wheel bolts DODGE NEON 2000 Service Manual PDF

CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle from
the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle.
Pulling the steering knuckle outward at this point can
separate the inner C/V joint on the driveshaft. Refer to
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the DIFFERENTIAL AND
DRIVELINE group for further information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate each ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 3).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, remove the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler and can be accessed from
above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(8) Using wire or cord, support and tie off the
power steering gear to the underbody of the vehicle,
so when the crossmember is lowered, the gear does
not fall away being held to the vehicle by only the
steering column coupler and the fluid hoses.
(9) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the
power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
member (Fig. 4). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
(10) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of thecrossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(11) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 6) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
(12) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(13) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(14) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Remove the rear bolts from the
body of the vehicle, but do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(15) Lower the front suspension crossmember.
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 3 Pry Bar Usage
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2±PRYBAR
3 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 ± BALL JOINT STUD
13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(4) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 6). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolts
to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Attach the steering gear to the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 4). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the wire or cord suspending the power
steering gear to the underbody.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the cooler
to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(9)
Install each ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(10) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and
nut (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right
forward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 5). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 7).(12)
First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each cush-
ion must point toward the front of the vehicle and sit
directly on top of the raised beads formed into the
stamping on the crossmember. Next, install the cush-
ion retainers, matching the raised beads formed into
the cushion retainers to the grooves formed into the
cushions. Install the cushion retainer bolts, but do not
completely tighten them at this time.
(13) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing. Do not fully tighten
the link assemblies at this time.
(14) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(16) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(17) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(18) Check the front wheel alignment on the vehi-
cle. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPEN-
SION service manual group.
Fig. 7 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
13 - 8 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding upper strut bearing. 7. Disassemble strut assembly. Correct
binding condition in strut bearing or replace
bearing.
8. Tight 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 front
suspension crossmember.2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Steering column coupling worn,
broken or loose.3. Replace steering column coupling.
4. Free play in steering column. 4. Check all components of the steering
system and repair or replace as required.
5. Worn control arm ball joints. 5. Replace ball joint or control arm as
required.
6. Loose steering knuckle to ball joint
stud pinch bolt.6. Inspect pinch bolts, replace as
necessary, and tighten to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearings loose or
worn.7. Replace wheel bearing or knuckle as
necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod ends. 8. Replace outer tie rod ends that have
excessive free play.
9. Loose inner tie rod ends. 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 thefollowing. Before disconnecting coupling, place
tires in the straight-ahead position and center steer-
ing wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotate
steering 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.
19 - 8 STEERINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(6) Start the engine and turn the steering wheel
several times stop-to-stop to bleed any air from the
fluid in the power steering system. Stop the engine,
check the fluid level, and inspect the system for
leaks.
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
POWER STEERING HOSE:
Tube Nuts............... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
Hose Routing Clip Bolt.... 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
POWER STEERING COOLER:
Mounting Screws.......... 10N´m(90in.lbs.)
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
SWITCH:
Switch................... 8N´m(70in.lbs.)
POWER STEERING PUMP:
Pressure Hose Tube Nut.... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
Pressure Fitting........... 88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Front Mounting Bolts..... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Rear Mounting Bolt....... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Rear Support Bracket To Engine Bolts . . 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING
Power Steering Analyzer 6815
Adapters, Power Steering Analyzer 6893
PLSTEERING 19 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

reduces the power required to drive the pump and
holds down temperature build-up.
When steering conditions exceed maximum pres-
sure requirements, such as when the wheels are
turned against the stops, the pressure built up in the
steering gear exerts pressure on the spring end of the
flow control valve. The high pressure lifts the relief
valve ball from its seat and allows oil to flow through
a trigger orifice located in the outlet fitting. This
reduces pressure on the spring end of the flow con-
trol valve which then opens and allows the oil to
return to the intake side of the pump. This action
limits maximum pressure output of the pump to a
safe level.
Under normal power steering pump operating con-
ditions, pressure requirements of the pump are below
maximum, causing the pressure relief valve to
remain closed.
POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
The power steering fluid reservoir is mounted on
the power steering pump using 3 bolts (Fig. 1). It
stores fluid for the power steering system.
The power steering fluid reservoir is considered an
integral part of the power steering pump and is not
serviced separately.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
CAUTION: The fluid level should be checked with
engine off to prevent injury from moving compo-
nents. Use only MoparTPower Steering Fluid. Do
not use automatic transmission fluid. Do not over-
fill.
Wipe the filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal temperature, approximately 21ÉC to 27ÉC
(70ÉF to 80ÉF).
(1) Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the
proper level and let the fluid settle for at least two
minutes.
(2) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds,
then turn the engine off.
(3) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops.
(6) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.(8) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and refill
as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
NOTE: Do not use any type of automatic transmis-
sion fluid in the power steering system.
POWER STEERING PUMP
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove battery cable from the negative post on
the battery.
(2) Siphon as much fluid as possible from the
power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) Remove the power steering pump drive belt
from the power steering pump pulley. Refer to
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS in the COOLING SYS-
TEM service manual group for the required removal
and installation procedure.
(4) Remove the hose clamp securing the return
hose to the power steering fluid reservoir. Slide the
hose off the end of the reservoir fitting. (Fig. 2).
(5) Back out the tube nut securing the power
steering fluid pressure hose to the power steering
pump and remove the hose from the pump (Fig. 2).
PLSTEERING 19 - 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(13) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steer-
ing fluid cooler, remove the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler and can be accessed from
above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(14) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 8).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the
crossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(15) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 9) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
(16) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(17) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 8). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.(18) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 8). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(19) Lower the front suspension crossmember
using the transmission jack enough to allow the
power steering gear to be removed from the rear of
the crossmember (Fig. 10). When lowering front sus-
pension crossmember, do not let crossmember hang
from lower control arms. The weight should be sup-
ported by the transmission jack.
(20) Remove the roll pin securing the steering col-
umn lower coupling to the power steering gear pinion
shaft using a roll pin punch (Fig. 11). Push the steer-
ing column lower coupling up and off of the power
steering gear pinion shaft.
(21) Release the pinion shaft dash cover seal from
the tabs cast into the power steering gear housing
and remove the seal from the power steering gear
(Fig. 12).
(22) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching
the power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
member (Fig. 1). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
Fig. 8 Mounting Bolts
1 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 9 Marking Crossmember Location
1 ± SCRIBED LINE
2 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
3±AWL
4 ± BODY
19 - 24 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering gear on the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 1). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the pinion shaft dash cover seal over
the power steering pinion shaft and onto the power
steering gear housing. Align the holes on each side of
the seal with the tabs cast into the power steering
gear housing (Fig. 12).
(3) With the steering column lower coupling
pushed partway up through its hole in the dash
panel, match the flat on the inside of the steeringcolumn lower coupling to the flat on the power steer-
ing gear pinion shaft and slide the coupling onto the
top of the pinion shaft. Align the roll pin hole in the
coupling with the groove in the pinion shaft and
install the roll pin through the coupling until it is
centered (Fig. 11).
(4) Center the power steering gear rack in its
travel.
(5) Using the transmission jack, raise the front
suspension crossmember and power steering gear
until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot
against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the steer-
ing column lower coupling up through its hole in the
dash panel.
(6) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 8). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
Fig. 10 Crossmember Lowered
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
4 ± TRANSMISSION JACK
Fig. 11 Coupling Roll Pin
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT
3 ± ROLL PIN
4 ± ROLL PIN PUNCH
Fig. 12 Pinion Shaft Dash Cover Seal
1 ± SEAL
2 ± PINION SHAFT
3±TAB
4 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(7) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 9). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember (and rear lower
control arm) mounting bolts to a torque of 203 N´m
(150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the front two crossmember
mounting bolts to a torque of 142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(8) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right for-
ward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 8). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
(9) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean the open
power steering hose ends and the power steering
gear ports. Replace the pressure hose used O-ring
with new. Lubricate the O-ring with power steering
fluid.
(10) Attach the power steering fluid pressure hose
to it's port on the power steering gear (Fig. 7). Start
the tube nut threads into the gear, but do not tighten
them at this time. On vehicles equipped with a power
steering fluid cooler, reconnect the cooler line to the
gear in place of the power steering fluid return hose.
(11) Open the routing clips on the front of the
steering gear housing and install the power steering
fluid pressure hose into the routing clips.
(12) On vehicles equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, place the cooler in mounting position and
snap the cooler tube going to the gear into the right
routing clip.
(13) Close both routing clips.
(14) Tighten the power steering fluid pressure
hose tube nut at the gear to a torque of 34 N´m (25
ft. lbs.).
(15) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steer-
ing fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(16) On vehicle's with a power steering fluid cooler,
place the hose clamp on the hose far enough from the
end to clear the steel fitting on the gear. Do the same
for the fluid return hose on a vehicle that is not
equipped with a cooler.
(17) Push either hose listed in the above step onto
the steel fitting, then move and secure the clamp on
the hose past the bead on the steel fitting in the
steering gears outlet port (Fig. 7).
(18) Route the fluid return hose along the front of
the steering gear, clipping it into place in the
C-clamps on the outside of the routing clips on the
front of the power steering gear housing.
(19) Reconnect the wiring harness connector from
the power steering fluid pressure switch (Fig. 6). Besure the locking tab on the wiring harness connector
is securely latched.
(20) Perform the following to each outer tie rod:
²Place the tie rod heat shield on the knuckle's
steering arm, aligning the hole in the shield with the
hole in the knuckle and the tangs on the outside of
the shield with the outside configuration of the steer-
ing arm. The shield should now be facing outboard,
away from the power steering gear and tie rod (Fig.
4).
²Attach the outer tie rod end to its steering
knuckle.
²Start the attaching nut onto the stud of the
outer tie rod.
²While holding the stud of the tie rod stationary
with a wrench, tighten the attaching nut (Fig. 4).
²Using a crowfoot wrench attached to a torque
wrench, tighten the attaching nut to 55 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(21) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(22) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(23) Install the dash-to-lower coupling seal in
place over the lower coupling's plastic collar.
NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of
the dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the cou-
pling's plastic collar.
(24) Inside the passenger compartment, reconnect
the steering column lower coupling to the steering
column upper coupling (Fig. 3). Install the coupling
pinch bolt and tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque
of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install the pinch bolt
retainer pin.
(25) Remove the steering wheel holder.
(26) While looking under the instrument panel at
the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-
and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not
squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
(27) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION service procedure which can be
found in the POWER STEERING PUMP section of
this group to properly fill and bleed the power steer-
ing system.
(28) Check for fluid leaks.
(29) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPENSION
service manual group.
OUTER TIE ROD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
19 - 26 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) While holding the stud of the tie rod stationary
with a wrench, tighten the attaching nut (Fig. 14).
(10) Using a crowfoot wrench attached to a torque
wrench, tighten the attaching nut to 75 N´m (55 ft.
lbs.).
(11) Install the tire and wheel assembly.
(12) Lower the vehicle.
(13) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPENSION
service manual group.
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER:
Front Mounting Bolts..... 142N´m(105 ft. lbs.)
Rear Mounting Bolts..... 203N´m(150 ft. lbs.)
STEERING GEAR:
Mounting Bolts........... 61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
OUTER TIE ROD:
Steering Knuckle Nut...... 55N´m(40ft.lbs.)
TieRodJamNut .......... 75N´m(55ft.lbs.)
POWER STEERING HOSE:
Tube Nuts............... 34N´m(25ft.lbs.)
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
Remover MB991113
19 - 28 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt any-
time the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may
cause unwanted conditions within the steering col-
umn if the vehicle is suspended in any manner
when the pinch bolt is tightened.
(6) Ensure front wheels of vehicle are positioned
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, then align and attach the steer-
ing column upper coupling to the lower coupling.
Install the coupling pinch bolt (Fig. 3). Tighten the
pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the coupling pinch bolt retainer pin.
(8) Remove the steering wheel holding clamp.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE
PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE
AIR BAG. REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE
(-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO
DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO
THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. FAILURE TO DO SOCOULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGI-
NALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFI-
CALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUB-
STITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS
NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTEN-
ERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR
FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
BEFORE SERVICING A STEERING COLUMN
EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP
8M, ELECTRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE SER-
VICE PROCEDURES.
WARNING: WHEN HANDLING AN UNDEPLOYED
AIR BAG MODULE DURING SERVICING OF THE
STEERING COLUMN, THE FOLLOWING PRECAU-
TIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED:
²AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY SOURCE OF ELEC-
TRICITY BE PERMITTED NEAR THE INFLATOR ON
THE BACK OF THE AIR BAG MODULE.
²WHEN CARRYING A LIVE MODULE, THE TRIM
COVER SHOULD BE POINTED AWAY FROM THE
BODY TO MINIMIZE INJURY IF THE MODULE
SHOULD ACCIDENTLY DEPLOY.
²IF THE AIR BAG MODULE IS PLACED ON A
BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, THE PLASTIC
COVER SHOULD BE FACE-UP TO MINIMIZE MOVE-
MENT, IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
CAUTION: Safety goggles should be worn at all
times when working on steering columns.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery, before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
STEERING COLUMN
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
Fig. 5 Lower Coupling Inspection
1 ± FLEX JOINT
2 ± SEAL COLLAR SEALING SURFACE
3 ± TO STEERING COLUMN
4 ± CORRUGAGATED TUBE SECTION
5 ± TO STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 31
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)