pitman DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual


STE ER IN G S YSTE M - P O W ER R EC IR CULA TIN G B ALL

1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 STEERING
CHRY - Power Recirculating Ball - RWD Trucks
Dakota 4WD, Ram Pickup, Ram Van/Wagon
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
The recirculating ball power steering system consists of
steering gear, steering linkage, pressure and return fluid hoses and
fittings, and a hydraulic steering pump with fluid reservoir.
The steering gear is a power assisted recirculating-ball type
that acts as a rolling thread between worm shaft and rack piston. See
Fig. 1 . When worm shaft is turned, the rack piston moves and piston
teeth mesh with sector shaft teeth, turning pitman arm, which turns
steering linkage.
The steering linkage consists of pitman arm, idler arm(s),
tie rods, center link and drag link (if equipped).
The power steering pump is a constant flow rate and
displacement, vane-type pump. Pump is connected to steering gear by
pressure and return hoses. On gasoline models, pump shaft has pressed
on belt-driven pulley.
On diesel models, power steering pump is bolted onto rear of
vacuum pump and is driven by a common shaft.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Saginaw Rotary Valve Power Steering Gear
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
TESTING

Removal
1) Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Place drain pan
under steering gear assembly. Disconnect and cap pressure and return
hoses from steering gear. Disconnect steering column shaft coupling
from steering gear stub shaft.
2) Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect steering linkage
(center link) from pitman arm. See Fig. 9. Disconnect stabilizer bar
(if necessary). Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Remove steering gear-to-
frame bolts. Remove steering gear.
Installation
1) Install steering gear with bolts finger tight. Center
steering gear and align stub shaft with steering column. Install
steering column shaft coupling bolt and tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
2) Reposition steering gear to eliminate binding, and tighten
bolts to specification. Install pitman arm on sector shaft with
reference marks aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to
specification.
3) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Bleed air from hydraulic system. See
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.
SECTOR SHAFT OIL SEAL
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Place wheels in straight-ahead
position. Disconnect steering linkage (center link) from pitman arm.
Disconnect stabilizer bar (if necessary).
2) Place reference mark on pitman arm and sector shaft.
Remove nut and pitman arm from sector shaft. Place drain pan under
steering gear. Remove retaining ring and steel washer. See Fig. 1.
CAUTION: DO NOT hold steering wheel in left-turn position for more
than 2 seconds.
3) Start engine and momentarily hold steering wheel in
extreme left-turn position. When pressure develops, this should force
upper oil seal, steel washer and lower oil seal from steering gear
housing. Stop engine and remove seals.
Installation
1) Ensure seal bore of steering gear is free of burrs and
sector shaft is free of pitting or roughness. Lubricate replacement
seals and steel washers with power steering fluid.
2) Wrap sector shaft with plastic tape or .005" (.13 mm)
thick shim stock. Install upper oil seal (single lip seal) and steel
washer first. Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for
remaining oil seal, steel washer and retaining ring.
CAUTION: DO NOT install upper oil seal against inner bore surface of
steering gear housing. Oil seals must be installed so each
oil seal is separately seated in shaft bore.
3) Install lower oil seal (double lip seal) and steel washer\
.
Oil seal must be installed only deep enough to allow for steel washer
and retaining ring. Remove tape or shim stock and install retaining
ring.

CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against pitman arm to ensure proper
retention.
4) Install pitman arm on sector shaft with reference marks
aligned. Install lock washer and nut. Tighten nut to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
5) To install remaining components, reverse removal
procedure. Fill pump reservoir. Allow engine to idle for at least 3
minutes. DO NOT turn wheels during this time. Rotate wheels both
directions and check for leaks. Refill pump reservoir.
CENTER LINK
Removal & Installation
Separate tie rods, idler arm, steering and drag link (if
equipped) from center link. Remove center link. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification.
Fig. 9: Exploded View Of Steering Linkage
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
DRAG LINK
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pins and drag link nuts. Using Separator (C-
4150), separate drag link from steering knuckle or center link and

pitman arm. Remove drag link. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install
cotter pins.
IDLER ARM
Removal & Installation
Remove cotter pin and nut from idler arm. Separate idler arm
from center link. Remove idler arm bolts. Remove idler arm. To
install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Install NEW cotter pin.
PITMAN ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Remove cotter pin and nut at pitman arm-to-center link or
drag link. Separate pitman arm from center link or drag link. Mark
location of pitman arm on steering gear shaft. Remove pitman arm-to-
steering gear shaft nut. Separate pitman arm from steering gear.
CAUTION: Stake pitman arm nut against steering gear shaft to ensure
proper retention.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure reference
marks are aligned. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. Install
NEW cotter pin.
TIE ROD END
Removal
Remove cotter pin and nut from tie rod end. Using Tie Rod End
Puller (C-3894-A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle or center
link. Loosen lock nut or clamp bolt. Remove tie rod end. Note number
of turns required for removal.
NOTE: Use Tie Rod End Puller (C-3894-A) to prevent tie rod end seal\
damage.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure tie rod end
is installed at same location. Position clamp sleeve with bolt located
on bottom. Clamp opening should be aligned with slot in sleeve.
2) Tighten the tie rod end nut to specification. Install a
NEW cotter pin. Check and adjust toe-in. See appropriate
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Tighten clamp
bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
OVERHAUL
POWER STEERING PUMP OVERHAUL
Only fluid reservoirs, caps, pulleys, "O" rings, seals and
flow control valve are replaceable on pump. See Figs. 7 and 8.
Internal components are non-serviceable. If internal components fail,
replace pump. Replace reservoir, or "O" ring and seals if damaged.
NOTE: If expansion plug is deformed or dislodged, DO NOT remove it.
Replace pump housing.
STEERING GEAR OVERHAUL

NOTE: Manufacturer does not recommend overhaul of steering. If
faulty, replace steering gear as an assembly.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS\
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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Center Link-To-Pitman Arm Nut .............................. 65 (88)\
Drag Link Nut .............................................. 65 (88)\
Flow Control Valve Fitting ................................. 55 (75)\
Idler Arm-To-Center Link Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon ............................................ 47 (64)\
Idler Arm-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD)
Standard Duty ........................................... 50 (68)\
Heavy Duty ............................................ 195 (264)\
Ram Pickup ............................................... 50 (68)\
Ram Van/Wagon .......................................... 115 (156)\
Mounting Studs ............................................. 35 (47)\
Pitman Arm Nut ( 1) ....................................... 185 (251)
Sector Shaft Adjuster Screw Lock Nut ....................... 20 (27)\
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Van/Wagon ............................. 20 (27\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................... 43 (58)\
Steering Gear Housing-To-Frame Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 65 (88\
)
Ram Pickup ............................................. 140 (190)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Steering Gear-To-Bracket .............................. 105 (142)\
Bracket-To-Frame ...................................... 100 (136)\
Tie Rod Clamp Bolt
Dakota (4WD) ............................................. 56 (75\
)
Ram Pickup
Standard Duty ........................................... 45 (61)\
Heavy Duty .............................................. 60 (81)\
Ram Van/Wagon
Standard Duty (9/16" Nut) ............................... 16 (22\
)
Heavy Duty (5/8" Nut) ................................... 26 (35\
)
Tie Rod Nut
Dakota (4WD) & Ram Pickup ................................ 65 (88\
)
Ram Van/Wagon
9/16" ................................................... 55 (75)\
5/8" ................................................... 75 (102)\
Vacuum/Power Steering Pump Assembly-To-Engine Bolts ........ 57 (77)\
Vacuum Pump-To-Power Steering Pump Nuts .................... 18 (24)\
( 1) - Nut must be staked against pitman arm threads.
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* S TE ER IN G U NIF O RM IN SPEC TIO N G UID ELIN ES *

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Steering, Suspension, Wheel Alignment, Wheels and Tires
Motorist Assurance Program
Standards For Automotive Repair
All Makes and Models
INTRODUCTION TO MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
CONTENTS
Motorist Assurance Program (MAP)
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
Steering and Suspension
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRINGS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - COMPRESSORS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - HEIGHT SENSORS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - MODULES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - RELAYS (COMPRESSOR)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - SWITCHES (ON/OFF)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TORSION SPRINGS (COUNTER BALANCING)
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - TUBING
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WARNING LAMPS
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - WIRING HARNESSES
BALL JOINTS
BUSHINGS
CENTER LINKS
CONTROL ARM SHAFTS
CONTROL ARMS
DRAG LINKS
ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCKS AND STRUTS
IDLER ARMS
KING PINS
PITMAN ARMS
POWER STEERING HOSES
POWER STEERING (HYDRAULIC) PUMPS
RADIUS ARMS
RELAY RODS
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
SPINDLES
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR
STEEL POWER STEERING LINES
STEERING ARMS
STEERING DAMPERS
STEERING GEARS (EXCEPT RACK AND PINION)
STEERING GEARS - RACK AND PINION
STEERING KNUCKLES
STRIKE OUT BUMPERS
STRUT RODS
STRUT UPPER BEARING PLATE ASSEMBLIES
SWAY BAR LINKS
SWAY BARS

Bearing races worn ...... A ........... Require replacement.
Bearing rollers pitted .. A ........... Require replacement.
Bearing rollers worn .... A ........... Require replacement.
Bearing seal bent ....... 2 . Suggest replacement of seal or
bearing.
Bearing seal missing .... 2 . Suggest replacement of seal or
bearing.
Bearing seal torn ....... 2 . Suggest replacement of seal or
bearing.
Binding ................. A .. Require repair or replacement
of affected parts.
End caps missing ........ C . Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace king pin.
End play exceeds
specifications ......... B ................ Require repair.
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.
Locating pins missing ... C . Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace king pin.
Looseness exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B .... Require replacement of worn
parts.
Seized .................. A ........... Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A . Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........... Require replacement.
Will not take grease .... 2 ..... (1) Suggest replacement of
grease fitting.
( 1) - If king pin will not take grease after replacement of
grease fitting, suggest replacement of king pin.









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PITMAN ARMS
PITMAN ARM INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part, if available;
otherwise, replace pitman arm.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part, if available;
otherwise, replace pitman arm.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part, if available; otherwise,
replace pitman arm.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads,
if available; otherwise,

replace pitman arm.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads, if
available; otherwise, replace
pitman arm.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Binding ................. A .......... (1) Further inspection
required.
Grease boot cracked ..... 2 ........ ( 2) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot missing ..... 2 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Grease boot torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Grease fitting broken ... A ...... Require replacement 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 ......... ( 3) Suggest replacement
of seal.
Grease seal torn ........ 2 ......... ( 4) Suggest replacement
of seal.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 5) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 5)( 6) Require replacement.
Nut on stud loose ....... A ........... ( 7) Require repair or
replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Splines damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Splines stripped
(splines missing) ...... A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... ( 8) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 9) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint
and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - 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.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural integrity.
( 7) - Check for bent stud of damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 9) - Check for damaged stud.









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WHEEL BEARING & HUB
Wheel bearing and hub assembly is not serviceable, and is
replaced as an assembly only.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
COIL SPRING
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Position jack under axle for
added support. Scribe alignment marks on lower control arm cam
adjusters and axle bracket for installation reference.
2) Remove upper control arm. See UPPER CONTROL ARM. Loosen
lower control arm bolts. See Fig. 1. On 4WD models, scribe marks on
front drive shaft for installation reference. Disconnect front drive
shaft from axle. On all models, disconnect track bar from frame rail
bracket. See TRACK BAR. Disconnect drag link from pitman arm.
3) Disconnect stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from
axle. Lower axle until spring is free from upper mount. Remove coil
spring. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe alignment marks on cam
adjusters and suspension arm for installation reference. Remove lower
control arm nut, cam and cam bolt from axle. See Fig. 1.
2) Remove nut and bolt from frame rail bracket. Remove lower
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove upper control arm nut
and bolt at axle bracket. See Fig. 1. Remove nut and bolt at front
rail and remove upper control arm assembly.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal & Installation
1) Remove nut, retainer and grommet from upper stud in engine
compartment. See Fig. 2. Remove 3 nuts from upper shock bracket.
Remove lower bolt from axle bracket. Remove shock absorber from engine
compartment.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

2) Remove brake caliper. Remove cotter pin and axle hub nut.
3) Disconnect ABS speed sensor wire. Remove sensor wire from
frame and steering knuckle (if equipped).
4) Remove wheel bearing and hub assembly hub-to-knuckle
bolts. Remove wheel bearing and hub assembly from steering knuckle and
axle shaft. Remove brake dust shield and spacer.
5) Press out wheel studs/hub extension studs and separate
rotor from hub. Remove wheel speed sensor from hub bearing (if
equipped). To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten retaining
nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS








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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Anti-Rattle Springs & Clips ................................ 15 (20)\
Axle Nut ................................................. 175 (237)\
Ball Joint Nut
Model 44
Lower .................................................. 80 (108)\
Upper .................................................. 75 (102)\
Model 60
Lower ......................................... 140-160 (190-217)\
Upper ................................................... 70 (95)\
Cam Adjustment Nut ....................................... 170 (230)\
Control Arm
Lower
At Axle Bracket ........................................ 95 (129)\
At Frame Bracket ...................................... 125 (169)\
Upper
At Axle Bracket ........................................ 89 (121)\
At Frame Bracket ....................................... 80 (108)\
Drag Link-To-Pitman Arm .................................... 65 (88)\
Shock Absorber
Bracket Nut .............................................. 55 (75)\
Lower Mounting Bolt .................................... 100 (135)\
Upper Mounting Nuts ...................................... 35 (47)\
Stabilizer Bar
Bar-To-Link .............................................. 50 (68)\
Link-To-Axle Nut (1988 Models) ........................... 27 (37\
)
Link-To-Axle Nut (1999 Models) ........................... 35 (47\
)
Frame Bracket ............................................ 40 (54)\
Steering Knuckle Arm Nut ................................... 55 (75)\
Track Bar
Axle End ............................................... 130 (176)\
Frame End ................................................ 70 (95)\
Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly-To-Knuckle Bolt ............. 125 (169)\
Wheel Lug Nuts
5 Stud Wheel
1998 Models ............................................ 95 (129)\
1999 Models .................................... 80-110 (108-149)\
8 Stud Wheel
1998 Models ........................................... 135 (183)\
1999 Models ................................... 120-150 (163-203)\
8 Stud Dual Wheel ...................................... 145 (196)\









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