2003 DODGE RAM lock

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................18BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (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.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
19 - 16 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR

GEAR - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................20
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............21
TORQUE CHART......................22
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............22
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE...............23REMOVAL - DIESEL...................24
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE...........24
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................25
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................28
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................29
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................30
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................30
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................30
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (Fig. 1). The gear ratio's used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead posi-
tion.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(2) Lock the steering wheel.
(3) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTLET
3 - INLET
4 - VALVE ASSEMBLY HOUSING
5 - PITMAN SHAFT COVER BOLTS
6 - STEERING GEAR
7 - MESHLOAD ADJUSTER NUT
8 - PITMAN SHAFT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 19

(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(3) Hold the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan and rotate the input shaft back and forth
several times lock-to-lock to discharge the fluid from
the steering gear
(4) Rotate the input shaft to the left stop and then
back-off approximately 45 degrees. Using an inch-
pound torque wrench on the input shaft, record the
peak torque required to slowly and evenly rotate the
input shaft clockwise
1¤2turn (180 degrees) starting
from the 45 degree position. This peak torque read-
ing is the preload torque. The preload torque must be
within2-10in-lbs.
(5) Rotate the input shaft to its center of travel
(approximately 1.5 turns from either stop). Place the
torque wrench on the input shaft with the handle in
the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly
and evenly
1¤4turn (90 degrees) each side of center
and record the peak torque measure on or near cen-
ter. This total on-center torque reading must be5-9
in-lbs higher than the previously measured preload
torque without exceeding a total of 17 in-lbs. The
value of the total on-center minus the preload torque
is defined as the meshload torque(6) If required, adjust the on-center torque by loos-
ening the adjuster screw lock nut and turning the
adjuster screw until the total on-center and meshload
torque readings fall within the specified values. Turn
the adjuster screw clockwise to increase and counter-
clockwise to decrease the torque reading. While hold-
ing the adjuster screw in place, tighten the lock nut
to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(7) Re-check the preload and on-center torque
readings.
(8) Install pitman arm on the steering gear (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(9) Reinstall steering gear to the vehicle (Refer to
19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Steering Gear
TypeRecirculating Ball
Gear Code & Ratio 12.5:1
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Preload
Torque0.23-1.13 Ð 2-10
Meshload Torque 0.56-1.02 Ð 5-9
+ Preload (17 Max)
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 21
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Gear Mounting
Frame Bolts196 145 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
Steering Gear
Adjustment Screw Locknut31 23 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Nut305 225 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Cover Bolts68 50 Ð
Steering Gear
Valve Housing to Gear
Bolts54 40 Ð
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring Screw2.26 Ð 20
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring97 72 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
HANDLE C-4171INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLER - 8987
19 - 22 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with a driver and handle
(Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).
(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with special tool 8989
driver and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).
(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
STEERING GEAR INPUT
SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(2) Mount the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan in a soft jawed vise.
(3) Place a drain pan under the gear and rotate
the input shaft back and forth several times lock-to-
lock to discharge the fluid from the steering gear
(4) Drain all the remaining fluid from the gear.
(5) Rotate the input shaft from stop to stop and
count the number of turns using a 12 point socket
(Fig. 9).
Fig. 7 SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C-4171
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8989
3 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 8 PITMAN SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8993
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 25
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Align reference marks and install pitman arm.
(2) Install the lock washer and retaining nut on
the pitman shaft and tighten nut to 251 N´m (185 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the drag link to the pitman arm (Fig. 6).
Install the nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tie rod nuts (Fig. 7).
(2) Remove tie rod from drag link and left knuckle
with Puller C-4150A.
Fig. 4 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 5 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - NUT
4 - WASHER
Fig. 6 PITMAN ARM INSTALLED
1 - DRAGLINK
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - SWAYBAR
4 - NUT/WASHER
5 - PITMAN ARM
Fig. 7 TIE ROD ENDS
1 - NUT
2 - TIE ROD ENDS
19 - 36 LINKAGE - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN ARM (Continued)

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)

(10) Remove the return line/lines from the pump
and plug the pump port/ports.
(11) Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check
the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is
still contaminated, then flush the system again.
(12) Install the return line/lines and perform
Steering Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(2) Remove the serpentine belt.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump
that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting
may come loose unless it is backed up using
another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it
must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67Nm,
40 - 50 lbft) If this fitting comes out of the pump
body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out
of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled prop-
erly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced
with a new pump.
(3) Disconnect the return hose. (Fig. 2)
(4) Disconnect the pressure hose. (Fig. 2)
(5) Access to remove the three bolts securing the
pump to the cylinder head can be gained thru the
pulley holes. (Fig. 2)
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(2) Remove the serpentine belt.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump
that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting
may come loose unless it is backed up using
another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it
must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67Nm,
40 - 50 lbft) If this fitting comes out of the pump
body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out
of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled prop-
erly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced
with a new pump.
(3) Disconnect the return hose.
(4) Disconnect the pressure hose.
(5) Access to remove the three bolts securing the
pump to the cylinder head can be gained thru the
pulley holes.
(6) Loosen the pump bracket to the block.
(7) Remove the 6 intake plenum bolts (Fig. 3).
(8) loosen the inner cooler tube clamp at the
intake plenum and remove the intake plenum.
(9) Loosen the inner cooler tube clamp at the radi-
ator support side and remove the tube from the vehi-
cle.
(10) Remove the power steering pump from the top
of the engine compartment where the intake plenum
was (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
2 - POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
3 - RETURN HOSE
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE
Fig. 3 POWER STEERING PUMP ACCESS
1 - INTAKE PLENUM MOUNTING
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP
19 - 40 PUMPDR
PUMP (Continued)