2006 DODGE RAM SRT-10 wheel

STEERING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARATF+4 is to be used in the power steering system. No other power steering or auto-
matic transmission fluid is to be used in the system. Damage may result to the power steering pump and
system if any other fluid is used, and do not overfill.
Power steering systems consist of:
Steering column
Rack and pinion steering gear
Belt driven hydraulic steering pump
Pump pressure and return hoses
Oil Cooler
OPERATION
The steering column shaft isattached to the gear pin-
ion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear rack
from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack
pushes and pulls the tie rods (4) to change the direc-
tion of the front wheels.
Power assist is provided by an engine mounted
hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid pressure
to the steering gear (6).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for leaks, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.

INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
components.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
5. Steering gear valve bias. 5. Replace steering gear.
POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the operation
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 following pressure and flow
test is performed using Power Steering Analyzer Tool
kit 6815 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 adapter6826.
3. Connect tube 6825A to Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.
4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the power steering pump.
5. Connect the tube 6825A to the pump fitting.
6. Connect the power steering hose from the steering gear to the adapter 6826.
NOTE: If fluid leaked from the steering system, it should be filled to correct lervel prior to starting the
engine.
7. Open the test valve completely.
8. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get
air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.
9. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
10. Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as neces-
sary. The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
11. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flowrate (GPM) is below specification,
(refer to pump specification chart for GPM) the pump should be replaced.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control
valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.
12. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time.All three readings must be
above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.
13. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions three times against the
stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. Compare readings to the pump specifications
chart. If pressures readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear isleaking internally and must be
replaced.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to3 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
PUMP SPECIFICATION
ENGINE RELIEF PRESSURE ± 65 FLOW RATE (GPM) AT 1500 RPM
1500 series 11032 kPa (1615 ± 65 psi) 3.1 - 3.5
2500 & 3500
series12400 kPa (1800 ± 50 psi) 3.5 - 4.0

page page
COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION ............................... 8
DESCRIPTION - SRT10 ....................... 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN ......................... 9
REMOVAL ..................................... 9
INSTALLATION ............................... 12
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE ................................... 14
IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION ................................ 15
OPERATION .................................. 15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
IGNITION SWITCH .......................... 15
REMOVAL .................................... 16
INSTALLATION ............................... 17
IGNITION SWITCH - SRT10
REMOVAL - SRT10 ............................ 19
INSTALLATION - SRT10 ....................... 21
KEY-IN IGNITION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION ................................ 22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY LOCK
CYLINDER................................. 22KEY CYLINDER
REMOVAL .................................... 23
INSTALLATION ............................... 23
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL .................................... 24
INSTALLATION ............................... 24
TILT LEVER KNOB RELEASE
REMOVAL .................................... 25
INSTALLATION ............................... 26
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
REMOVAL .................................... 28
INSTALLATION ............................... 29
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL .................................... 32
INSTALLATION ............................... 33
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD ............... 34
4X4 HD .................................... 34
INSTALLATION
ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD ............... 36
4X4 HD .................................... 36

COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (1) has been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches, shrouds,
steering wheel (4), etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column
from the vehicle.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to Restraints andfollow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.
WARNING: The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit. Before attempting to diag-
nose, remove or install the airbag system components you must first disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable. Then wait two minutes for the system capacitor todischarge. Failure to do so
could result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personalinjury. The fasteners, screws, and
bolts, originally used for the airbag components, have special coatings and are specifically designed for the
airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. Anytime anew fastener is needed,
replace with the correct fasteners provided in the service package or fasteners listed in the parts books.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not remove
shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will damage the column.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the park lock slider or link.
NOTE: When servicing the steering wheel after removing the old bolt, a new bolt must be used when install-
ing.
NOTE: When servicing the coupler a new bolt must be used when installing.

DESCRIPTION - SRT10
The SRT-10 column has noSTARTposition on the key cylinder. The push starter button switch is mounted on the
Instrument panel center stack. All SRT-10 columns are Tilt columns, Standard cab trucks come with manual trans-
missions, Quad cab trucks come equipped with automatic transmissions.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN
If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployedthe column must be inspected. This
inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the columnmounting capsules visually and manually
push and pull them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST
be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to electrical
restraint system for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag
and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.
1. Position the front wheelsstraight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
3. Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
4. Remove the steering wheel (1) with special tool
CJ98–1 (2) or an appropriate steering wheel puller.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING
WHEEL - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully
engaged into the steering wheel and not into the
clockspring, before attempting to remove the
wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering
wheel/clockspring.

7. Install the shifter cable (5). (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - INSTALLATION)
8. Connect the wiring harness (8) to the column.
9. Install the clockspring (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
10. Install the shrouds (1&2).
11. Align the spline on the wheel hub to shaft.
12. Then install the steering wheel and install anewbolt. Tighten the bolt to 61 Nꞏm (45 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG- INSTALLATION).
14. Install the tilt lever knob (2).