2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN tires

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SQUEAK OR RUBBING
SOUND1. Steering column shroud rubbing. 1. Realign shrouds as necessary.
2. Steering column shaft rubbing. 2. Move or realign item rubbing shaft.
3. Clockspring noisy. 3. Remove clockspring. Reinstall wheel.
If noise is gone, replace clockspring.
4. Seal lubrication inadequate. 4. Lube seal (if external).
5. Steering gear internally noisy. 5. Replace steering gear (if no other
cause can be found).
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING NOISE.1. Incorrect tire or wheel size. 1. Replace incorrect size tire or wheel
with size used as original equipment.
2. Interference between steering
gear and other vehicle components.2. Check for bent or misaligned
components and correct as necessary.
3. Steering gear internal stops worn
excessively allowing tires to be
steered excessively far.3. Replace steering gear.
NOTE: * There is some noise in all power steering
systems. One of the most common is a hissing
sound evident when turning the steering wheel
when at a standstill or when parking and the steer-
ing wheel is at the end of its travel. Hiss is a very
high frequency noise similar to that experienced
while slowly closing a water tap. The noise is
present in every valve and results when high veloc-
ity fluid passes valve orifice edges. There is no
relationship between this noise and the perfor-
mance of the steering system.NOTE: ** A light clunk may be felt or heard during
steering wheel reversal while vehicle is stationary.
This results from internal steering gear rack move-
ment at the bushings and in no way affects the per-
formance of the steering system. This movement
may be felt in the steering components during
steering wheel reversal.
NOTE: *** Power steering pump growl/moan/groan
results from the development of high pressure fluid
flow. Normally this noise level should not be high
enough to be objectionable.
STEERING WHEEL FEEL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL/
COLUMN CLICKING,
CLUNKING OR RATTLING.1. Loose steering coupling pinch
bolt.1. Replace pinch bolt and torque to
specifications.
2. Steering column bearings. 2. Replace steering column.
3. Excessive intermediate shaft
coupling free-play.3. Replace intermediate shaft.
STEERING WHEEL HAS
FORE AND AFT
LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel retaining nut not
properly tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut
to its specified torque.
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.
RSSTEERING19-5
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
19 - 6 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
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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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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)
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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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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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INSTALLATION
(1) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 18). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.).
(2) Install power steering fluid hoses on the cooler.
Be sure hose clamps are installed on hose past
the upset bead on the power steering cooler
tubes.
(3) Lower the vehicle to a point where front tires
are just off the ground.
(4) Perform Power Steering Pump Initial Opera-
tion procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
HOSE - POWER STEERING
PRESSURE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
power steering fluid.
(6) Back out pressure hose tube nut at power
steering pump pressure fitting and remove hose from
pump (Fig. 19).
(7) Remove bolt attaching right routing clamp to
front suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 19).
Remove pressure hose from clamp.
(8) Back out pressure hose tube nut at power
steering gear and remove hose from gear (Fig. 19).
(9) Remove power steering fluid pressure hose
from vehicle.
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove two bolts securing pressure hose rout-
ing clamps to suspension cradle crossmember and
steel reinforcement (Fig. 20).
(6) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
draining power steering fluid.
(7) Disconnect pressure hose at power steering
gear (Fig. 20).
Fig. 19 PRESSURE AND RETURN HOSES - 2.4L
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP
2 - RETURN HOSE (HEAT SLEEVE COVERED)
3 - ROUTING CLAMPS
4 - PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT
5 - RETURN HOSE TUBE NUT
6 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
7 - POWER STEERING GEAR
8 - PRESSURE HOSE
RSPUMP19-45
FLUID COOLER (Continued)
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Misassembled synchronizer components also cause
shifting problems. Incorrectly installed synchronizer
sleeves, keys, balls, or springs can cause shift prob-
lems.
NOISY OPERATION
Transaxle noise is most often a result of worn or
damaged components. Chipped, broken gear or syn-
chronizer teeth, and brinnelled, spalled bearings all
cause noise.
Abnormal wear and damage to the internal compo-
nents is frequently the end result of insufficient
lubricant.
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR
Transaxle disengagement may be caused by mis-
aligned or damaged shift components, or worn teeth
on the drive gears or synchronizer components. Incor-
rect assembly also causes gear disengagement. Check
for missing snap rings.
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air±powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.
CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L GAS
(1) Raise hood.
(2) Disconnect gearshift cables from shift levers/
cover assembly (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove gearshift cable retaining clips from
mounting bracket (Fig. 10). Remove cables and
secure out of way.
(4) Remove three (3) right engine mount bracket-
to-transaxle bolts (Fig. 11).
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(6) Remove front wheel/tires and halfshafts.
(7) Drain transaxle fluid into suitable container.
(8) Remove front harness retainer and secure har-
ness out of way.
Fig. 10 Gearshift Cables at Transaxle
1 - SELECTOR CABLE
2 - CABLE RETAINER
3 - CABLE RETAINER
4 - CROSSOVER CABLE
5 - MOUNT BRACKET
Fig. 11 Transaxle Right Mount and Bracket
1 - MOUNT BRACKET
2 - BOLT (3)
3 - MOUNT
4 - BOLT (1)
RST850 MANUAL TRANSAXLE21-31
T850 MANUAL TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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