2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN wheel alignment

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
9. Loose inner tie rod. 9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace power steering gear.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)
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SHROUD - UPPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two shroud-to-shroud mounting
screws from the lower shroud (Fig. 32).
(2) Unsnap the upper shroud from the lower on
the left side as follows:
(a) Hook a finger on the left hand around the
rear of the shrouds at the seam (Fig. 33), near the
snap points.
(b) Grasp the upper shroud at the rear using the
right hand (Fig. 33).
(c) As the left hand's hooked finger is pulled out-
ward against the seam, pull the upper shroud
upward using the right hand, disconnecting the
shroud snaps.
(3) Unsnap the upper shroud from the lower on
the right side as follows:
(a) Hook a finger on the right hand around the
rear of the shrouds at the seam (Fig. 34), near the
snap points.
(b) Grasp the upper shroud at the rear using the
left hand (Fig. 34).
(c) As the right hand's hooked finger is pulled
outward against the seam, pull the upper shroud
upward using the left hand, disconnecting the
shroud snaps.
(4) Lift the upper shroud straight up off the steer-
ing column. If vehicle is equipped with traction con-
trol, disconnect wiring connector at traction control
switch pig tail. If vehicle is equipped with power fold-
away mirrors (Export), disconnect wiring connector
at mirror switch pig tail. Remove upper shroud.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with traction control,
remove traction control switch from shroud.
(6) If vehicle is equipped with power foldaway mir-
rors (Export), remove power fold-away switch from
upper shroud.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the vehicle is equipped with power foldaway
mirrors (Export), install the power fold-away switch
in the upper shroud.
(2) If vehicle is equipped with traction control,
install the traction control switch in the upper
shroud.
(3) Place the upper shroud over the lower shroud,
aligning the snap clips and alignment tabs. If the
vehicle is equipped with traction control, connect the
wiring connector at the traction control switch pig
tail before lining the shrouds up to one another.
(4) Snap the upper shroud to the lower shroud.
Once snapped into place, verify there are no gaps
between the two mating surfaces of the shrouds.(5) Install the two shroud-to-shroud mounting
screws (Fig. 32). Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) Ensure that the shrouds are snug and fit is
acceptable.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN - WARNING)(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS - WARNING).
(1) Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are
in thestraight-aheadposition.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the two bolts from the rear of the
steering wheel attaching the driver airbag. Lift the
airbag from the steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect airbag squib wiring connectors from
the airbag and the horn/speed control switch pigtail
connector from the clockspring (Fig. 35). If the steer-
ing wheel is equipped with remote radio controls, dis-
connect the connector from the clockspring (Fig. 36).
Properly store the driver airbag out of the way.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARN-
ING)
(5) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut from
the steering column shaft (Fig. 36).
(6) Remove the steering wheel damper from the
steering wheel (Fig. 36).
Fig. 35 Airbag Wiring Connections
1 - AIRBAG FEED SQUIB CONNECTORS
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG
3 - HORN/SPEED CONTROL CONNECTOR
4 - CLOCKSPRING
RSCOLUMN19-23
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CAUTION: Proper torque on the cradle reinforce-
ment to suspension cradle mounting bolts is very
important.
(7) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 6). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts (M-10 size) through reinforcement on
each side of each lower control arm rear bushing.
Tighten bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 6). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install outer tie rod end into steering knuckle.
Start outer tie rod to steering knuckle attaching nut
onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod
end stationary using a socket (Fig. 4), tighten tie rod
end to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a
crowfoot and socket (Fig. 13), tighten the tie rod end
attaching nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install leak detection pump on cradle cross-
member reinforcement. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS
CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/LEAK
DETECTION PUMP - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 3). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.). When installing mounting bolts, include pres-
sure hose routing clamp.(13) Reconnect previously disconnected hose at
power steering cooler and install clamp.
(14) Install the front tire and wheel assemblies on
vehicle. Install the wheel lug nuts and torque to 135
N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(16) Lower the vehicle to a level where the interior
of vehicle is accessible.
(17) With the wheels pointed approximately
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, align the intermediate shaft
with the steering column coupler. Assemble the steer-
ing column shaft coupler onto the steering gear inter-
mediate coupler (Fig. 2). Install steering column
coupler to intermediate shaft retaining pinch bolt.
Tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
(18) Remove the steering wheel holding tool.
(19) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(20) Inspect system for leaks.
(21) Adjust front toe (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - RHD GEAR
(1) Install the steering gear up in the front sus-
pension cradle crossmember, leaving room to install
intermediate coupler.
(2) Start the roll pin into the intermediate coupler
before installing coupler on steering gear shaft. Start
roll pin into coupler, using a hammer and tapping it
into the coupler. Then install the intermediate cou-
pler on the shaft of the steering gear.
(3) Install Remover/Installer Special Tool 6831A
through the center of the roll pin, securing it with
the knurled nut (Fig. 12). Hold threaded rod station-
ary while turning nut. This will pull the roll pin into
the intermediate coupler.
(4) Install power steering gear on the front suspen-
sion cradle. Install the 2 steering gear mounting
bolts and nuts. Tighten the M-14 size steering gear
to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque of 183
N´m (135 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size steering
gear to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque
of 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Proper torque on the steering gear to
suspension cradle mounting bolts is very impor-
tant.
(5) Install the heat shield on the steering gear
(Fig. 10).
(6) Attach the power steering fluid pressure and
return hoses to the proper fittings on the steering
Fig. 13 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - TIE ROD END
3 - CROWFOOT
4 - SOCKET
5 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSGEAR19-33
GEAR (Continued)
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gear (Fig. 10). Do not fully tighten the fittings at this
time.
(7) Install the routing clamp with the bolt securing
the power steering fluid hoses to the rear of the cra-
dle crossmember (Fig. 11).
(8) Using a crowfoot wrench on a torque wrench,
tighten the power steering fluid hose tube nuts at the
gear to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(9) Install tie rod end into steering knuckle. Start
tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto
stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end
stationary using a socket (Fig. 4), tighten tie rod end
to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a
crowfoot and socket (Fig. 13), tighten the tie rod end
attaching nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(10) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, install the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Proper torque on the cradle reinforce-
ment to suspension cradle mounting bolts is very
important.
(11) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 6). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(12) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten bolts to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 6). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(14) If power steering cooler equipped, install the
previously disconnected power steering cooler hose on
the cooler. Install the clamp.
(15) If power steering cooler equipped, install the
power steering fluid cooler on the cradle crossmem-
ber reinforcement (Fig. 3). Install the mounting bolts
and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(16) Install the front tire and wheel assemblies on
vehicle. Install the wheel mounting lug nuts and
tighten to a torque to 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(17) Lower the vehicle to a level were the interior
of vehicle is accessible (keeping tires off the ground).
(18) With the wheels pointed approximately
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, align the intermediate shaft
with the steering column coupler. Assemble the steer-
ing column shaft coupler onto the steering gear inter-
mediate coupler (Fig. 2). Install steering column
coupler to intermediate shaft retaining pinch bolt.Tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250
in. lbs.).
(19) Remove the steering wheel holding tool.
(20) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION procedure to properly fill and
bleed the power steering system. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(21) Inspect for leaks.
(22) Adjust front wheel toe (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
OUTER TIE ROD
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut
(Fig. 14).
(2) Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to
steering knuckle (Fig. 15). The nut is to be removed
from tie rod end by holding tie rod end stud with a
11/32 socket while loosening and removing nut with a
wrench.
(3) Remove the tie rod end stud from steering
knuckle arm, using Remover, Special Tool C-3894±A
(Fig. 16).
(4) Remove outer tie rod end by un-threading it
from the inner tie rod.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing the outer tie rod, make sure
the jam nut is on inner tie rod (Fig. 14).
Puller C-3894A
Remover/Installer Steering Shaft Roll Pin 6831A
19 - 34 GEARRS
GEAR (Continued)
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(1) Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.
(2) Do not tighten jam nut.
(3) Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle.
Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut
onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod
end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering
knuckle attaching nut (Fig. 15). Then using a crow-
foot and 11/32 socket (Fig. 17), torque tie rod end
attaching nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten tie rod jam nut (Fig. 14) to 75 N´m (55
ft. lbs.) torque.CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear boot to become twisted.
(5) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 14 Inner To Outer Tie Rod Jam Nut
1 - INNER TIE ROD SERRATION
2 - OUTER TIE ROD JAM NUT
3 - OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - INNER TIE ROD
5 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 15 Tie Rod End Attaching Nut (Typical)
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - STEERING KNUCKLE
3 - WRENCH
4 - SOCKET
5 - TIE ROD END STUD
Fig. 16 TIE ROD REMOVAL WITH TOOL C-3894-A
1 - OUTER TIE ROD
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3894-A
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
Fig. 17 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - TIE ROD END
3 - CROWFOOT
4 - SOCKET
5 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSGEAR19-35
OUTER TIE ROD (Continued)
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white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 28). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps hold the tire in position on the
wheel until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 29).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
All aluminum wheels have wheel mounting (lug)
nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is
necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive runout
²Dents, cracks or irregular bends
²Damaged wheel stud (lug) holes
²Air Leaks
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged, an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they must be equivalent in load
carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset, pilot
hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the same
as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT WITH USED WHEELS IS
NOT RECOMMENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF
THE WHEEL MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREAT-
MENT OR VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
CLEANING - ALUMINUM WHEEL CARE
Chrome plated and painted aluminum wheels
should be cleaned regularly using mild soap and
water to maintain their luster and to prevent corro-
sion.
Fig. 28 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 29 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 18 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: If new hinge pins are to be used, verify that
the knurling on the hinge pin is aligned with the
knurling on in the door hinge prior to driving in the
pin. Also, verify that the hinge pin is fully seated to
the door hinge and a new retaining clip is installed.
(1) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(2) Position door to vehicle. Verify net pierce nub-
bin is engaged if reusing original hinges.
(3) Steady door on lifting device and install bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame. Tighten
bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar. Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame. Tighten bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Align door to achieve equal spacing to surrounding
body panels. Panels should be flush across all gaps.
(6) Connect door harness into body wiring harness.
(7) Connect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors.
(8) Connect clips attaching door harness wire con-
nector to inner fender brace.
(9) Install front wheelhouse splash shield.
(10) Verify door operation and alignment. Adjust
as necessary.
Fig. 3 FRONT DOOR WIRE CONNECTORS
1 - LOCK TAB
2 - POSITIVE LOCK
3 - BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT FENDER
5 - DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR
6 - BODY HARNESS
Fig. 4 FRONT DOOR - HINGE PIN REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - CLIP
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - HINGE PIN
5 - CLIP
6 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
Fig. 5 FRONT DOOR - HINGE BOLT REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - CHECK STRAP
4 - LOWER HINGE
23 - 16 DOOR - FRONTRS
DOOR (Continued)
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(3) Align with paint breaks around bolt heads.
(4) Install bolts attaching ends of crossmember to
radiator closure panel (Fig. 14). Tighten bolts to 19
N´m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching radiator isolators to
crossmember.
(6) Install screw attaching coolant recovery bottle
to crossmember.
(7) Install bolt attaching air cleaner housing to
crossmember.
(8) Install engine air inlet resonator.
(9) Install radiator sight shield.
(10) Install hood prop rod.
(11) Align hood latch by placing latch over net
pierce tabs. If alignment is required, flatten tabs.
(12) Install bolts attaching hood latch to cross-
member. Tighten bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(13) Verify hood latch operation and hood align-
ment.
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Remove front wheel.
(3) Remove push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail forward of suspension.
(4) Remove push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail rearward of suspension.
(5) Remove screws attaching wheelhouse splash
shield to front fender and front bumper fascia.
(6) Remove splash shield from vehicle (Fig. 15).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place splash shield in position on vehicle (Fig.
15).
(2) Install push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail forward of suspension.
(3) Install push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail rearward of suspension.
(4) Install screws attaching wheelhouse splash
shield to front fender.
(5) Install front wheel.
(6) Lower vehicle.
LUGGAGE RACK RISER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove two fasteners from the front riser.
Gently pull up on the luggage rack side rail and
detach the riser snap to remove riser from the rail
(Fig. 16).
(2) Repeat for the opposite side, if necessary.
(3) Remove front riser(s) from vehicle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
1 - FRONT FENDER WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
2 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS
3 - ACCESSORY DRIVE SPLASH SHIELD
4 - SCREWS
Fig. 16 LUGGAGE RACK RISER COVER
1 - FRONT RISER COVER
2 - LOCK TABS
3 - LUGGAGE RACK SIDE RAIL
4 - FRONT RISER
23 - 54 EXTERIORRS
GRILLE OPENING REINFORCEMENT (Continued)
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