INSPECTION
Inspect exhaust manifolds for damage or cracks
and check distortion of the cylinder head mounting
surface and exhaust crossover mounting surface with
a straightedge and thickness gauge (Fig. 132).
Manifold surface flatness limits should not exceed
1.0 mm (0.039 in.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position exhaust manifold on cylinder head
(Fig. 131). Install bolts to center runner (cylinder #4)
and initial tighten to 2.8 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(2) Using a new gasket, attach crossover pipe to
exhaust manifold and tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 130).
NOTE: Inspect crossover pipe fasteners for damage
from heat and corrosion. The cross-over bolts are
made of a special stainless steel alloy. If replace-
ment is required, OEM bolts are highly recom-
mended.
(3) Position heat shield on manifold (Fig. 131).
(4) Install the remaining manifold attaching bolts.
Tighten all bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten heat shield attaching nut to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 131).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 133).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 133).
Fig. 132 Check Exhaust Manifold Mounting
1 - STRAIGHT EDGE
2 - CROSSOVER PIPE MOUNTING SURFACE
3 - FEELER GAUGE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
EXHAUST MANIFOLD - LEFT (Continued)
FRAME & BUMPERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE...............1
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1
FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
REAR FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS . . . 6
SPECIFICATIONS - FRAME DIMENSIONS -
FOLD-IN-FLOOR SEATS ONLY...........11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE............14
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER......................14
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR........14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
FRONT CROSSMEMBER MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front bumper reinforcement attaching nut 54 40 Ð
Rear bumper reinforcement attaching nut 27 20 Ð
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove the headlamp assemblies (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Remove the five push pin fasteners attaching
bottom of fascia/air dam to radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove front wheels.
(6) Remove front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers as necessary to gain access to bolts attaching
front fascia to fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/ WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).(7) Remove the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2).
(8) Disconnect fog lamp wire connectors, if neces-
sary.
(9) Lower vehicle.
(10) Remove two bolts attaching the upper grille
support to the headlamp mounting panel at each side
of the grille.
(11) Remove bumper fascia from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front bumper fascia on vehicle (Fig. 1)
and (Fig. 2).
(2) Install the two bolts attaching fascia to head-
lamp mounting panel at each side of grille.
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-1
(4) Install the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders. The fascia should be flush
to fender.
(5) Install front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/ WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install front wheels.(7) Connect fog lamp wire connectors, if necessary.
(8) Install the five push pin fasteners attaching
bottom of fascia to radiator closure panel.
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Install the headlamp assemblies. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 1 FRONT FASCIA
1 - FRONT BUMPER FASCIA
2 - GRILLE
3 - BUMPER REINFORCEMENT4 - RADIATOR ENCLOSURE
5 - AIR DAM
13 - 2 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT FASCIA (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. 14).
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. 15).
(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. 16).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 17).
(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. 19).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 18).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
19).
Fig. 14 FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER CAGED
NUT
1 - BRACKET
2 - CAGED NUT
Fig. 15 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-15
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 19).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.(4) Place upper half of bushing on top of cross-
member aligned to receive square tube protruding
upward from lower bushing half.
(5) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(6) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(7) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 17) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 16).
(9) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(11) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(12) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(13) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(14) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(15) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(16) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(17) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(18) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(19) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 16 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
Fig. 17 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 18 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
13 - 16 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (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. Mis-routed power steering hose. 2. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other
components and objects.
3. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.3. Replace power steering gear.
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.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
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. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.8. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
9. Stabilizer bar link ball joints worn. 9. Replace stabilizer bar link.
10. Lug nuts loose. 10. Tighten lug nuts to specifications.
11. Excessive Wheel bearing
free-play.11. Verify correct halfshaft hub nut
torque. Replace hub and bearing if
torque is okay.
12. Internal power steering gear
noise.12. Replace power steering gear.
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. Extremely low ambient
temperature.3. Some noise can be expected, but will
go away as vehicle warms. Replace
pump if noise is excessive.
4. Extreme wear of power steering
pump internal components.4. Replace power steering pump and
flush system as necessary.
19 - 4 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
* NOTE: Steering shudder can be expected in new
vehicles and vehicles with recent steering system
repairs. Shudder should dissipate after the vehicle
has been driven several weeks.
** NOTE: To evaluate this condition, it may be nec-
essary to disconnect the coupling at the base of the
steering column. Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering column. To
avoid damaging the column clockspring, note the
following. Before disconnecting coupling, place
tires in the straight-ahead position and center steer-
ing wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotatesteering wheel more than one revolution in either
direction and place steering wheel in original loca-
tion before reconnecting coupling. If this position is
lost, the steering column clockspring must be
recentered following the procedure found within the
procedure for steering column installation in the
steering column section.
*** NOTE: Increased low speed or stationary steer-
ing effort can be expected if the steering fluid is at
a high temperature. High fluid temperature usually
results from high engine rpm due to trailer towing,
ascending grades, or racing the engine for pro-
longed periods of time.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH
VISIBLE LEAK.1. Loose power steering hose
fittings.1. Tighten the fitting to its specified torque.
2. Damaged or missing fitting seal,
gasket, or O-ring.2. Replace as necessary.
3. Power steering component
leaking.3. Repair or replace the leaking component
as required.
19 - 8 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)