2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE steering wheel adjustment

LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEADS/DRIFTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Repair as necessary.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Adjust gear to specification.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Repair as necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE
DURING BRAKING1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Air in brake hydrauliics system. 2. Bleed brake system.
3. Worn brake components. 3. Repair as necessary.
VEHICLE LEADS OR DRIFTS
FROM STRAIGHT AHEAD
DIRECTION ON UNCROWNED
ROAD.1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Cross front tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align vehicle.
5. Weak or broken spring. 5. Replace spring.
6. Loose or worn steering/
suspension components.6. Repair as necessary.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Adjust or replace axle as
necessary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING FLOW
AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the opera-
tion of the power steering system on the vehicle. This
test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or
flow rate of the power steering pump along with the
maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a
power steering system problem is present. This test
will determine if the power steering pump or power
steering gear is not functioning properly. The follow-
ing pressure and flow test is performed using Power
Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 (Fig. 2) and Adapter
Kit 6893.
FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
(1) Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in
good condition and adjusted properly.
(2) Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power
Steering Analyzer to Tube 6865.
(3) Connect Adapter 6826 to Power Steering Ana-
lyzer test valve end.
(4) Disconnect the high pressure hose from the
power steering pump.
(5) Connect Tube 6865 to the pump hose fitting.(6) Connect the power steering hose from the
steering gear to Adapter 6826.
(7) Open the test valve completely.Fig. 2 Power Steering Analyzer
1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE
19 - 4 STEERINGWJ
STEERING (Continued)

(13) Remove the column coupler bolt (Fig. 13) and
slide the coupler off the column shaft.
(14) Remove the column mounting nuts (Fig. 13)
and lower column off mounting studs. Remove the
column from the vehicle.
(15) Remove the ignition switch, cylinder and
SKIM, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOCK
CYLINDER HOUSING - REMOVAL). (Fig. 14).INSTALLATION
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING COL-
UMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL
DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PER-
SONAL INJURY. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(1) Install the ignition switch, cylinder and SKIM-
,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/IGNITION
SWITCH - INSTALLATION).
(2) Install the column into the vehicle and lift the
column up onto the mounting studs. Install the
mounting nuts and tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Slid the coupler onto the column shaft and
install the coupler bolt. Tighten the coupler bolt to 49
N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(4) Turn the ignition key to the on position then
release and install the shifter interlock cable (Fig.
12) into ignition lock cylinder housing.
(5) Verify ignition switch and shifter interlock
operation.,(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 42RE/GEAR SHIFT CABLE -
ADJUSTMENTS).
(6) Slide the multifuction switch and clock spring
onto the column as an assembly (Fig. 11).
(7) Install the multifuction switch mounting screw
(Fig. 10).
(8) Connect the multifuction switch (Fig. 9) and
ignition switch harness.
(9) Install the upper fixed shroud and mounting
screws (Fig. 8).
(10) Install the lower steering column shroud to
the steering column. Install and tighten the mount-
ing screw.
(11) Install the upper column shroud. Align the
upper shroud to the lower shroud and snap the two
shroud halves together.
(12) Install the knee blocker cover (Fig. 5),(Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Install the cluster bezel by inserting it into
the instrument panel (Fig. 4).
(14) Align the steering wheel with the column
index spline and install the wheel on the column
shaft. Pull the clockspring wire harness through the
steering wheel armature spokes.
(15) Install and tighten the steering wheel mount-
ing nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(16) Connect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector to the clock spring connector.
(17) Install the airbag,(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(18) Connect the negative (ground) cable to the
battery.
Fig. 13 Column Coupler Bolt And Mounting Nuts
1 - COLUMN MOUNTING NUTS
2 - COUPLER BOLT
Fig. 14 Ignition Switch And SKIM
1 - SKIM
2 - IGNITION SWITCH
WJCOLUMN 19 - 11
COLUMN (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Column
Steering Wheel Nut61 45 Ð
Steering Column
Column Bracket Nuts12 Ð 105
Steering Column
Shaft Coupler Bolts49 36 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING COLUMN
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The electrical ignition switch is located on the
steering column. It is used as the main on/off switch-
ing device for most electrical components. The
mechanical key lock cylinder is used to engage/disen-
gage the electrical ignition switch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to
Ignition Switch in Wiring Diagrams.
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO
ROTATE)
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a floor mounted shifter:a cable is
used to connect the interlock device in the steering
column assembly, to the transmission floor shift
lever. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCES-
SORY position. The interlock device within the steer-
ing column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,the steering column assembly must be replaced,(Re-
fer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, it may not be
the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column
components. The brake transmission shift interlock
cable may be out of adjustment,(Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
44RE/SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM - ADJUST-
MENTS) .
Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission and a steering column mounted shifter:
an interlock device is located within the steering col-
umn. This interlock device is used to lock the trans-
mission shifter in the PARK position when the key
lock cylinder is in the LOCKED or ACCESSORY
position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to or from
the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the interlock
device within the steering column may be defective.
This device is not serviceable. If repair is necessary,
the steering column assembly must be replaced,(Re-
fer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmis-
sion and a floor mounted shifter:on certain mod-
els, a lever is located on the steering column behind
the ignition key lock cylinder. The lever must be
manually operated to allow rotation of the ignition
key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be
defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If
repair is necessary, the steering column assembly
must be replaced,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COL-
UMN - REMOVAL).
On other models, the ignition key cylinder must be
depressed to allow it to be rotated into the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the
key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lock
mechanism within the steering column may be defec-
tive. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is
Puller C-3894-A
19 - 12 COLUMNWJ
COLUMN (Continued)

GEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
ADJUSTMENTS
STEERING GEAR.....................18
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............18
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............19
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL.............................20INSTALLATION.........................20
PITMAN SHAFT BEARING
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
RACK PISTON/VALVE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................25
STUB SHAFT HOUSING
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
GEAR
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (Fig. 1) .
The following gear components can be serviced:
²Pitman Shaft and Cover
²Pitman Shaft Bearings
²Pitman Shaft Oil Seal/Dust Seal
²Stud Shaft Housing with Seal
²O-Rings and Teflon Rings
NOTE: If rack piston assembly is damaged the gear
must be replaced.
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 the rack piston moves. The rack pis-
ton 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 the straight ahead
position with the steering wheel centered and locked.
(2) Remove the air cleaner housing,(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(3) Drain or siphon the power steering system.(4) Remove the pressure and return lines (Fig.
2)from the steering gear. Refer to hose removal in
this section.
(5) Remove the column coupler shaft bolt (Fig.
2)and remove the shaft from the gear.
(6) Raise and support the vehicle.
(7) Remove the left front wheel and tire assembly.
(8) Remove the pitman arm from gear with Puller
C-4150A.
(9) Remove the windshield washer reservoir,(Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER
RESERVOIR - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the steering gear mounting bolts.
Remove the steering gear out of the engine compart-
ment (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering gear on the frame rail and
install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 108 N´m (80 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(2) Install the pitman arm and tighten nut to 251
N´m (185 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install windshield washer reservoir,(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER RES-
ERVOIR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(6) Install the pressure and return hoses to the
steering gear and tighten to 20-38 N´m (14-28 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Install the column coupler shaft.
(8) Install the air cleaner housing,(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
19 - 16 GEARWJ

LINKAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE
DESCRIPTION
STEERING LINKAGE ± RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD) VEHICLES......................26
DESCRIPTION........................26
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................28
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE...................28
DAMPER
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................29
DRAG LINK
DESCRIPTION.........................29OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................29
PITMAN ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
TIE ROD END
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................30
LINKAGE
DESCRIPTION
STEERING LINKAGE ± RIGHT HAND DRIVE
(RHD) VEHICLES
Vehicles equipped with right hand drive (RHD)
steering utilize the same components of left hand
drive vehicles. The RHD Steering linkage is designed
as a mirror image of left hand drive linkage with the
exception of the steering damper (Fig. 1), which is
mounted on the same side of the vehicle weather
RHD or LHD. See figure below for reference. All
specifications are the same as LHD. Refer to Group
19, Steering of the gasoline engine service manual for
additional information.
DESCRIPTION
The steering linkage consists of a pitman arm,
drag link, tie rod, and steering dampener (Fig. 2) .
An adjustment sleeve on the tie rod is used to set
wheel toe position. The sleeve on the drag link is
used for steering wheel centering.
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed, to
ensure the vehicle meets all alignment specifica-
tions.
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.
19 - 26 LINKAGEWJ

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering damper to the axle bracket
and tie rod.
(2) Install the steering damper bolt in the axle
bracket and tighten bolt to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the nut at the tie rod and tighten to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
DRAG LINK
DESCRIPTION
The drag link and ends are comprised of two forged
ends connected by a steel adjusting tube. The drag
link connects the steering gear pitman arm to the
steering knuckle. The larger offset end is attached to
the pitman arm.
OPERATION
The sleeve is used for steering wheel centering.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove right wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the cotter pins and nuts at the right
steering knuckle and pitman arm (Fig. 4) .
(4) Remove the drag link from the steering
knuckle and pitman arm Puller C-3894-A.
(5) Loosen adjustment sleeve clamp bolts and
unscrew the tie rod ends from the adjustment sleeve.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the tie rod ends into the adjustment
sleeve.
(2) Install the drag link onto the right steering
knuckle and pitman arm.(3) Tighten the nut at the steering knuckle to 47
N´m (35 ft. lbs.). Tighten the pitman nut to 88 N´m
(65 ft. lbs.). Install new cotter pins.
(4) Position clamp bolts to their original position
and tighten to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install right wheel and tire assembly.
(6) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(7) Center the steering wheel.
PITMAN ARM
DESCRIPTION
The pitman arm is attached at one end of the
steering gear's sector shaft. The other end is con-
nected to the drag link.
OPERATION
The pitman arm transfers rotary motion into side
to side motion.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the drag
link at the pitman arm (Fig. 5) .
(2) Remove the drag link ball stud from the pit-
man arm with a puller.
(3) Remove the nut and washer from the steering
gear shaft. Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm
for installation reference. Remove the pitman arm
from steering gear with Puller C-4150A.
Fig. 3 Steering Damper
1 - DAMPER
2 - TIE ROD
Fig. 4 Drag Link
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - CLAMP
4 - DRAG LINK
5 - CLAMP
WJLINKAGE 19 - 29
DAMPER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Align and install the pitman arm on steering
gear shaft.
(2) Install the washer and nut on the shaft and
tighten the nut to 251 N´m (185 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install drag link ball stud to pitman arm.
Install nut and tighten to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.). Install
a new cotter pin.
TIE ROD END
DESCRIPTION
The ends are forged, with a lubed for life ball
socket.
OPERATION
The tie rod ends connect the drag link to the wheel
assembly. The tie rod provides toe alignment and
transfers steering input from the drag link to the
wheels.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Remove the damper nut from the tie rod clamp
(Fig. 6).
(4) Remove the damper from the tie rod.
(5) Remove the cotter pins and nuts from the tie
rod ends at the steering knuckles (Fig. 6).(6) Remove the tie rod ends from the steering
knuckles with Puller C-3894-A..
(7) Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts and
unscrew the tie rod ends from the sleeve.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the tie rod ends into the adjustment
sleeve.
(2) Install the tie rod on the steering knuckles and
install the nuts.
(3) Tighten the nuts to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.). Install
new cotter pins and bend end 60É.
(4) Position the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to
their original location and tighten to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Install the damper on the tie rod and install
the nut.
(6) Tighten the nut to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.). Install
new cotter pins and bend end 60É.
(7) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(8) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(9) Perform toe position adjustment.
Fig. 5 Pitman Arm
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
Fig. 6 Tie Rod Assembly
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - CLAMP
3 - DAMPER
4 - TIE ROD
5 - CLAMP
6 - TIE ROD END
19 - 30 LINKAGEWJ
PITMAN ARM (Continued)