CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on
flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.8. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sensor/switch. 2. Replace oil pressure sensor/
switch.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pressure sensor/switch
and main bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean,
or replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or
cracked.9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part.2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.3. Replace as necessary.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-83
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
RETAINER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove oil seal retainer screws (Fig. 83).
(4) Remove oil seal retainer (Fig. 83).
(5) Clean engine block and retainer of oil and gas-
ket material. Make sure surfaces are clean and free
of oil.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position new gasket and install retainer on
block (Fig. 83). Tighten attaching screws to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(2) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install oil seal (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR -
INSTALLATION).
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove the right front wheel and inner splash
shield.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove vibration damper bolt.
(6) Insert Special Tool 8450 into crankshaft nose
(Fig. 84).
(7) Position 3-jaw puller Special Tool 1026 on
damper as shown in (Fig. 84). Turn puller forcing
screw until damper releases from crankshaft.
(8) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crankshaft vibration damper using the
forcing screw, nut, and thrust bearing/washer from
Special Tool 8452 (Fig. 85).
NOTE: To minimize friction and prolong tool life,
lubricate the threads on the forcing screw of Spe-
cial Tool 8452.
(2) Position vibration damper on crankshaft.
(3) Screw Special Tool 8452 into crankshaft until
the bolt seats. Turn the nut to install damper until it
seats fully.
(4) Remove Special Tool 8452.
(5) Install vibration damper bolt. Torque bolt to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 82 Rear Crankshaft Oil SealÐInstallation
1 - SPECIAL TOOLS:
2 - C-4171 HANDLE
3 - 6926±2 INSTALLER
4 - 6926±1 GUIDE
5 - SEAL
Fig. 83 CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL
1 - OIL SEAL
2 - BOLT
3 - RETAINER - OIL SEAL
4 - GASKET
9 - 132 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR (Continued)
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)
(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 134).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 135) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 136).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
137).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 137).(16) Remove camshaft position sensor from timing
chain cover (Fig. 137).
Fig. 133 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 134 OIL PICKUP TUBE
1 - BOLT
2 - OIL PICK-UP TUBE
3 - O-RING
Fig. 135 HEATER RETURN HOSE (Without Engine
Oil Cooler)
1 - CAP AND CLAMP (OIL COOLER EQUIPPED ONLY)
2 - HOSE ASSEMBLY - HEATER RETURN
3 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
4 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
9 - 156 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE TIMING (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
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)
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 (If
Equipped)
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
(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)