2006 DODGE RAM SRT-10 transmission fluid

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gear is made up of two
main components, the pinon shaft and the rack. The
gear cannot be adjusted or internally serviced. If a
malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear must be
replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
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.
1. Lock the steering wheel.
2. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
3. Raise the vehicle.
4. Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch bolt.
5. Remove the power steering hoses from the rack & pinion.
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
7. Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie rod ends from the knuckles withpuller8677(Referto19-STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
8. Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).
9. Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts (1).

GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (6). The gear ratio’s used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the worm shaft and rack piston. Theworm shaft is supported by a thrust
bearing at the lower end and a bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm shaft is turned from input from
the steering column the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm
shaft, turns the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
1. Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position.
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.
2. Lock the steering wheel.
3. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible.
4. Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - REMOVAL).

PUMP
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.
The pump is connected to the steering gear via the pressure hose and the return hose. The pump shaft has a
pressed-on pulley that is belt driven by the crankshaft pulley.
All vehicles are equipped with a power steering fluid cooler.
NOTE: Power steering pumps are not interchangeable with pumps installed on other vehicles.
OPERATION
Hydraulic pressure is provided for the power steering
gear by the belt driven power steering pump (2). The
power steering pumps are constant flow rate and dis-
placement, vane-type pumps.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PUMP LEAKAGE
The pump is serviced as an assembly and should not be disassembled. The plastic pump reservoir and the reser-
voir o-rings can be replaced.
Check for leaks in the following areas:
Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
Pump to reservoir O-ring
Reservoir cap
Pressure and return lines
Flow control valve fitting
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUSHING POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hydraulic booster system fluid has become contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid in the steering/booster system can cause seal deterioration and affect steering gear/booster spool valve
operation.
NOTE: The engine should not be run so that all of the fluid is drained from thesystem. The pump should
never be run without fluid.

1. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the wheels are freeto turn.
2. Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic booster remove both return lines from the pump.
3. Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
4. Position the return line/lines into a large container to catch the fluid.
5. While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir start the engine.
6. With the engine running at idle turn the wheel back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the steering stops.
7. Run a quart of fluid through the system then stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
8. Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering Pump Initial Operation,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
9. Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes then stop the engine.
10. Remove the return line/lines from the pump and plug the pump port/ports.
11. Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is still contaminated,
then flush the system again.
12. Install the return line/lines and perform Steering Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
POWER STEERING PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURYFROMMOV-
ING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: MOPAR
ATF+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.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level. The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is at normal
temperature.
1. Turn steering wheel all the way to the left.
2. Fill reservoir up to FULL HOT level and crank engine until it just starts.(DO NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL).
Then turn vehicle off. And recheck fluid level, to Full COLD.
3. Crank engine again until it just starts, (DO NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL). and turn vehicle off. Recheck fluid
leveltoFullCOLD.
4. Turn engine on again, (DO NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL) and let the vehicle idle for 5 minutes. If possible
apply a 20 in-Hg vacuum to the reservoir, while engine is idling.
5. Turn engine off and recheck fluid level, to FULL COLD.
6.If the Steering gear is replacedensure reservoir is at FULL HOT level, start engine and turn wheel to left. Stop
Engine and recheck fluid level to FULL HOT. Start engine and turn wheel to the right. Stop engine and check
fluid level is at FULL COLD.
7. Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level and let the fluid settlefor at least two (2) minutes.
8. Start the engine. With the engine idling maintain the fluid level.
9. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
10. Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20 times with the engine off while checking the fluid level.
NOTE: For vehicles with long return lines or oil coolers turn wheel 40 times.
11. Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle for two minutes.
12. Turn the steering wheel in both direction and verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking, allow the vehicle to standa few minutes and repeat the procedure.

FLUID
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: It is normal that some pressure will build up inside the reservoir, especially, with a warm vehicle. A
slight popping noise upon removal ofthe cap is normal. The fluid level should read between the ADD and
the FULL COLD marks. When the fluid is hotit should read between ADD and FULLHOT marks. Only add
fluid when the vehicle is cold.
The recommended fluid for the power steering system is Mopar
AT F + 4 .
Mopar
ATF+4, when new is red in color. The ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the
vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent andis not an indicator of fluid condition, As
the vehicle is driven, the ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown.THIS IS NOR-
MAL.ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to
indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY
FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: MOPAR
ATF+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.
The power steering fluid level can be viewed on the dipstick attached to thefiller cap. There are two ranges listed
on the dipstick, COLD and HOT. Before opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and
debris. Remove the cap and check the fluid level on its dipstick. When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature,
approximately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F), the fluid level should read between the minimum and maximum area of
the cold range. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to read up to thehighest end of the HOT range. Only add
fluid when the vehicle is cold.
Use only Mopar
AT F + 4 .Do not overfill the power steering system.

STANDARD PROCEDURE
INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: The fluid level should be checked with engine off to prevent injury from moving components.
NOTE: Remove as much of the old fluid out of the system as possible with a suction tool or by removing
a hose, when a component has failed. Then refill it with fresh fluid until itis clean. This may have to be
done more than once.
CAUTION: MOPAR
ATF+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.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level. The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is at normal
ambient temperature.
1. Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level and let the fluid settlefor at least two minutes.
2. Start the engine and let run for a few seconds then turn engine off.
3. Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above procedure until the fluid levelremains constant after running the engine.
4. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
5. Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel stops at least 20 times.
6. Check the fluid level add if necessary.
7. Lower the vehicle, start the engine, and use the DRB III to activate the hydraulic fan on full fan operation.
8. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
9. Stop the engine, check the fluid level and refill as required and repeat the process
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
10. If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking, allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat the pro-
cedure.
11. While the vehicle is in park, use the DRB III to activate the hydraulic fan to full fan operation and briefly rev the
engine up to 3000 rpm to fully engage the hydraulic fan.
12. Check the fluid level add if necessary.

STANDARD PROCEDURE
DRAIN AND FILL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove drain plug (1) on transmission (2) and
drain fluid.
3. Install drain plug and tighten to 57 Nꞏm (42 ft. lbs.).
4. Remove fill plug (1) on right side of the transmis-
sion (2).
5. Fill transmission even with the bottom of the fill
hole.
6. Install fill plug and tighten to 57 Nꞏm (42 ft. lbs.).

REMOVAL
1. With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
2. Disconnect battery negative cable.
3. Remove shift boot bezel screws and slide boot
upward on shift lever extension.
4. Remove shift lever extension from the shift tower
and lever assembly.
5. Remove 4WD shift boot if equipped.
6. Remove skid plate, if equipped.
7. Remove drain plug (1) from transmission (2) and
drain fluid.
8. Mark transmission flange (1) and propeller shaft (2)
for installation reference before removing propeller
shaft. If 4x4 equipped mark transfer case and front
propeller shaft before removing shaft.