2003 DODGE RAM Transmission fluid fill

(14) Install the fan support/hub assembly and
tighten bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Install the power steering pump.
(16) Install accessory drive belt tensioner. Torque
bolt to 43 Nm (43 ft. lbs.).
(17) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the charge air cooler (with a/c con-
denser and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if
equipped) and tighten the mounting bolts to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.) torque.
(19) Connect charge air cooler inlet and outlet
pipes. Tighten clamps to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(20) Install the radiator upper support panel.
(21) Close radiator petcock and lower the radiator
into the engine compartment. Tighten the mounting
bolts to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.) torque.
(22) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(23)
Connect radiator lower hose and install clamp.
(24) Connect transmission auxiliary oil cooler lines
(if equipped).
(25) Lower vehicle.
(26) Install the fan shroud and tighten the mount-
ing screws to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(27) Install the electronically controlled viscous
fan/drive assembly. Connect harness connector.(Refer
to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
INSTALLATION).
(28) Install the coolant recovery and windshield
washer fluid reservoirs to the fan shroud.
(29) Connect the coolant recovery hose to the radi-
ator filler neck.
(30) Add engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(31) Charge A/C system with refrigerant (if A/C
equipped) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(32) Connect the battery negative cables.
(33) Start engine and check for engine oil and cool-
ant leaks.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING AND CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL
CLEARANCE
(1) Measure the connecting rod bore with bearings
removedand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m (73 ft.
lbs.) torque..
(2) Measure the connecting rod bore with the bear-
ingsinstalledand the bolts tightened to 100 N´m
(73 ft. lbs.) torque.
Measure within 20É arc from each side of the part-
ing line. Also measure 90É from parting line.Record the smallest and largest diameter.
Measure the diameter of the rod journal at the
location shown (Fig. 65). Calculate the average diam-
eter for each side of the journal.
Determine minimum bearing clearance by calculating
the differance between the smallest connecting rod bore
diameter with the bearing installed and the average
diameter for each side of the crankshaft journal.
Determine the maximum bearing clearance by calcu-
lating the difference between the largest connecting rod
bore diameter and the average diameter with the bear-
ing installed for each side of the crankshaft journal.
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
REMOVEDMIN. 72.99 mm (2.874
in.)
MAX. 73.01 mm (2.875
in.)
CONNECTING ROD
BORE, BEARINGS
INSTALLEDMIN. 69.05 mm (2.719
in.)
MAX. 69.10 mm (2.720
in.)
If the crankshaft is within limits, replace the bear-
ing. If the crankshaft is out of limits, grind the
crankshaft to the next smaller size and use oversize
rod bearings.
Fig. 65 Connecting Rod Journal Diameter Limits
CONNECTING ROD JOURNAL DIAMETER
LIMITS CHART
DESCRIPTION MEASUREMENT
CRANKSHAFT ROD JOURNAL
DIAMETERMin. 68.96 mm (2.715 in.)
Max. 69.01 mm (2.717 in.)
BEARING CLEARANCE Min. 0.04 mm (.002 in.)
Max. 0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
DRENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 321
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)

(3) Discharge the air conditioning system, if
equipped (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(4) Remove the upper crossmember.
(5) Remove the transmission oil cooler (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER -
REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the serpentine belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOV-
AL).
(7) Remove the A/C compressor with the lines
attached (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
REMOVAL). Set aside.
(8) If equipped, remove the condenser (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C CONDENSER - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the washer fluid reservoir bottle (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS -
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION).
(10) Disconnect the top radiator hose.
(11) Remove the fan (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove the fan shroud.
(13) Disconnect the lower radiator hose.
(14) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines.
(15) Remove radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
(16) Remove the generator with the wire connec-
tions (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/GEN-
ERATOR - REMOVAL).
(17) Remove the air cleaner.
(18) Disconnect the throttle linkage.
(19) Remove throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE BODY -
REMOVAL).
(20) Remove the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL).
(21) Remove the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(22) Disconnect the heater hoses.
(23) Disconnect the power steering hoses, if
equipped.
(24) Perform the Fuel System Pressure release
procedure (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). Disconnect
the fuel line (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(25) On Manual Transmission vehicles, remove the
shift lever.
(26) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(27) Remove the drain plug and drain the engine
oil.
(28) Loosen front engine mount thru-bolt nuts.(29) Remove the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(30) Disconnect exhaust pipe at manifold.
(31) Disconnect the starter wires. Remove starter
motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(32) Remove transmission.
(33) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: DO NOT lift the engine by the intake
manifold.
(34) Install an engine lifting fixture.
(35) Remove engine from vehicle and install
engine assembly on a repair stand.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove engine from the repair stand and posi-
tion in the engine compartment. Position the thru-
bolt into the support cushion brackets.
(2) Install an engine support fixture.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
(4) Install Transmission.
(5) Install the starter and connect the starter
wires (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/
STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install exhaust pipe to manifold.
(7) Install the transmission cooler line brackets
from oil pan.
(8) Tighten the Front mount thru-bolts and nuts to
102N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the drain plug and tighten to 34 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Prime oil pump by squirting oil in the oil fil-
ter mounting hole and filling the J-trap of the front
timing cover. When oil is running out, install oil filter
that has been filled with oil.
(11) Lower the vehicle.
(12) Remove engine lifting fixture.
(13) On Manual Transmission vehicles, install the
shift lever.
(14) Connect the fuel lines (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Connect the heater hoses.
(16) Install the upper intake manifold (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the coil assemblies with the ignition
cables.
(18) Using a new gasket, install throttle body
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/
THROTTLE BODY - INSTALLATION).
(19) Connect the throttle linkage.
(20) Install the air cleaner box.
9 - 362 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM....................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE........4
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING...........................5COLUMN...............................6
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..16
GEAR - LINK/COIL.......................19
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION...........................31
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL....................33
PUMP.................................38
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Power steering systems consist of:
²Steering column
²Rack and pinion steering gear
²Belt driven hydraulic steering pump
²Pump pressure and return hoses
²Oil Cooler
OPERATION
The steering column 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 to change the direction
of the front wheels (Fig. 1).
Power assist is provided by an engine mounted
hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid pres-
sure to the steering gear.
Fig. 1 STEERING COMPONENTS
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RESERVOIR
3 - HOSES
4 - TIE ROD ENDS
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS
6 - RACK & PINION
DRSTEERING 19 - 1

PUMP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PUMP
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PUMP LEAKAGE . 39
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER
STEERING PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION....39
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM............39
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................40
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................40
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................41
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................41
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................41
FLUID
DESCRIPTION.........................42
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER
STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING......42
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
HOSES - I.F.S.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
REMOVAL - PRESSURE HOSE...........43
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR
TO COOLER.........................43INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
INSTALLATION - PRESSURE HOSE.......43
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE -
RESERVOIR TO COOLER...............43
HOSES - LINK/COIL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
REMOVAL - PRESSURE HOSE...........44
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR
TO COOLER.........................44
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................44
INSTALLATION - PRESSURE HOSE.......44
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE -
RESERVOIR TO COOLER...............44
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
REMOVAL - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L..............45
INSTALLATION - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L..........45
PULLEY
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
RESERVOIR
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
PUMP
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
The pump is connected to the steering gear via the
pressure hose and the return hose. The pump shaft
has a pressed-on pulley that is belt driven by the
crankshaft pulley.All vehicles are equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler.
NOTE: Power steering pumps are not interchange-
able with pumps installed on other vehicles.
OPERATION
Hydraulic pressure is provided for the power steer-
ing gear by the belt driven power steering pump (Fig.
1). The power steering pumps are constant flow rate
and displacement, vane-type pumps.
19 - 38 PUMPDR

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PUMP LEAKAGE
The pump is serviced as an assembly and should
not be disassembled. The plastic pump reservoir and
the reservoir o-rings can be replaced.
Check for leaks in the following areas:
²Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
²Pump to reservoir O-ring
²Reservoir cap
²Pressure and return lines
²Flow control valve fitting
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal temperature.(1) Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
(2) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(4) Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20
times with the engine off while checking the fluid
level.
NOTE: For vehicles with long return lines or oil
coolers turn wheel 40 times.
(5) Start the engine. With the engine idling main-
tain the fluid level.
(6) Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle
for two minutes.
(7) Turn the steering wheel in both direction and
verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat
the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hy-
draulic booster system fluid has become contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid in the steering/booster
system can cause seal deterioration and affect steer-
ing gear/booster spool valve operation.
(1) Raise the front end of the vehicle off the
ground until the wheels are free to turn.
(2) Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
booster remove both return lines from the pump.
(3) Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
(4) Position the return line/lines into a large con-
tainer to catch the fluid.
(5) While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir
start the engine.
(6) With the engine running at idle turn the wheel
back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the
steering stops.
(7) Run a quart of fluid through the system then
stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
(8) Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering
Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes
then stop the engine.
Fig. 1 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - 3.7L & 4.7L (6 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.7L,5.9L & 8.0L (7 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.9L DIESEL (8 GROOVE)
STEEL PULLEY
2 - PUMP ASSEMBLY
3 - RESERVOIR
4 - CAP
DRPUMP 19 - 39
PUMP (Continued)

FLUID
DESCRIPTION
The recommended fluid for the power steering sys-
tem is MopartATF +4.
MopartATF+4, when new is red in color. The
ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other
fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or anti-
freeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an
indicator of fluid condition, As the vehicle is driven,
the ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may
eventually become brown.THIS IS NORMAL.
ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with
age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to
indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid
change.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
The power steering fluid level can be viewed on the
dipstick attached to the filler cap. There are two
ranges listed on the dipstick, COLD and HOT. Before
opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir
filler cap free of dirt and debris. Remove the cap and
check the fluid level on its dipstick. When the fluid is
at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC
to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF), the fluid level should read
between the minimum and maximum area of the cold
range. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to
read up to the highest end of the HOT range. Only
add fluid when the vehicle is cold.
Use only MopartATF+4Do not overfill the
power steering system.
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid.
(2) Disconnect the return and supply hoses con-
nected to the power steering fluid cooler.(3) Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing
the fluid cooler to the brace. (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5)
(4) Remove the fluid cooler from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fluid cooler to the vehicle.
(2) Install the mounting bracket bolts securing the
fluid cooler to the brace (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5).
(3) Reclamp the return and supply hoses to the
power steering fluid cooler.
(4) Refill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 4 V6 & V8 P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 5 V10 & DIESEL P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - RADIATOR
2 - POWER STEERING HOSES
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - P/S FLUID COOLER
19 - 42 PUMPDR

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill or an incor-
rect lubricant level check. Leaks can occur at the
mating surfaces of the gear case, adaptor or exten-
sion housing, or from the front/rear seals. A sus-
pected leak could also be the result of an overfill
condition.
Leaks at the rear of the extension or adapter hous-
ing will be from the housing oil seals. Leaks at com-
ponent mating surfaces will probably be the result of
inadequate sealer, gaps in the sealer, incorrect bolt
tightening or use of a non-recommended sealer.
A leak at the front of the transmission will be from
either the front bearing retainer or retainer seal.
Lubricant may be seen dripping from the clutch
housing after extended operation. If the leak is
severe, it may also contaminate the clutch disc caus-
ing the disc to slip, grab and or chatter.
A correct lubricant level check can only be made
when the vehicle is level. Also allow the lubricant to
settle for a minute or so before checking. These rec-
ommendations will ensure an accurate check and
avoid an underfill or overfill condition. Always check
the lubricant level after any addition of fluid to avoid
an incorrect lubricant level condition.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants is
noise, excessive wear, internal bind and hard shift-
ing. Substantial lubricant leaks can result in gear,
shift rail, synchro, and bearing damage. If a leak
goes undetected for an extended period, the first indi-
cations of component damage are usually hard shift-
ing and noise.
Shift component damage or damaged clutch pres-
sure plate or disc are additional probable causes of
increased shift effort. Worn/damaged pressure plate
or disc can cause incorrect release. If clutch problem
is advanced, gear clash during shifts can result.
Worn or damaged synchro rings can cause gear clash
when shifting into any forward gear. In some new or
rebuilt transmissions, new synchro rings may tend to
stick slightly causing hard or noisy shifts. In most
cases this condition will decline as the rings wear-in.
TRANSMISSION NOISE
Most manual transmissions make some noise dur-
ing normal operation. Rotating gears generate a mild
whine that is audible, but generally only at extreme
speeds.Severe highly audible transmission noise is gener-
ally the initial indicator of a lubricant problem.
Insufficient, improper or contaminated lubricant will
promote rapid wear of gears, synchros, shift rails,
forks and bearings. The overheating caused by a
lubricant problem, can also lead to gear and bearing
damage.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(3) Remove shift boot bezel screws and slide boot
upward on shift lever extension.
(4) Remove shift lever extension from the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(6) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Drain lubricant if transmission will be disas-
sembled for service.
(8) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and companion
flange yoke/yokes for installation reference and
remove propeller shaft/shafts.
(9) Disconnect harness from clips on transmission
housing.
(10) Remove transfer case linkage if equipped.
(11) Remove transfer case mounting nuts and
remove transfer case if equipped.
(12) Remove slave cylinder mounting nut and
remove cylinder (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SLAVE CYLINDER
1 - MOUNTING NUTS
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. This move-
ment moves the internal transmission shift compo-
nents to begin the shift sequence. As the shift lever
moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork attached
to that rail begins to move. The fork is positioned in
a groove in the outer circumference of the synchro-
nizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the synchronizer
sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up or slow
down the selected gear (depending on whether the
driver is up-shifting or down-shifting). The synchro-
nizer does this by having the synchronizer hub
splined to the mainshaft, or the countershaft in some
cases, and moving the blocker ring into contact with
the gear's friction cone. As the blocker ring and fric-
tion cone come together, the gear speed is brought up
or down to the speed of the synchronizer. As the two
speeds match, the splines on the inside of the syn-
chronizer sleeve become aligned with the teeth on
the blocker ring and the friction cone and eventually
will slide over the teeth, locking the gear to the
mainshaft, or countershaft, through the synchronizer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill or an incor-
rect lubricant level check. A correct lubricant level
check can only be made when the vehicle is level.
Also allow the lubricant to settle for a minute or so
before checking. These recommendations will ensure
an accurate check and avoid an underfill or overfill
condition. Always check the lubricant level after any
addition of fluid to avoid an incorrect lubricant level
condition.
Leaks can occur at the mating surfaces of the gear
case, adaptor or extension housing, or from the front/
rear seals. A suspected leak could also be the result
of an overfill condition. Leaks at the rear of the
extension or adapter housing will be from the hous-
ing oil seals. Leaks at component mating surfaces
will probably be the result of inadequate sealer, gaps
in the sealer, incorrect bolt tightening or use of a
non-recommended sealer. A leak at the front of the
transmission will be from either the front bearing
retainer or retainer seal. Lubricant may be seen drip-
ping from the clutch housing after extended opera-
tion. If the leak is severe, it may also contaminate
the clutch disc causing the disc to slip, grab and or
chatter.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants isnoise, excessive wear, internal bind and hard shift-
ing. Substantial lubricant leaks can result in gear,
shift rail, synchro, and bearing damage. If a leak
goes undetected for an extended period, the first indi-
cations of component damage are usually hard shift-
ing and noise.
Component damage, incorrect clutch adjustment or
damaged clutch pressure plate or disc are additional
probable causes of increased shift effort. Incorrect
adjustment or a worn/damaged pressure plate or disc
can cause incorrect release. If clutch problem is
advanced, gear clash during shifts can result. Worn
or damaged synchro rings can cause gear clash when
shifting into any forward gear. In some new or
rebuilt transmissions, new synchro rings may tend to
stick slightly causing hard or noisy shifts. In most
cases this condition will decline as the rings wear-in.
TRANSMISSION NOISE
Most manual transmissions make some noise dur-
ing normal operation. Rotating gears generate a mild
whine that is audible, but generally only at extreme
speeds. Severe highly audible transmission noise is
generally the initial indicator of a lubricant problem.
Insufficient, improper or contaminated lubricant
will promote rapid wear of gears, synchros, shift
rails, forks and bearings. The overheating caused by
a lubricant problem, can also lead to gear breakage.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(2) Remove shift boot screws from floorpan and
slide boot upward on the shift lever.
(3) Remove shift lever extension from shift tower
and lever assembly.
(4) Remove shift tower bolts (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SHIFT TOWER
1 - SHIFT TOWER
2 - SHIFTER
3 - BOLTS
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 21 - 43
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)