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)
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)
REMOVAL - RHD GEAR
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much fluid as
possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
CAUTION: Locking the steering column in the
straight-ahead position will prevent the clockspring
from being accidentally over-extended when the
steering column is disconnected from the interme-
diate steering coupler.
(3) Position the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-
AHEAD position. Lock the steering wheel in place
using a steering wheel holding tool.
(4) With the ignition key in the locked position
turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering
wheel is in the locked position.
(5) With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the
steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear
intermediate coupler (Fig. 2).
(6) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(7) Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
(8) If power steering cooler equipped, remove a
hose at power steering cooler and allow fluid to
drain.
(9) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 3).
(10) On both sides of vehicle, remove nut attaching
outer tie rod end to steering knuckle (Fig. 4).Remove nut by holding tie rod end stud with a
socket while loosening and removing nut with
wrench.
(11) Remove both tie rod ends from steering
knuckles using Puller, Special Tool C-3894±A (Fig. 5).
(12) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(13) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 6). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
(14) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, remove the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - REMOVAL).
(15) Remove the power steering fluid pressure and
return hoses from the power steering gear (Fig. 10).
(16) Remove the routing clamp bolt securing the
power steering fluid hoses to the rear of the cradle
crossmember (Fig. 11). Allow the hoses to hang down
out of the way.
(17) Remove the heat shield from the steering gear
(Fig. 10).
(18) Remove the 2 bolts and nuts mounting the
steering gear to the front suspension cradle.
Fig. 9 Removing Roll Pin From Intermediate Coupler
1 - INTERMEDIATE COUPLER
2 - KNURLED NUT
3 - SUSPENSION CRADLE
4 - REMOVER SPECIAL TOOL 6831A
5 - STEERING GEAR
6 - NUT
7 - ROLL PIN
8 - THREADED ROD
Fig. 10 RHD Gear Heat Shield And Hose Fittings
1 - HEAT SHIELD
2 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
3 - RETURN HOSE FITTING
4 - PRESSURE HOSE FITTING
5 - POWER STEERING GEAR
RSGEAR19-31
GEAR (Continued)
CAUTION: Proper torque on the cradle reinforce-
ment to suspension cradle mounting bolts is very
important.
(7) 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
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts (M-10 size) through reinforcement on
each side of each lower control arm rear bushing.
Tighten bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(9) 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.).
(10) Install outer tie rod end into steering knuckle.
Start outer tie rod 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.).
(11) Install leak detection pump on cradle cross-
member reinforcement. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS
CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/LEAK
DETECTION PUMP - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 3). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.). When installing mounting bolts, include pres-
sure hose routing clamp.(13) Reconnect previously disconnected hose at
power steering cooler and install clamp.
(14) Install the front tire and wheel assemblies on
vehicle. Install the wheel lug nuts and torque to 135
N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(15) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(16) Lower the vehicle to a level where the interior
of vehicle is accessible.
(17) 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.).
(18) Remove the steering wheel holding tool.
(19) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(20) Inspect system for leaks.
(21) Adjust front toe (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - RHD GEAR
(1) Install the steering gear up in the front sus-
pension cradle crossmember, leaving room to install
intermediate coupler.
(2) Start the roll pin into the intermediate coupler
before installing coupler on steering gear shaft. Start
roll pin into coupler, using a hammer and tapping it
into the coupler. Then install the intermediate cou-
pler on the shaft of the steering gear.
(3) Install Remover/Installer Special Tool 6831A
through the center of the roll pin, securing it with
the knurled nut (Fig. 12). Hold threaded rod station-
ary while turning nut. This will pull the roll pin into
the intermediate coupler.
(4) Install power steering gear on the front suspen-
sion cradle. Install the 2 steering gear mounting
bolts and nuts. Tighten the M-14 size steering gear
to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque of 183
N´m (135 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size steering
gear to suspension cradle mounting bolt to a torque
of 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Proper torque on the steering gear to
suspension cradle mounting bolts is very impor-
tant.
(5) Install the heat shield on the steering gear
(Fig. 10).
(6) Attach the power steering fluid pressure and
return hoses to the proper fittings on the steering
Fig. 13 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - TIE ROD END
3 - CROWFOOT
4 - SOCKET
5 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSGEAR19-33
GEAR (Continued)
(1) Install the pulley with Installer C-4063 (Fig.
15). Do not use the tool adapters.
(2) Ensure that the tool and the pulley remain
aligned with the pump shaft. Prevent the pulley from
being cocked on the shaft.
(3) Install the pulley until it is flush with the end
of the power steering pump shaft (Fig. 16).
(4) Install the power steering pump on the vehicle.INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - PUMP (2.4L ENGINE)
(1) Install power steering pump back in vehicle
using the reverse order of its removal through the
exhaust tunnel of the vehicle.
(2) Install the power steering pump on its cast
mounting bracket (Fig. 7), then install the nut and
bolt attaching the front bracket to the cast bracket
(Fig. 8).Do not fully tighten at this time..
(3) Install the rear nut (Fig. 7).
(4) Install the power steering pump drive belt on
pulley and adjust (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCES-
SORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Tighten the two adjustment slot bolts and the
one pivot bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install the accessory drive splash shield.
NOTE: Before installing power steering fluid pres-
sure hose on power steering pump, inspect the
O-ring on the pressure hose for damage and
replace if necessary.
(7) Install the power steering fluid pressure line
onto the output fitting of the power steering pump
(Fig. 6). Tighten the pressure line to pump fitting
tube nut to a torque of 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).
(8) Install the power steering fluid low pressure
return hose on the power steering pump low pressure
fitting (Fig. 6).Be sure hose clamps are properly
reinstalled.
(9) Install the power steering fluid supply hose on
the power steering pump fluid fitting.Be sure hose
is clear of accessory drive belts all hose clamps
are properly reinstalled.
CAUTION: Heat sleeve must cover entire rubber
portion of return hose to ensure desired thermal
protection from exhaust.
(10) Properly position the protective heat sleeve
over the power steering return hose. Securely tie
strap the heat sleeve to the power steering hose to
keep in it's proper position.
(11)
Install the exhaust system (Fig. 4). Install all
exhaust system isolators/hangers on the exhaust sys-
tem brackets, then the four bolts and flag nuts (Fig. 3).
(12) Connect the oxygen sensor wiring harness to
the vehicle wiring harness.
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) Connect the negative battery cable on the
negative battery post.
(15) 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)
(16) Inspect for leaks.
Fig. 15 Pulley Installation
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE PULLEY
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
C-4063±A
Fig. 16 Pulley To Pump Shaft Location
1 - PULLEY
2 - PUMP BODY
3 - PUMP SHAFT
4 - HUB
19 - 42 PUMPRS
PUMP (Continued)
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)
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)
If the tag is not legible or missing, the ªPKº num-
ber, which is stamped into the transaxle case behindthe transfer gear cover, can be referred to for identi-
fication. This number differs slightly in that it con-
tains the entire transaxle part number, rather than
the last three digits.
OPERATION
Transmission output is directed to an integral dif-
ferential by a transfer gear system in the following
input-to-output ratios:
First...............................2.84 : 1
Second.............................1.57 : 1
Third..............................1.00 : 1
Overdrive...........................0.69 : 1
Reverse............................2.21 : 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 41TE TRANSAXLE
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
NOTE: Before attempting any repair on a 41TE four-
speed automatic transaxle, check for diagnostic
trouble codes (DTC's) using the DRB scan tool.
Refer to the Transmission Diagnostic Procedures
Manual.
Transaxle malfunctions may be caused by these
general conditions:
²Poor engine performance
²Improper adjustments
²Hydraulic malfunctions
²Mechanical malfunctions
²Electronic malfunctions
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables: fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment. Then per-
form a road test to determine if the problem has been
corrected or that more diagnosis is necessary. If the
problem persists after the preliminary tests and cor-
rections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks
should be performed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST
Prior to performing a road test, verify that the
fluid level, fluid condition, and linkage adjustment
have been approved.
During the road test, the transaxle should be oper-
ated in each position to check for slipping and any
variation in shifting.
If the vehicle operates properly at highway speeds,
but has poor acceleration, the converter stator over-
running clutch may be slipping. If acceleration is nor-
mal, but high throttle opening is needed to maintain
highway speeds, the converter stator clutch may
have seized. Both of these stator defects require
Fig. 2 Transaxle Identification Label
1 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Fig. 3 Identification Label Breakdown
1 - T=TRACEABILITY
2 - SUPPLIER CODE (PK=KOKOMO)
3 - COMPONENT CODE (TK=KOKOMO TRANSMISSION)
4 - BUILD DAY (344=DEC. 9)
5 - BUILD YEAR (9=1999)
6 - LINE/SHIFT CODE (3=3RD SHIFT)
7 - BUILD SEQUENCE NUMBER
8 - LAST THREE OF P/N
9 - NIK
10 - TRANSAXLE PART NUMBER
11 - P=PART NUMBER
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 119
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)