBLY............................51
INSTALLATION.........................61
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
31TH TRANSAXLE HYDRAULIC
SCHEMATICS........................64
SPECIFICATIONS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE..........72
SPECIAL TOOLS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE..........75
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................79
OPERATION...........................79
BANDS
DESCRIPTION
KICKDOWN (FRONT) BAND.............80
OPERATION
LOW/REVERSE (REAR) BAND...........80
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - FRONT BAND...........80
ADJUSTMENTS - REAR BAND...........80
CLUTCH - FRONT
DESCRIPTION.........................82
OPERATION...........................82
DISASSEMBLY.........................82
ASSEMBLY............................84
CLUTCH - REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................86
OPERATION...........................86
DISASSEMBLY.........................87
ASSEMBLY............................89
FINAL DRIVE
DISASSEMBLY.........................91
ASSEMBLY............................94ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING . . 97
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
AND CONDITION CHECK...............99
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER CHANGE......................99
GEAR SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL............................101
INSTALLATION........................102
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT.......104
GOVERNOR
DESCRIPTION........................104
OPERATION..........................104
CLEANING...........................104
INSPECTION.........................104
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................105
OPERATION..........................105
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP
VOLUME CHECK.....................105
DISASSEMBLY........................106
CLEANING...........................106
INSPECTION.........................106
ASSEMBLY...........................107
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PARK/NEUTRAL
POSITION SWITCH...................107
REMOVAL............................107
INSTALLATION........................107
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DISASSEMBLY........................108
ASSEMBLY...........................109
SEAL - OIL PUMP
REMOVAL............................110
INSTALLATION........................110
SERVO - KICKDOWN
DESCRIPTION........................111
OPERATION..........................111
DISASSEMBLY........................111
CLEANING...........................112
INSPECTION..........................113
ASSEMBLY...........................113
SERVO - LOW/REVERSE
DESCRIPTION........................113
OPERATION..........................113
DISASSEMBLY........................114
CLEANING...........................114
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-21
ProCarManuals.com
TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HARSH ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Misadjusted 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Excessive Pinion Backlash 3. Check per Service Manual. Correct as
needed.
4. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect 4. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or
adjust valve body as needed.
5. Band Misadjusted. 5. Adjust rear band.
6. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 6. Inspect valve body for proper check ball
installation.
7. Clutch, band or planetary
component Damaged.7. Remove, disassemble and repair
transmission as necessary.
8. Converter Clutch (if equipped)
Faulty.8. Replace converter and flush cooler and
line before installing new converter.
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Misadjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn
or damaged.
4. Rear Band Misadjusted. 4. Adjust band.
5. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 5. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old
fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or
metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
6. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 6. Remove transmission and replace oil
pump.
7. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 7. Perform pressure test, remove
transmission and repair as needed.
8. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.8. Remove transmission, remove oil pump
and replace seal rings.
9. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.9. Remove and disassemble transmission
and repair as necessary.
10. Governor Valve Stuck. 10. Remove and inspect governor
components. Replace worn or damaged
parts.
11. Regulator Valve Stuck. 11. Clean.
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21-25
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission
and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace
worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body.
Replace assembly if any valves or bores
are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace seal rings and any other worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE
(VEHICLE WILL NOT
MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. Filter Plugged. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal particles,
an overhaul may be necessary. Perform
lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as
necessary.
4. Oil Pump Damaged. 4. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
5. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 5. Check press and inspect valve body.
Replace valve body (as assembly) if any
valve or bore is damaged. Clean and
reassemble correctly if all parts are in good
condition.
6. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Remove and disassemble
transmission. Repair or replace failed
components as needed.
7. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check
Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.7. Remove, disassemble, repair.
8. Torque Converter Damage. 8. Inspect and replace as required.
21 - 26 31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com