STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the drivers side airbag.(Re-
fer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIR-
BAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller C-3894±A or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 13)
(4) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the drivers side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 13 Steering Wheel Puller
1 - PULLER C-3894-A
2 - STEERING WHEEL
19 - 12 COLUMNKJ
GEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4WD......................13
REMOVAL - 2WD......................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4WD..................14INSTALLATION - 2WD..................14
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................15
SPECIAL TOOLS
OUTER TIE ROD END REMOVAL TOOL....15
GEAR
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gear (Fig. 1) is made up
of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The steering column intermediate shaft is attached
to the gear pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves
the gear rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of
the rack pushes and pulls the tie rods, which are
connected to the steering knuckles to change the
direction of the front wheels.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4WD
(1) Siphon the power steering fluid from the power
steering reservoir.
(2) Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of
the clockspring.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the skid plate from under the front
end to gain access to the gear (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
NOTE: Mark the alignment adjusting cams for eas-
ier installation.
(6) Remove the lower control arms. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the front axle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE - REMOV-
AL).
(8) Remove the tie rod end nuts.
(9) Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with
Puller C-3894-A.
(10) Remove the intermediate shaft lower coupler
bolt and slide the coupler off the gear (Fig. 2).
(11) Remove power steering pressure hose bracket
(Fig. 3).
(12) Remove the power steering lines from the
gear (Fig. 2).
(13) Remove the mounting bolts from the gear to
the front cradle (Fig. 3).
(14) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Rack & Pinion Steering Gear
1 - TIE ROD - INNER
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER LH
4 - BOOTS
5 - TIE ROD END - OUTER RH
KJGEAR 19 - 13
REMOVAL - 2WD
(1) Siphon the power steering fluid from the power
steering reservoir.
(2) Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of
the clockspring.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the skid plate from under the front
end to gain access to the gear(Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
NOTE: Mark the alignment adjusting cams and tie
rod end jam nuts on the steering gear for easier
installation.
(6) Remove the tie rod end nuts.
(7) Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with
Puller C-3894-A.
(8) Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupler
bolt and slide the coupler off the gear (Fig. 2).(9) Remove power steering pressure hose bracket
(Fig. 3).
(10) Remove the power steering lines from the
gear (Fig. 2).
(11) Remove the mounting bolts from the gear to
the front cradle (Fig. 3).
(12) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4WD
(1) Transfer the tie rod ends to the new steering
gear (if needed).
(2) Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
(3) Install the gear mounting bolts to the front cra-
dle. (Fig. 3). Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 162
N´m (120 ft.lbs.)
(4) Install the power steering lines to the gear
(Fig. 2).
(5) Install the power steering pressure hose
bracket (Fig. 3).
(6) Install the lower coupler bolt and slide the cou-
pler on to the gear (Fig. 2).
(7) Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and
tighten the nuts.
(8) Install the front axle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install the lower control arms. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Install the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(12) Lower the vehicle.
(13) Unlock the steering wheel.
(14) Fill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - 2WD
(1) Transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new
steering gear (if needed).
(2) Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
(3) Install the gear mounting bolts to the front cra-
dle. (Fig. 3). Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 162
N´m (120 ft.lbs.)
(4) Install the power steering lines to the gear
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 COUPLER BOLT
Fig. 3 RACK & PINION
19 - 14 GEARKJ
GEAR (Continued)
(5) Install the power steering pressure hose
bracket (Fig. 3).
(6) Install the lower coupler bolt and slide the cou-
pler on to the gear (Fig. 2).
(7) Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and
tighten the nuts.
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(9) Install the skid plate(Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - INSTAL-
LATION).(10) Lower the vehicle.
(11) Unlock the steering wheel.
(12) Fill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts162 120 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Intermediate Shaft Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut108 80 Ð
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line35 25 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line35 25 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
OUTER TIE ROD END REMOVAL TOOL
Puller C-3894-A
KJGEAR 19 - 15
GEAR (Continued)
NOTE: Power steering pumps have different pres-
sure rates and are not interchangeable with other
pumps.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: Use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid or
equivalent. Do not use automatic transmission fluid
and do not overfill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal ambient temperature.
(1) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two minutes.
(2) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(3) Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left,
lightly contacting the wheel stops at least 20 times.
(4) Check the fluid level add if necessary.
(5) Lower the vehicle, start the engine and turn
the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
(6) Stop the engine and check the fluid level and
refill as required.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
(7) If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky look-
ing, allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and
repeat the procedure.
(8) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 3.7L
(1) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
(2) Remove the radiator cross member (Refer to 23
- BODY/EXTERIOR/RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the engine cooling fan (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the fan shroud
(5) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the power steering high pressure hose
at the pump.
(7) Remove the return hose at the pump.
(8) Remove the three bolts securing the pump to
the bracket thru the holes in the pulley. (Fig. 3)
(9) Remove the pump from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - 2.4L
CAUTION: On vehicles equipped with the 2.4L, Do
not reuse the old power steering pump pulley it is
not intended for reuse. A new pulley must be
installed if removed.
(1) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt.
(3) Remove the power steering high pressure hose
at the pump using care not to remove the flow con-
trol valve.
(4) Remove the return hose at the pump.
Fig. 2 FLUID RESERVOIR - 2.4L
Fig. 3 POWER STEERING PUMP - 3.7L
1 - MOUNTING BOLTS
2 - RESERVOIR
3 - STEEL PULLEY
19 - 18 PUMPKJ
PUMP (Continued)
RESERVOIR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 3.7L
(1) Remove the power steering pump. (Refer to 19
- STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL).
(2) Secure the pump in a holding fixture.
(3) Remove the retaining clips by prying the lock
tab upwards and tap the retaining clips off the pump
body. (Fig. 12)
(4) Remove the reservoir from the pump body.
REMOVAL - 2.4L
(1) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
(2) Remove the power steering hoses.(3) Remove the bolt securing the reservoir to the
mounting bracket. (Fig. 13)
(4) Remove the reservoir.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 3.7L
(1) Install the reservoir to the pump body.
(2) Install the retaining clips to the pump and res-
ervoir.
(3) Install the pump to the engine. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(4) Refill the power steering fluid and check for
leaks (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
(1) Install the reservoir to the mounting bracket.
(2) Install and tighten the bolt to
(3) Install the hoses.
(4) Refill the power steering fluid and check for
leaks (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). (Fig. 13)
Fig. 12 FLUID RESERVOIR
1 - FLUID RESERVOIR
2 - RETAINING CLIP
3 - PULLEY
4 - PUMP BODY
Fig. 13 FLUID RESERVOIR - 2.4L
19 - 24 PUMPKJ
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRES
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe brake applications
²High speed driving
²Excessive speeds on turns
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val,(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). This will help to achieve a greater
tread life.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 11).
Performance tires have a speed rating letter after
the aspect ratio number.
LETTER SPEED RATING
S 180 km/h (112 mph)
T 190 km/h (118 mph)
U 200 km/h (124 mph)
H 210 km/h (130 mph)
V 240 km/h (149 mph)
W 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y 300 km/h (186 mph)
The speed rating is not always printed on the tire
sidewall.
TIRE CHAINS
Tire snow chains may be used oncertainmodels.
Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and
ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of
four. Under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with temporary
spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50
MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in
use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or
rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train fail-
ure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed
signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The use of tires from different manufactures on the
same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire
pressure should be maintained on all four tires.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE &TEMPORARY
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for
complete details.
Fig. 11 Tire Identification
22 - 6 TIRES/WHEELSKJ
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 14).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 15).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 15).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE OR
VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.
To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varyingspeeds. Note the noise level during acceleration,
deceleration and slight left and right steering inputs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIRING LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 16). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before removing the tire
from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap
solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use
tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could dam-
age the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and tighten to proper
torque specification.
CLEANING
Remove the protective coating on the tires before
delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deteri-
oration of the tires.
To remove the protective coating, apply warm
water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards,
scrub the coating away with a soft bristle brush.
Steam cleaning may also be used to remove the coat-
ing.
NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based
solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Tire P215/75R16
Tire P235/70R16
Spare Tire P215/75D16
POLYSPARE ONLY ON
169
SPARE TIRE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the license plate.
(2) Remove the two bolts securing the wheel cover
to the wheel.
(3) Remove the two lug nuts and the one wheel
lock (if equipped) securing the tire/wheel to the spare
tire carrier.
(4) Remove the spare tire.
Fig. 14 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
22 - 8 TIRES/WHEELSKJ
TIRES (Continued)