DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual

piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict movement, no
service is suggested or required. Especially critical on
mono-tube dampers.
(2) - This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod,
which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
( 3) - If noise is isolated to damper, suggest replacement.









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STEERING GEARS (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION)
If diagnosis has determined that complete disassembly is
necessary to determine the extent of the system failure, the
suggestion may be made to rebuild or replace the power steering pump.
Repair or replacement of the following components may be required, if
performed as part of a power steering pump overhaul or rebuild service
to meet a minimum rebuild standard.
STEERING GEAR (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION) INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A .. Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A .. Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C ......... Require replacement of
missing part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A .. Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A .... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Binding ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
Flex coupler binding .... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler loose ...... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
missing parts .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
soft/spongy ............ A . Require replacement of coupler.
Flex coupler torn ....... A . Require replacement of coupler.
Fluid contaminated ...... B ........ ( 1) Require flushing and
refilling of the system.
Gasket leaking .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of gasket.
Housing leaking ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Hydraulic fittings
leaking ................ A ... Require repair or replacement
of fittings.
Inadequate power assist . A .......... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
See note below.
Lash exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Seal leaking ............ A ... Require repair or replacement

of seal and/or mating part.
Splines damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of splines.
Splines stripped ........ A . Require replacement of splines.
Steering coupler
shield cracked ......... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Steering coupler
shield missing ......... C ............ Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. OEM
specifications must be followed for fluid type.
( 2) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.









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STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION
If diagnosis has determined that complete disassembly is
necessary to determine the extent of the system failure, the
suggestion may be made to rebuild or replace the power steering pump.
Repair or replacement of the following components may be required, if
performed as part of a power steering pump overhaul or rebuild service
to meet a minimum rebuild standard.
STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ......... Require replacement of
broken part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A .. Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C ......... Require replacement of
missing part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A .. Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A .... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Balance tube blocked .... A .. Require repair or replacement
of balance tube.
Balance tube missing .... C .. Require replacement of balance
tube.
Balance tube restricted . A ... Require repair or replacement
of balance tube.
Bellows boot
clamp missing .......... C ... Require replacement of clamp.
Bellows boot cracked

(not through) .......... 2 .. Suggest replacement of bellows
boot.
Bellows boot missing .... C .. Require replacement of bellows
boot.
Bellows boot
not sealing ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of bellows boot.
Bellows boot torn ....... A .. Require replacement of bellows
boot.
Bellows boot twisted
(from toe adjustment) .. B ................. Require repair.
Fitting leaking ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Fitting missing ......... A . Require replacement of fitting.
Fitting threads
damaged ................ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Fitting threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Flex coupler binding .... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler loose ...... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
missing parts .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of coupler.
Flex coupler
soft/spongy ............ A . Require replacement of coupler.
Flex coupler torn ....... A . Require replacement of coupler.
Fluid contaminated ...... B ........ (1) Require flushing and
refilling of the system.
Gasket leaking .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Hard steering on cold
start-up ............... 1 ........... ( 2) Suggest repair or
replacement.
Housing cracked,
affecting structural
integrity .............. B ............ Require replacement.
Housing leaking ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Inadequate power assist . A .......... ( 3) Further inspection
required.
Lash exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Seal leaking ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Splines damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Splines stripped
(splines missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.
Steel line blocked ...... A ... Require repair or replacement
of line.
Steel line leaking ...... A ... Require repair or replacement
of line.
Steel line missing ...... C .... Require replacement of line.
Steel line restricted ... A ... Require repair or replacement
of line.
Steering coupler shield
cracked ................ 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Steering coupler shield
missing ................ C ............ Require replacement.
Steering coupler shield
torn ................... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.

Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. Follow OE
specifications for fluid type.
( 2) - Indicates internal wear.
( 3) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.









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STEERING KNUCKLES
STEERING KNUCKLE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt incorrect .... B ... Require replacement with bolt
that meets OE design.
Pinch bolt loose ........ B ................. Require repair.
Pinch bolt missing ...... B ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt tabs
deformed (pinched
together), .032"
or more before
clamping ............... B ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Steering knuckle deformation can cause pinch
bolt breakage.
( 2) - Check for damaged stud.

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STRIKE OUT BUMPERS
STRIKE OUT BUMPER INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A .......... Require replacement of
broken part.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A .......... Require replacement of
corroded part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
missing part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Split ................... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.









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STRUT RODS
STRUT ROD INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Adjusting nut seized .... A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part, if available;
otherwise, replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,

if available; otherwise,
replace strut rod.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
strut rod.
Attaching (mating) hole
oversized .............. A ... Require repair or replacement
of frame.
Attaching point on frame
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ........ Require repair of frame.
Bent .................... A ............ Require replacement.
Mating (attaching) hole
oversized .............. A ... Require repair or replacement
of frame.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.
(1) - Only required if an alignment is being performed.









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STRUT UPPER BEARING PLATE ASSEMBLIES
NOTE: When the following guidelines indicate replacement of
bearing, only the bearing should be replaced if it is
available separately; otherwise, replace the bearing
plate assembly.
STRUT UPPER BEARING PLATE ASSEMBLY INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace bearing plate assembly.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace bearing
plate assembly.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace bearing plate assembly.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace bearing plate assembly.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
bearing plate assembly.
Bearing axial or radial
movement exceeds vehicle
manufacturer's

specifications ......... B ............. Require replacement
of bearing.
Bearing binding ......... A ............. Require replacement
of bearing.
Bearing missing ......... C ............. Require replacement
of bearing.
Bearing seized .......... A ............. Require replacement
of bearing.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Holes distorted ......... A ............ Require replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Severely corroded,
affecting structural
integrity .............. A ............ Require replacement.









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SWAY BAR LINKS
SWAY BAR LINK INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace link.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace link.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace link.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace link.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
link.
Ball and socket has
looseness (perceptible
vertical movement) ..... 1 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Ball and socket has
looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 1)( 2) Require replacement.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 5) Suggest replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.
Nut on stud loose ....... A ............. ( 6) Require repair.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.

Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ (7) Require replacement.
( 1) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 2) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 3) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.









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SWAY BARS
SWAY BAR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part, if available; otherwise,
replace sway bar.
Attaching hardware
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A .......... Require replacement of
corroded part, if available;
otherwise, replace sway bar.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace sway bar.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace sway bar.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace sway bar.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
sway bar.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.









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TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)

TIE ROD END (INNER AND OUTER) INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace tie rod end.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace tie rod end.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace tie rod end.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,
replace tie rod end.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
tie rod end.
Adjusting sleeve bent ... B ... Require replacement of sleeve
or tie rod end.
Adjusting sleeve clamps
out of position ........ B ................. Require repair.
Adjusting sleeve
corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ... Require replacement of sleeve
or tie rod end.
Adjusting sleeve
missing ................ C ... Require replacement of sleeve
or tie rod end.
Adjusting sleeve
seized ................. A ........... (1) Require repair or
replacement.
Adjusting sleeve
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of sleeve or tie rod end.
Adjusting sleeve
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ... Require replacement of sleeve
or tie rod end.
Binding ................. A .......... ( 2) Further inspection
required.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 5) Suggest replacement.
Grease fitting broken ... A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease seal missing ..... 2 ......... ( 4) Suggest replacement
of seal.

Grease seal torn ........ 2 ......... (5) Suggest replacement
of seal.
Greaseable tie rod end
won't take grease ...... 2 ...... ( 6) Suggest replacement of
grease fitting.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 7) Suggest replacement.
Looseness exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 7)( 8) Require replacement.
Nut on stud loose ....... A ........... ( 9) Require repair or
replacement of nut.
Seized .................. A ............. Require replacement
Stud bent ............... B ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ....... ( 10) Require replacement.
( 1) - Only required if toe needs to be adjusted.
( 2) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 3) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint
and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - If greaseable tie rod end will not take grease after
replacing the grease fitting, suggest replacement of
tie rod end.
( 7) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and socket
movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 8) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant enough
to affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.
( 9) - Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.
( 10 ) - Check for damaged taper hole.









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TRACK BARS
TRACK BAR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace track bar.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace track bar.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace track bar.
Attaching hardware