light CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Service Manual

FRAME & BUMPERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE...............1
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1
FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................2
REAR FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................2
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD
REMOVAL.............................3INSTALLATION..........................4
FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS...................4
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE.............4
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER.......................9
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR.........9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................11
FRONT CROSSMEMBER MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front bumper reinforcement attaching nut 54 40 Ð
Rear bumper reinforcement attaching nut 27 20 Ð
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove the headlamp assemblies (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Remove the five bolts attaching bottom of fas-
cia/air dam to radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove front wheels.
(6) Remove front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers as necessary to gain access to bolts attaching
front fascia to fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/ WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - REMOV-
AL).
(7) Remove the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1).
(8) Disconnect fog lamp wire connectors, if neces-
sary.
(9) Lower vehicle.(10) Remove two bolts attaching the upper grille
support to the headlamp mounting panel at each side
of the grille.
(11) Remove bumper fascia from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front bumper fascia on vehicle.
(2) Install the two bolts attaching fascia to head-
lamp mounting panel at each side of grille.
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Install the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1). The fascia should
be flush to fender.
(5) Install front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/ WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install front wheels.
(7) Connect fog lamp wire connectors, if necessary.
(8) Install the five bolts attaching bottom of fascia
to radiator closure panel.
(9) Lower the vehicle.
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-1
ProCarManuals.com

(10) Install the headlamp assemblies. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - INSTALLATION).
FRONT BUMPER
REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front bumper fascia. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT FASCIA
- REMOVAL)
(2) Support front bumper reinforcement on a suit-
able lifting device.
(3) Remove the four nuts attaching front bumper
reinforcement to frame rail (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove front bumper reinforcement from vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Check position of the arrows molded into
the foam for correct orientation.
(1) Support front bumper reinforcement using a
suitable lifting device and lift into position.
(2) Install the four nuts attaching reinforcement to
frame rails. Tighten nuts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque.(3) Install front fascia. (Refer to 13 - FRAMES &
BUMPERS/BUMPERS/FRONT FASCIA - INSTAL-
LATION).
REAR FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Open liftgate.
(2) Remove the two screws attaching the upper
fascia to the fascia support.
(3) Hoist and support vehicle with safety stands.
(4) Remove the six screws attaching rear fascia to
rear fascia brackets (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove the four plastic push pin attaching bot-
tom of rear fascia to fascia support.
(6) Remove rear fascia from vehicle by lifting sides
of fascia up and outboard to release from rear fascia
brackets.
INSTALLATION
(1) Hoist and support vehicle with safety stands.
(2) Position rear fascia on vehicle.
(3) Engage front edge of fascia under the fascia
support flange.
(4) Engage sides of fascia to top and front edge of
the rear fascia brackets.
NOTE: Verify fascia is still engaged under the lift-
gate. Ensure acceptable and consistent gap
between liftgate and fascia.
Fig. 1 FRONT BUMPER FASCIA
1 - FRONT BUMPER FASCIA
2 - FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
3 - RADIATOR ENCLOSURE
Fig. 2 FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
1 - FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
2 - FRAME RAILS
13 - 2 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT FASCIA (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

nect rubber fuel fill or vent hoses from tank at this
time.
(7) Place a transmission jack under center of fuel
tank. Apply a slight amount of pressure to fuel tank
with transmission jack.
(8) Remove fuel tank mounting strap nuts from
mounting strap studs.
(9)Lower the tank just enough so that the
filler tube fitting is the highest point of the fuel
tank.
(10) Remove filler tube from fuel tank. Tank will
be drained through this fitting.
WARNING: WRAP SHOP TOWELS AROUND HOSES
TO CATCH ANY GASOLINE SPILLAGE.(11) Drain fuel tank into holding tank or a prop-
erly labeledGasolinesafety container.
CAUTION: GASOLINE OR GASOLINE VAPORS ARE
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. A FIRE COULD OCCUR IF AN
IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT. NEVER DRAIN OR
STORE GASOLINE OR DIESEL FUEL IN AN OPEN
CONTAINER, DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
OR EXPLOSION.
(12) If fuel pump module removal is necessary,
refer to Fuel Pump Module Removal/Installation in
this section.
SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
400 kpa  34 kpa (58 psi   5 psi)
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fuel Filler Neck Clamp 3.3 30
Fuel Rail 2.4L 22 200
Fuel Rail 3.3/3.8L 11.8 105
Fuel Tank Strap 54 40
Fuel Tank T Strap 28.2 250
Fuel Filter Bolt 4.5 40
SPECIAL TOOLS
FUEL
Pressure Gauge Assembly C±4799±B
Fuel Pressure Test Adapter 6539
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-3
FUEL DELIVERY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION
Its resistance changes with the amount of fuel in
the tank. The float arm attached to the sensor moves
as the fuel level changes.
The fuel level input is used as an input for OBD II.
If the fuel level is below 15% or above 85% of total
tank capacity several monitors are disabled. There
are diagnostics for the level circuit open and shorted.
REMOVAL
Remove fuel pump module. Refer to Fuel Pump
Module in this section.
(1) Depress retaining tab and remove the fuel
pump/level sensor connector from theBOTTOMof
the fuel pump module electrical connector (Fig. 2) .
NOTE: The pump module harness on TOP of flange
is not serviceable or removable.
(2) Pull off the locking wedge.
(3) Using a small screwdriver lift locking finger
away from terminal and push terminal out of connec-
tor (Fig. 3) .
(4) Push level sensor signal and ground terminals
out of the connector (Fig. 4) .
(5) Insert a screwdriver between the fuel pump
module and the top of the level sensor housing (Fig.
5) . Push level sensor down slightly.
(6) Slide level sensor wires through opening fuel
pump module (Fig. 6) .
(7) Slide level sensor out of installation channel in
module.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert level sensor wires into bottom of opening
in module.
Fig. 2 Fuel Pump/Level Sensor Electrical Connector
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - RETAINING TAB
Fig. 3 Wire Terminal Locking Finger
1 - LOCKING FINGER
2 - WIRE TERMINAL
Fig. 4 Removing Wires From
1 - FUEL PUMP FEED (RED B+)
2 - LEVEL SENSOR SIGNAL
3 - LEVEL SENSOR GROUND
4 - FUEL PUMP GROUND (BK)
Fig. 5 Loosening Level Sensor
1 - LEVEL SENSOR
2 - PRY DOWN ON LEVEL SENSOR
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-5
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT / SENSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

When installing hoses, ensure that they are routed
away from contact with other vehicle components
that could rub against them and cause failure. Avoid
contact with clamps or other components that cause
abrasions or scuffing. Ensure that rubber hoses are
properly routed and avoid heat sources.
The hose clamps have rolled edges to prevent the
clamp from cutting into the hose. Only use clamps
that are original equipment or equivalent. Other
types of clamps may cut into the hoses and cause
high pressure fuel leaks. Tighten hose clamps to 1
N´m (9 in. lbs.) torque.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps, cou-
plings and fittings to make sure they are secure and
leaks are not present. The component should be
replaced immediately if there is any evidence of deg-
radation that could result in failure.
Never attempt to repair a plastic fuel line/tube.
Replace as necessary.
Avoid contact of any fuel tubes/hoses with other
vehicle components that could cause abrasions or
scuffing. Be sure that the plastic fuel lines/tubes are
properly routed to prevent pinching and to avoid heat
sources.
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
OPERATION
The fuel system uses a nonadjustable pressure reg-
ulator that maintains fuel system pressure at
approximately 400  34 kPa (58  5 psi). The fuel
pressure regulator contains a diaphragm, calibrated
spring and a fuel return valve. The spring pushes
down on the diaphragm and closes off the fuel return
port. System fuel pressure reflects the amount of fuel
pressure required to open the return port.
The pressure regulator is a mechanical device that
is NOT controlled by the PCM or engine vacuum.
REMOVAL
The fuel pressure regulator is part of the fuel
pump module (Fig. 9). Remove the fuel pump module
from the fuel tank to access the fuel pressure regula-
tor. Refer to the Fuel Pump Module removal in this
section.
(1) Spread tangs on pressure regulator retainer.
(2) Pry fuel pressure regulator out of housing.
(3) Ensure both upper and lower O-rings were
removed with regulator.
INSTALLATION
The fuel pressure regulator is part of the fuel
pump module. Remove the fuel pump module from
the fuel tank to access the fuel pressure regulator.Refer to the Fuel Pump Module removal in this sec-
tion.
(1) Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean engine
oil and place them into opening in pump module (Fig.
9).
(2) Push regulator into opening in pump module.
(3) Fold tangs on regulator retainer over tabs on
housing.
FUEL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The electric fuel pump is located in and is part of
the fuel pump module. It is a positive displacement,
gerotor type, immersible pump with a permanent
magnet electric motor. The fuel pump module is sus-
pended in fuel in the fuel tank.
OPERATION
The pump draws fuel through a strainer and
pushes it through the motor to the outlet. The pump
contains a check valve. The valve, in the pump out-
let, maintains pump pressure during engine off con-
ditions, for a short while. It is normal for fuel
pressure to drop to zero after cooldown. The fuel
pump relay provides voltage to the fuel pump. The
fuel pump has a maximum deadheaded pressure out-
put of approximately 880 kPa (130 psi). The regula-
tor adjusts fuel system pressure to approximately
400 kpa  34 kpa (58 psi   5 psi).
NOTE: Checkvalve maintains volume of fuel in the
rail and lines, not pressure.
Fig. 9 Fuel Pressure Regulator O-rings
1 - UPPER O-RING
2 - LOWER 0-RING
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-7
FUEL LINES (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

REMOVAL
(1) Remove fuel filler cap and perform Fuel Sys-
tem Pressure Release procedure (Fig. 15).
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Insert fuel siphon hose into fuel filler neck and
push it into the tank.
(4) Drain fuel tank dry into holding tank or a
properly labeledGASOLINEsafety container.
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist and support.
(6) Use a transmission jack to support fuel tank.
Remove bolts from fuel tank straps.
(7) Lower tank slightly.
(8) Disconnect the fuel filler vent tube. Squeeze
tabs and pull apart (Fig. 16).
(9) Disconnect the fuel fill hose at the fuel tank
filler metal tubeNOT AT THE FUEL TANK(Fig.
16).
(10) Disconnect fuel line and vapor line at the
front of the fuel tank.
The fuel pump module electrical connector
has a retainer that locks it in place.
(11) Slide fuel pump module electrical connector
lock to unlock (Fig. 17).
(12) Push down on connector retainer (Fig. 18) and
pull connector off module.
(13) Lower tank from vehicle. Remove fuel filler
vent tube from frame (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fuel tank on transmission jack. Con-
nect rollover valve hose. Connect fuel filler tube vent
hose and tighten clamp.
(2) Raise tank into position and carefully work
filler metal tube into the rubber hose on fuel tank. A
light coating of clean engine oil on the tube end may
be used to aid assembly.
(3) Feed filler vent line thru frame rail. Careful
not to cross lines.
Fig. 15 Fuel Tank
1 - ROLLOVER VALVE
2 - FUEL FILLER INLET
3 - ROLLOVER VALVE
4 - GROUND STRAP
5 - FUEL FILTER
6 - FUEL PUMP MODULEFig. 16 FUEL FILLER AND VENT TUBE
1 - Filler Tube
2 - Vent Tube
Fig. 17 Fuel Line Retainers and Pump Connector
Lock
1 - PUSH
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
3 - QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-11
FUEL TANK (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

1 second. Therefore, battery voltage is not supplied to
the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors and heated
oxygen sensors.
ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. If the vehicle is in
park or neutral (automatic transaxles) or the clutch
pedal is depressed (manual transaxles) the ignition
switch energizes the starter relay when the engine is
not running. The following actions occur when the
starter motor is engaged.
²If the PCM receives the camshaft position sensor
and crankshaft position sensor signals, it energizes
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay.
If the PCM does not receive both signals within
approximately one second, it will not energize the
ASD relay and fuel pump relay. The ASD and fuel
pump relays supply battery voltage to the fuel pump,
fuel injectors, ignition coil, (EGR solenoid and PCV
heater if equipped) and heated oxygen sensors.
²The PCM energizes the injectors (on the 69É
degree falling edge) for a calculated pulse width until
it determines crankshaft position from the camshaft
position sensor and crankshaft position sensor sig-
nals. The PCM determines crankshaft position within
1 engine revolution.
²After determining crankshaft position, the PCM
begins energizing the injectors in sequence. It adjusts
injector pulse width and controls injector synchroni-
zation by turning the individual ground paths to the
injectors On and Off.
²When the engine idles within  64 RPM of its
target RPM, the PCM compares current MAP sensor
value with the atmospheric pressure value received
during the Ignition Switch On (zero RPM) mode.
Once the ASD and fuel pump relays have been
energized, the PCM determines injector pulse width
based on the following:
²MAP
²Engine RPM
²Battery voltage
²Engine coolant temperature
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)
²Throttle position
²The number of engine revolutions since cranking
was initiated
During Start-up the PCM maintains ignition tim-
ing at 9É BTDC.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
²Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Engine coolant temperature
²Inlet/Intake air temperature (IAT)²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²A/C switch status
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
²Speed control
²O2 sensors
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts ignition timing and engine idle
speed. Engine idle speed is adjusted through the idle
air control motor.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising or idle
the following inputs are received by the PCM:
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Crankshaft position (engine speed)
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Camshaft position
²Knock sensor
²Throttle position
²Exhaust gas oxygen content (O2 sensors)
²A/C switch status
²Battery voltage
²Vehicle speed
The PCM adjusts injector pulse width and controls
injector synchronization by turning the individual
ground paths to the injectors On and Off.
The PCM adjusts engine idle speed and ignition
timing. The PCM adjusts the air/fuel ratio according
to the oxygen content in the exhaust gas (measured
by the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sen-
sor).
The PCM monitors for engine misfire. During
active misfire and depending on the severity, the
PCM either continuously illuminates or flashes the
malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light on
instrument panel). Also, the PCM stores an engine
misfire DTC in memory, if 2nd trip with fault.
The PCM performs several diagnostic routines.
They include:
²Oxygen sensor monitor
²Downstream heated oxygen sensor diagnostics
during open loop operation (except for shorted)
²Fuel system monitor
²EGR monitor (if equipped)
²Purge system monitor
²Catalyst efficiency monitor
²All inputs monitored for proper voltage range,
rationality.
RSFUEL INJECTION14-19
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

²Deceleration air flow control
²A/C compressor load control (also opens the pas-
sage slightly before the compressor is engaged so
that the engine rpm does not dip down when the
compressor engages)
Target Idle
Target idle is determined by the following inputs:
²Gear position
²ECT Sensor
²Battery voltage
²Ambient/Battery Temperature Sensor
²VSS
²TPS
²MAP Sensor
REMOVAL
When servicing throttle body components, always
reassemble components with new O-rings and seals
where applicable. Never use lubricants on O-rings or
seals, damage may result. If assembly of component
is difficult, use water to aid assembly. Use care when
removing hoses to prevent damage to hose or hose
nipple.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove electrical connector from idle air con-
trol motor (Fig. 17).
(3) Remove idle air control motor mounting screws.
(4) Remove motor from throttle body. Ensure the
O-rings is removed with the motor.
INSTALLATION
When servicing throttle body components, always
reassemble components with new O-rings and seals
where applicable. Never use lubricants on O-rings orseals, damage may result. If assembly of component
is difficult,a light coat of engine oil may be
applied to the O-RINGS ONLY (Fig. 18)to aid
assembly. Use care when removing hoses to prevent
damage to hose or hose nipple.
(1) Carefully place idle air control motor into
throttle body.
(2) Install mounting screw. Tighten screws to 2.5
N´m (22.1 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect electrical connector to idle air control
motor.
(4) Connect negative cable to battery.
INLET AIR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The IAT Sensor is a Negative Temperature Coeffi-
cient (NTC) Sensor that provides information to the
PCM regarding the temperature of the air entering
the intake manifold (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
Inlet/Intake Air Temperature (NGC)
The Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor value is
used by the PCM to determine air density.
The PCM uses this information to calculate:
²Injector pulse width
²Adjustment of ignition timing (to prevent spark
knock at high intake air temperatures)
Battery Temperature (SBEC Vehicles without
Battery Temperature sensor)
The inlet air temperature sensor replaces the
intake air temperature sensor and the battery tem-
perature sensor. The PCM uses the information from
the inlet air temperature sensor to determine values
Fig. 17 IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE LOCATION
Fig. 18 O-RINGS
1 - O-rings
RSFUEL INJECTION14-29
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

Based on this input, the PCM fine tunes the air-fuel
ratio by adjusting injector pulse width.
The sensor input switches from 0 to 1 volt, depend-
ing upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in
the exhaust manifold (this is offset by 2.5 voltage on
NGC vehicles). When a large amount of oxygen is
present (caused by a lean air-fuel mixture), the sen-
sor produces voltage as low as 0.1 volt. When there is
a lesser amount of oxygen present (rich air-fuel mix-
ture) the sensor produces a voltage as high as 1.0
volt. By monitoring the oxygen content and convert-
ing it to electrical voltage, the sensor acts as a rich-
lean switch.
The heating element in the sensor provides heat to
the sensor ceramic element. Heating the sensor
allows the system to enter into closed loop operation
sooner. Also, it allows the system to remain in closed
loop operation during periods of extended idle.
In Closed Loop, the PCM adjusts injector pulse
width based on the upstream heated oxygen sensor
input along with other inputs. In Open Loop, the
PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on prepro-
grammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sen-
sors.
DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
The downstream heated oxygen sensor input is
used to detect catalytic convertor deterioration. As
the convertor deteriorates, the input from the down-
stream sensor begins to match the upstream sensor
input except for a slight time delay. By comparing
the downstream heated oxygen sensor input to the
input from the upstream sensor, the PCM calculates
catalytic convertor efficiency. Also used to establish
the upstream O2 goal voltage (switching point).
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - UPSTREAM 1/1 - 2.4L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Disconnect the electrical connector (Fig. 23).
(4) Use a socket such as the Snap-OntYA8875 or
equivalent to remove the sensor
(5) When the sensor is removed, the threads must
be cleaned with an 18 mm X 1.5 + 6E tap. If using
the original sensor, coat the threads with Loctite
771±64 anti-seize compound or equivalent.
REMOVAL - UPSTREAM 1/1 - 3.3/3.8L
(1) Remove battery, refer to the Battery section for
more information.
(2) Remove the battery tray, refer to the Battery
section for more information.(3) Disconnect the speed control vacuum harness
from servo.
(4) Disconnect the electrical connector from servo.
(5) Remove the speed control servo and bracket
and reposition.
(6) Use a socket such as the Snap-OntYA8875 or
equivalent to remove the sensor (Fig. 25).
(7) When the sensor is removed, the threads must
be cleaned with an 18 mm X 1.5 + 6E tap. If using
the original sensor, coat the threads with Loctite
771±64 anti-seize compound or equivalent.
REMOVAL - DOWNSTREAM 1/2 - 2.4/3.3/3.8L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Disconnect the electrical connector (Fig. 26).
(4) Use a socket such as the Snap-OntYA8875 or
equivalent to remove the sensor (Fig. 27).
(5) When the sensor is removed, the threads must
be cleaned with an 18 mm X 1.5 + 6E tap. If using
the original sensor, coat the threads with Loctite
771±64 anti-seize compound or equivalent.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - UPSTREAM 1/1 - 2.4L
The engines uses two heated oxygen sensors.
(1) After removing the sensor, the exhaust mani-
fold threads must be cleaned with an 18 mm X 1.5 +
6E tap. If reusing the original sensor, coat the sensor
threads with an anti-seize compound such as Loctite
771- 64 or equivalent. New sensors have compound
Fig. 25 O2 SENSOR 1/1
RSFUEL INJECTION14-33
O2 SENSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SQUEAK OR RUBBING
SOUND1. Steering column shroud rubbing. 1. Realign shrouds as necessary.
2. Steering column shaft rubbing. 2. Move or realign item rubbing shaft.
3. Clockspring noisy. 3. Remove clockspring. Reinstall wheel.
If noise is gone, replace clockspring.
4. Seal lubrication inadequate. 4. Lube seal (if external).
5. Steering gear internally noisy. 5. Replace steering gear (if no other
cause can be found).
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING NOISE.1. Incorrect tire or wheel size. 1. Replace incorrect size tire or wheel
with size used as original equipment.
2. Interference between steering
gear and other vehicle components.2. Check for bent or misaligned
components and correct as necessary.
3. Steering gear internal stops worn
excessively allowing tires to be
steered excessively far.3. Replace steering gear.
NOTE: * There is some noise in all power steering
systems. One of the most common is a hissing
sound evident when turning the steering wheel
when at a standstill or when parking and the steer-
ing wheel is at the end of its travel. Hiss is a very
high frequency noise similar to that experienced
while slowly closing a water tap. The noise is
present in every valve and results when high veloc-
ity fluid passes valve orifice edges. There is no
relationship between this noise and the perfor-
mance of the steering system.NOTE: ** A light clunk may be felt or heard during
steering wheel reversal while vehicle is stationary.
This results from internal steering gear rack move-
ment at the bushings and in no way affects the per-
formance of the steering system. This movement
may be felt in the steering components during
steering wheel reversal.
NOTE: *** Power steering pump growl/moan/groan
results from the development of high pressure fluid
flow. Normally this noise level should not be high
enough to be objectionable.
STEERING WHEEL FEEL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL/
COLUMN CLICKING,
CLUNKING OR RATTLING.1. Loose steering coupling pinch
bolt.1. Replace pinch bolt and torque to
specifications.
2. Steering column bearings. 2. Replace steering column.
3. Excessive intermediate shaft
coupling free-play.3. Replace intermediate shaft.
STEERING WHEEL HAS
FORE AND AFT
LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel retaining nut not
properly tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut
to its specified torque.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel fasteners.3. Tighten fasteners to specified torque.
RSSTEERING19-5
STEERING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com