(17) Remove the water pump for cover removal
clearance. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/WATER
PUMP - REMOVAL)
(18) Remove the bolt attaching the power steering
pump support strut to the front cover (Fig. 137).
(19) Remove the timing chain cover fasteners.
Remove timing chain cover (Fig. 138).
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
Crankshaft oil seal must be removed to insure cor-
rect oil pump engagement.
NOTE: DO NOT USE SEALER ON COVER GASKET
(2) Position new gasket on timing cover (Fig. 138).
Adhere new gasket to chain case cover, making sure
that the lower edge of the gasket is flush to 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) passed the lower edge of the cover.
(3) Rotate crankshaft so that the oil pump drive
flats are in the vertical position.
(4) Position oil pump inner rotor so the mating
flats are in the same position as the crankshaft drive
flats (Fig. 138).
CAUTION: Make sure the oil pump is engaged on
the crankshaft correctly or severe damage may
result.
(5) Install timing cover (Fig. 138).
(6) Install timing chain cover bolts. Tighten M8
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) and M10 bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 139).
(7) Install crankshaft front oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install water pump and pulley. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION)(9) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install engine mount bracket (Fig. 136) and
tighten M10 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.), M8 bolt to 28
N´m (21 ft. lb. lbs.).
(11) Install idler pulley on engine mount bracket
(Fig. 136).
(12) Install right side engine mount. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Install camshaft position sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/CAMSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the heater return hose at rear of tim-
ing chain cover (Fig. 134) or at water pump inlet
tube (if engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(15) Connect the radiator lower hose.
(16) Install A/C compressor.
(17) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube with new
O-ring. Tighten attaching bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(19) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(20) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(21) Fill crankcase with engine oil to proper level.
(22) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 137 Power Steering Pump Strut
1 - BOLT - LOWER
2 - STRUT - P/S PUMP
3 - BOLT - UPPER
Fig. 138 Timing Chain Cover and Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Cradle Crossmember to Fram Rail Attaching Bolts (4) 163 120 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M14 (9) 153 113 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M12 (1) 106 78 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M10 (4) 61 45 Ð
Rear Engine Mount to Crossmember Attaching Through Bolt 68 50 Ð
Radiator Support Crossmember Attaching Bolts 51 38 Ð
FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
This vehicle uses a one piece cast aluminum cradle
for the front cradle crossmember. The cradle cross-
member is used as the attaching points for the lower
control arms, stabilizer bar and steering gear. The
cradle also has the power steering hoses and the
chassis brake tubes attached to it.
WARNING: If a threaded hole in the suspension cra-
dle needs to be repaired, only use the type of
thread insert and installation procedure specified
for this application.
The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber that are used for attachment of the lower control
arm rear bushing retainer, power steering hose and
chassis brake tubes can be repaired. The repair is
done by the installation of a Heli-Coiltthread insert
which has been specifically developed for this appli-
cation. Refer to the Mopar Parts Catalog for the spec-
ified Heli-Coiltthread insert to be used for this
application. The procedure for installing the Heli-
Coiltthread insert is detailed in the Service Proce-
dures section in this group of the service manual.
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR
WARNING: When performing this procedure use
only the thread inserts which are specified in the
Mopar Parts Catalog for this repair procedure.
These thread inserts have been specifically devel-
oped for this application and use of other types of
thread inserts can result in an inferior long term
repair.The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber, if damaged, can repaired by installing a Heli-
Coiltthread insert.
The threaded holes that are repairable using the
thread insert, are the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer mounting bolt holes, routing bracket attach-
ing locations for the power steering hoses, and brake
hose attachment holes.
This repair procedure now allows the threaded
holes in the cradle crossmember to be repaired, elim-
inating the need to replace the cradle crossmember if
damage occurs to one of the threaded holes.
The thread inserts for this application are specified
by part number in the Mopar Parts Catalog.Do not
use a substitute thread insert.
The specific tools and equipment required to install
the thread insert are listed below. Refer to the
instructions included with the thread insert for the
detailed procedure used for the installation of the
thread insert.
NOTE: The thread inserts for this application are for
the repair of M8x1.25 and M10x1.5 threads. Be sure
the correct tools are used for the required thread
insert size.
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M8x1.25 Thread
²8.3mm (5/16 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-8
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-8
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-8
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M10x1.5 Thread
²10.5mm (25/64 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-10
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-10
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-10
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-9
FRAME (Continued)
REMOVAL
The front cradle crossmember must be installed in
the design location to achieve proper front end sus-
pension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is
removed without applying reference marks on the
frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according
to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become
damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut
can be obtained through MoparT(Fig. 10).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 11).
(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut
attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 12).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 13).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 15).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 14).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
15).
Fig. 10 FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER CAGED
NUT
1 - BRACKET
2 - CAGED NUT
Fig. 11 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
13 - 10 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
²Instrument Panel
²Body Control Module
²Air Bag System Diagnostic Module
²Full ATC Display Head (if equipped)
²ABS Module
²Transmission Control Module
²Powertrain Control Module
²Travel Module
²SKIMSYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
OPERATION
The PCM can test many of its own input and out-
put circuits. If the PCM senses a fault in a major
system, the PCM stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) in memory.
For DTC information see On-Board Diagnostics
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MOD-
ULE - DESCRIPTION) .
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
MAP SENSOR PLASTIC
MANIFOLD1.7 15
MAP SENSOR
ALUMINUM MANIFOLD3.3 30
POWER STEERING
RESERVOIR PLASTIC
MANIFOLD5.7 50
POWER STEERING
RESERVOIR ALUMINUM
MANIFOLD11.9 105
THROTTLE CABLE
BRACKET PLASTIC
MANIFOLD5.7 50
THROTTLE CABLE
BRACKET ALUMINUM
MANIFOLD11.9 105
EGR TUBE PLASTIC
MANIFOLD5.7 50
EGR TUBE ALUMINUM
MANIFOLD11.9 105
THROTTLE BODY BOLTS
2.4L28 20.65 250 50
THROTTLE BODY BOLTS
3.3/3.8L11.8 8.7 105 20
O2 Sensors 27 20
The composite manifolds uses special Plastic screws. The factory installed Plastic screws can be removed and
installed up to 5 times. Do not exceed the specified torque. These screws must be installed slowly (less than 600
rpms) to avoid melting the parent material. There are service repair screws avialable for repair. They require a
higher torque than the original screws..
14 - 22 FUEL INJECTIONRS
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . 1
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS............3SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE . . . 9
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING....................9
COLUMN..............................10
GEAR.................................26
PUMP.................................36
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
This vehicle comes with power steering as stan-
dard equipment. The power steering system consists
of these major components:
²POWER STEERING PUMP
²POWER STEERING GEAR
²POWER STEERING FLUID
²POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
²POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
²POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
For information on the first two components, refer
to their respective sections within this service man-
ual group. Information on all other components can
be found in POWER STEERING PUMP.
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into lin-
ear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the
helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the
steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the
tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front
wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven
rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power
steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where
it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
ALL ENGINES
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed to determine if the
power steering pump or power steering gear is not
functioning properly. The following flow and pressure
test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer
Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 1), hoses, Special Tools
6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit, Special
Tool 6893.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 - OUTLET
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 - INLET
RSSTEERING19-1
Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer, Spe-
cial Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on
Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959,
in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.
Install the following adapters from Adapter Set,
Special Tool 6893 (Fig. 2), on the analyzer hose ends:
Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, on Pres-
sure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fitting,
Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool
6959.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety gog-
gles should be worn at all times when performing
any test procedures on the power steering pump or
power steering gear.
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle.
(1) Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure
hose from the power steering pump (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4).
(3) Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844,
attached to pressure hose from inlet (gauge end) of
Power Steering Analyzer to the pressure fitting on
the power steering pump.
(4) Connect vehicle power steering fluid pressure
hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, which
should be already installed in the outlet hose (valve
end) of Power Steering Analyzer.NOTE: During the next few steps, do not steer vehi-
cle as air will be forced into the steering gear.
(5) Completely open valve on Power Steering Ana-
lyzer.
Fig. 2 Power Steering Analyzer Adapters 6893
Fig. 3 Pressure Hose Connection To Power Steering
Pump - 2.4L Engine
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
Fig. 4 Supply & Pressure Hoses At Pump - 3.3L/3.8L
Engine
1 - PRESSURE HOSE AND FITTING
2 - SUPPLY HOSE AND CLAMP
3 - POWER STEERING PUMP
19 - 2 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
(6) Start engine and let idle just long enough to
circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer
and hoses. Shut off engine.
(7) Check power steering fluid level and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle until the
air is out of the fluid.
(8) Gauge should read below 300 psi (2068 kPa). If
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range
of 100-275 psi (689-1896 kPa) depending on fluid
temperature. The flow meter should read above 1.5
GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than four seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
NOTE:
Power steering pump maximum pressure for
2.4L engines is 1,200 ± 1,350 psi (8,274 ± 9,308 kPa).
Power steering pump maximum pressure for all other
engines is 1,400 ± 1,500 psi (9,653 ± 10,342 kPa).
(9) Close analyzer valve fully three times and
record highest pressure indicated each time. All three
readings must be within specifications. If any of the
three power steering pump pressures are above orbelow specifications, replace pump. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not force the steering to operate
against the stops for more than 4 seconds at a time
because pump damage can result.
(10) Once the pump has been verified as working
correctly, completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the
extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then release it.
Now turn the steering wheel to the right until the
right stop is met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then
release it. Record the stabilized pressure at each
position. Compare the recorded readings to the spec-
ifications. If the output pressures are not within 100
psi (689 kPa) of one another against either stop or
are below specifications, the steering gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.1. Reposition or replace steering column
shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.2. Replace power steering gear.
3. Mis-routed power steering hose. 3. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other components
and objects.
RATTLE OR EXCESSIVE
CLUNK**1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.1. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to
the specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
5. Lower control arm pivot bushing
worn.5. Replace lower control arm pivot
bushing.
6. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower or knuckle.6. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to the
specified torque.
7. Power steering fluid hose touching
the body of the vehicle.7. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
attachments to specified torque. Do not
bend tubing.
8. Internal power steering gear
noise.8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.9. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
10. Stabilizer bar link ball joints
worn.10. Replace stabilizer bar link.
11. Lug nuts loose. 11. Tighten lug nuts to specifications.
12. Excessive Wheel bearing
free-play.12. Verify correct driveshaft hub nut
torque. Replace bearing if torque is okay.
POPPING NOISE 1. Worn outer tie rod. 1. Check ball joint for free-play; Replace
outer tie rod.
2. Loose inner tie rod. 2. Replace power steering gear.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL
(POWER STEERING
PUMP)1. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.1. Check and adjust power steering
pump drive belt to specifications or
replace automatic tensioner where
applicable. Replace belt if worn or
glazed.
2. Malfuctioning belt auto-tensioner 2. Replace belt auto-tensioner.
WHINE, GROWL, MOAN
OR GROAN (POWER
STEERING PUMP)***1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks (make
sure all air is bled from the system fluid).
2. Power steering hose touching
vehicle body or frame.2. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing. Replace hose if damaged.
3. Extreme wear of power steering
pump internal components.3. Replace power steering pump and
flush system as necessary.
4. Extremely low ambient
temperature.4. Some noise can be expected, but will
go away as vehicle warms. Replace
pump if noise is excessive.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose clamp on power steering
fluid return hose.1. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
2. Missing O-Ring on power steering
hose connection.2. Inspect connection and replace O-Ring
as required.
3. Low power steering fluid level. 3. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks.
4. Loose clamp on fluid supply hose. 4. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
19 - 4 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)