wheel alignment DODGE NEON 1999 Service Owner's Manual

DRIVE PLATE MISALIGNMENT
Common causes of misalignment are:
²Heat warping
²Mounting drive plate on a dirty crankshaft
flange
²Incorrect bolt tightening
²Improper seating on the crankshaft shoulder
²Loose crankshaft bolts
Clean the crankshaft flange before mounting the
drive plate. Dirt and grease on the flange surface
may misalign the flywheel, causing excessive runout.
Use new bolts when mounting drive plate to crank-
shaft. Tighten drive plate bolts to specified torque
only. Over-tightening can distort the drive plate hub
causing excessive runout.
CLUTCH COVER AND DISC RUNOUT
Check condition of the clutch cover before installa-
tion. A warped cover or diaphragm spring will cause
grab and/or incomplete release or engagement. Use
care when handling the clutch assembly. Impact can
distort the cover, diaphragm spring, and release fin-
gers.
CLUTCH CHATTER COMPLAINTS
For all clutch chatter complaints, do the following:
(1) Check for loose, misaligned, or broken engine
and transmission mounts. If present, they should be
corrected at this time. Test vehicle for chatter. If
chatter is gone, there is no need to go any further. If
chatter persists:
(2) Check to see if clutch cable routing is correct
and operates smoothly.
(3) Check for loose connections in drive train. Cor-
rect any problems and determine if clutch chatter
complaints have been satisfied. If not:
(4) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(5) Check to see if the release bearing is sticky or
binding. Replace bearing, if needed.
(6) Check linkage for excessive wear on the pivot
stud and fork fingers. Replace all worn parts.
(7) Check clutch assembly for contamination (dirt,
oil). Replace clutch assembly, if required.
(8) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged. Replace with new clutch assembly, if nec-
essary.
(9) Check input shaft splines for damage. Replace,
if necessary.
(10) Check for uneven wear on clutch fingers.
(11) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers. Replace with new clutch assembly, if
necessary.
CLASH±INTO±REVERSE COMPLAINTS
Certain NV T350 (A-578) manual transaxles are
equipped with a reverse brake. It prevents clash
when shifting into reverse, but only if the vehicle is
not moving. See Group 21, Transaxle for further
diagnosis.
(1) Depress clutch pedal to floor and hold. After
three seconds, shift to reverse. If clash is present,
clutch has excessive spin time, and the reverse brake
may not be functioning.
(2) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle for procedure.
(3) Check the input shaft spline, clutch disc
splines, and release bearing for dry rust. If present,
clean rust off and apply a light coat of bearing grease
to the input shaft splines. Apply grease on the input
shaft splines only where the clutch disc slides. Verify
that the clutch disc slides freely along the input shaft
spline.
(4) Check to see if the clutch disc hub splines are
damaged, and replace with new clutch assembly if
required.
(5) Check the input shaft for damaged splines.
Replace as necessary.
(6) Check for broken clutch cover diaphragm
spring fingers.
(7) Install clutch assembly and transaxle.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
CLUTCH CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Pull up and remove Power Distribution Center.
(2) Remove clutch cable inspection cover.
(3) Pull back on clutch cable housing and disen-
gage cable from housing (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Cable at Transaxle
6 - 6 CLUTCHPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove transaxle. See Group 21, Manual Tran-
saxle, for procedure.
(2) Mark clutch cover and flywheel, to maintain
their same relative positions when installing clutch
assembly.
(3) Insert Clutch Disc Aligning Tool 6724 through
the clutch disc hub to prevent the clutch disc from
falling and damaging the facings (Fig. 4).
(4) Loosen clutch cover attaching bolts, one or two
turns at a time, in a crisscross pattern. This will
release spring pressure evenly and avoid cover dam-
age.
CAUTION: Do not touch the clutch disc facing with
oily or dirty hands. Oil or dirt transferred from your
hands onto the clutch disc facing may cause clutch
chatter.
(5) Remove the clutch pressure plate and cover
assembly and disc from flywheel. Handle carefully to
avoid contaminating the friction surfaces.
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect for oil leakage through engine rear
main bearing oil seal and transaxle input shaft seal.
If leakage is noted, it should be corrected at this
time.
(2) The friction faces of the flywheel and pressure
plate should not have excessive discoloration, burned
areas, cracks, deep grooves, or ridges. Replace parts
as required.
(3) Clean the flywheel face with medium sandpa-
per (80-180 grade), then wipe the surface with min-
eral spirits. If the surface is severely scored, heat
checked, cracked or warped, replace the flywheel.CAUTION: Do not flat-machine the flywheel face.
The surface profile is tapered.
(4) The heavy side of the flywheel is indicated by a
daub of white paint near the outside diameter. To
minimizethe effects of flywheel unbalance, perform
the following installation procedure:
²Loose assemble the flywheel to the crankshaft.
Use new flywheel attaching bolts which have sealant
on the threads. If new bolts are not available, apply
Loctite sealant to the threads of the original bolts.
This sealant is required to prevent engine oil leak-
age.
²Rotate the flywheel and crankshaft until the
daub of white paint (heavy side) is at the 12 o'clock
position.
²Torque flywheel attaching bolts to 95 N´m (70 ft.
lbs.). Use a crisscross pattern when tightening bolts.
(5) The disc assembly should be handled without
touching the facings. Replace disc if the facings show
evidence of grease or oil soakage, or wear to within
less than .20 mm (.008 inch) of the rivet heads. The
splines on the disc hub and transaxle input shaft
should be a snug fit without signs of excessive wear.
Metallic portions of disc assembly should be dry,
clean, and not discolored from excessive heat. Each of
the arched springs between the facings should not be
broken and all rivets should be tight.
(6) Wipe the friction surface of the pressure plate
with mineral spirits.
(7) Using a straight edge, check pressure plate for
flatness. The pressure plate friction area should be
FLAT TO SLIGHTLY CONCAVE, with the inner
diameter 0.000 mm to 0.1 mm (0.000 in. to 0.0039
in.) below the outer diameter. It should also be free
from discoloration, burned areas, cracks, grooves, or
ridges.
(8) Using a surface plate, test cover for flatness.
All sections around attaching bolt holes should be in
contact with surface plate within .015 inch.
(9) The cover should be a snug fit on flywheel dow-
els. If the clutch assembly does not meet these
requirements, it should be replaced.
INSTALLATION
(1) Mount clutch assembly on flywheel with disc
centered with tool 6724, being careful to properly
align dowels and the alignment marks made before
removal. The flywheel side of the clutch disc is
marked for proper installation. If new clutch or fly-
wheel is installed, align orange cover balance spot as
close as possible to orange flywheel balance spot.
Apply pressure to the alignment tool. Center the tip
of the tool into the crankshaft and the sliding cone
into the clutch fingers. Tighten the clutch attaching
bolts sufficiently to hold the disc in position (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Clutch Disc Aligning Tool
6 - 8 CLUTCHPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐCLUTCH GRAB/CHATTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLUTCH DISC FACING
COVERED WITH OIL OR
GREASEOil leak at engine rear main or
transaxle input shaft sealCorrect leak and replace w/modular
clutch assembly
Too much grease applied to splines
of disc and input shaftApply lighter coating of grease to
splines
NO FAULT FOUND WITH
CLUTCH
COMPONENTSProblem actually related to
suspension or driveline componentFurther diagnosis required. Check
engine/transmission mounts,
suspension attaching parts and other
driveline components as needed.
Engine related problems Check EFI and ignition systems
PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF
CLUTCH DISCClutch cover, spring, or release
fingers bent, distorted (rough
handling, improper assembly)Replace w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch disc damaged or distorted Replace w/modular clutch assembly
Clutch misalignment Check alignment and runout of
flywheel, disc, or cover. Check clutch
housing to engine dowels and dowel
holes for damage. Correct as
necessary.
PLCLUTCH 6 - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

MAIN/ROD BEARINGS
A diagonal hole in each bulkhead feeds oil to each
main bearing. Drilled passages within the crankshaft
route oil from main bearing journals to connecting
rod journals.
CAMSHAFT/HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS
A vertical hole at the number five bulkhead routes
pressurized oil through a restrictor up into the cylin-
der head. The rocker shafts route oil to the rocker
arms/hydraulic lash adjuster assemblies.
SPLASH LUBRICATION
Oil returning to the pan from pressurized compo-
nents supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylin-
der bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from
directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
ENGINE COMPONENTS
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BEDPLATE ASSEM-
B LY:A partial open deck is used for cooling and
weight reduction with water pump molded into the
block. Nominal wall thickness is 4 mm. The bedplate
incorporates main bearing caps. Rear seal retainer is
integral with the block.
CRANKSHAFT:A nodular cast iron crankshaft is
used. The engine has 5 main bearings, with number
3 flanged to control thrust. The 52 mm diameter
main and 48 mm diameter crank pin journals (all)
have undercut fillet radiuses that are deep rolled for
added strength. To optimize bearing loading 8 coun-
terweights are used. Hydrodynamic seals provide end
sealing, where the crankshaft exits the block.
Anaerobic gasket material is used for parting line
sealing. A sintered iron timing belt sprocket is
mounted on the crankshaft nose. This sprocket trans-
mits crankshaft movement, via timing belt to the
camshaft sprocket providing timed valve actuation.
PISTONS:The SOHC EngineDOES NOThave
provision for a free wheeling valve train. Non free
wheeling valve train means, in the event of a broken
timing belt Pistons will contact the Valves. All
engines use pressed-in piston pins to attach forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The connecting rods
are a cracked cap design and are not repairable. Hex
head cap screw are used to provide alignment and
durability in the assembly. Pistons And Connecting
rods are serviced as an assembly.
PISTON RINGS:The piston rings include a
molybdenum faced top ring for reliable compression
sealing and a taper faced intermediate ring for addi-
tional cylinder pressure control. Oil Control Ring
Package consist of 2 steel rails and a expander
spacer.
CYLINDER HEADÐSOHC:It features a Single
Over Head Camshaft, four-valves per cylinder cross
flow design. The valves are arranged in two inlinebanks, with the two intake per cylinder facing
toward the radiator. The exhaust valves facing
toward the dash panel. Rocker arm shafts mount
directly to the cylinder head. It incorporates powder
metal valve guides and seats. The hollow rocker arm
shafts supplies oil to the hydraulic lash adjusters,
camshaft and valve mechanisms.
CAMSHAFTÐSOHC:The nodular iron camshaft
has five bearing journals and 3 cam lobes per cylin-
der. Provision for cam position sensor on the cam at
the rear of cylinder head which also acts as thrust
plate. A hydrodynamic oil seal is used for oil control
at the front of the camshaft.
VALVESÐSOHC:Four valves per cylinder are
actuated by roller rocker arms/hydraulic lash adjust-
ers assemblies which pivot on rocker arm shafts. All
valves have 6 mm diameter chrome plated valve
stems. The valve train has 33 mm (1.299 inch) diam-
eter intake valves and 28 mm (1.10 inch) diameter
exhaust valves. Viton rubber valve stem seals are
integral with spring seats. Valve springs, spring
retainers, and locks are conventional design.
INTAKE MANIFOLD:The intake manifold is a
molded plastic composition, attached to the cylinder
head with ten fasteners. This long branch design
enhances low and mid-range torque.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD:The exhaust manifold is
made of nodular cast iron for strength and high tem-
peratures. Exhaust gasses exit through a machined,
articulated joint connection to the exhaust pipe.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure switch and install gauge
assembly C-3292 with adaptor.
(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not per-
form the 3000 RPM test in the next step.
(3) Oil Pressure:Curb Idle25 kPa (4 psi) mini-
mum3000 RPM170-550 kPa (25-80 psi).
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 3). The cylin-
der bore out-of-round is 0.050 mm (.002 inch)
maximum and cylinder bore taper is 0.051 mm (0.002
9 - 14 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

incorporates main bearing caps. Rear seal retainer is
integral with the block.
CRANKSHAFTA nodular cast iron crankshaft is
used. The engine has 5 main bearings, with number
3 flanged to control thrust. The 52 mm diameter
main and 48 mm diameter crank pin journals (all)
have undercut fillet radiuses that are deep rolled for
added strength. To optimize bearing loading 8 coun-
terweights are used. Hydrodynamic seals provide end
sealing, where the crankshaft exits the block.
Anaerobic gasket material is used for parting line
sealing. A sintered iron timing belt sprocket is
mounted on the crankshaft nose. This sprocket pro-
vides motive power; via timing belt to the camshaft
sprocket providing timed valve actuation.
PISTONSThe DOHC EngineDO NOThave pro-
vision for a free wheeling valve train. Non free
wheeling valve train means, in the event of a broken
timing belt Pistons will contact the Valves. All
engines use pressed-in piston pins to attach forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The connecting rods
are a cracked cap design and are not repairable. Hex
head cap screw are used to provide alignment and
durability in the assembly.
PISTON RINGSThe piston rings include a
molybdenum faced top ring for reliable compression
sealing and a taper faced intermediate ring for addi-
tional cylinder pressure control. Oil Control Ring
Package contains of 2 steel rails and a expander
spacer.
CYLINDER HEADFeatures a Dual Over Head
Camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder cross flow
design. The valves are arranged in two in-line banks,
with the ports of the bank of two intake valves per
cylinder facing toward the radiator side of engine
and ports of the bank of two exhaust valves per cyl-
inder facing toward the dash panel. Incorporates
powder metal valve guides and seats. Integral oil gal-
leys within the cylinder head supplies oil to the
hydraulic lash adjusters, camshaft and valve mecha-
nisms.
CAMSHAFTSThe nodular iron camshafts have
six bearing journals and 2 cam lobes per cylinder.
Flanges at the rear journals control camshaft end
play. Provision for cam position sensor is located on
the intake camshaft at the rear of cylinder head. A
hydrodynamic oil seal is used for oil control at the
front of the camshaft.
VA LV E SFour valves per cylinder are actuated by
roller cam followers which pivot on stationary
hydraulic lash adjusters. All valves have 6 mm diam-
eter chrome plated valve stems. The valve sizes are
34.8 mm (1.370 inch.) diameter intake valves and
30.5 mm (1.20 inch.) diameter exhaust valves. Viton
rubber valve stem seals are integral with the springseats. Valve springs, spring retainers, and locks are
conventional.
INTAKE MANIFOLDThe intake manifold is a
two piece aluminum casting, attached to the cylinder
head with ten fasteners. This long branch fan design
enhances low and mid-speed torque.
EXHAUST MANIFOLDThe exhaust manifold is
made of nodular cast iron for strength and high tem-
peratures. Exhaust gasses exit through a machined,
articulated joint connection to the exhaust pipe.
COMPONENT REPLACEMENT
If any of the following parts have been changed or
replaced:
²Camshaft
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor Target Magnet
²Cylinder Block
²Cylinder Head
²Water Pump
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Timing Belt and Timing Belt Tensioner
The camshaft and crankshaft timing relearn proce-
dure must be performed. Refer to the component
Removal and Installation procedure outlined in this
Group.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure switch and install gauge
assembly C-3292 with adaptor.
(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not per-
form the 3000 RPM test in the next step.
(3) Oil Pressure:Curb Idle25 kPa (4 psi) mini-
mum3000 RPM170-550 kPa (25-80 psi).
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 4). The cylin-
der bore out-of-round is 0.050 mm (.002 inch)
maximum and cylinder bore taper is 0.051 mm (0.002
inch) maximum. If the cylinder walls are badly
scuffed or scored, the cylinder block should be
rebored and honed, and new pistons and rings fitted.
Whatever type of boring equipment is used, boring
and honing operation should be closely coordinated
9 - 60 2.0L DOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

FRAMES
INDEX
page page
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER....... 3
SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS................ 4TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS................ 10
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
WARNING: IF SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER IS
REPLACED DUE TO COLLISION DAMAGE, INSPECT
THE STEERING COLUMN TO STEERING GEAR
COUPLING FOR DAMAGE. REFER TO GROUP 19,
STEERING FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Before removing front suspension crossmem-
ber, index mark location of crossmember on
frame to aid installation.
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension
and Driveshaft for additional information.
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Using a suitable marking device, mark the out-
line of the suspension crossmember on the frame
torque box around the rear mounting location.(3) Remove front wheels from vehicle.
(4) Remove pinch bolts holding front ball joints to
spindles.
(5) Separate ball joints from spindles.
(6) Position a suitable lifting device under the
crossmember.
(7) Remove bolts holding suspension crossmember
to frame rails above lower control arms (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove bolts holding crossmember to frame
torque boxes and allow front of crossmember to
swing down.
(9) Remove bolts holding steering gear to cross-
member.
(10) Separate steering gear from crossmember.
(11) Tie steering gear to a suitable structure above
to support gear after crossmember is removed.
(12) Separate front suspension crossmember from
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
If a new crossmember is to be installed, transfer
stabilizer bar and lower control arms from original
crossmember. Refer to Group 2, Suspension and
Driveshaft for proper procedures.
(1) Place front suspension crossmember in position
on vehicle.
(2) Remove tie device supporting steering gear.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension Crossmember
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 3

(3) Place steering gear in position on crossmember.
(4) Install bolts to hold steering gear to crossmem-
ber.
(5) Position lifting device under the crossmember.
(6) Lift crossmember to frame rails.
(7) Engage bolts to hold crossmember rear mounts
into cage nuts in the frame torque boxes. Do not
tighten bolts.
(8) Install bolts to hold crossmember to frame rails
above lower control arms.
(9) Lower and remove lifting device.
(10) Align crossmember to index marks. Verify
that crossmember is at the specified dimensions from
the PLPs (Fig. 2).
(11) Tighten bolts to hold suspension crossmember
to frame rails and torque boxes.
(12) Insert ball joints into spindles.
(13) Install pinch bolts to hold front ball joints to
spindles.(14) Install front wheels on vehicle.
(15) Lower vehicle and verify front suspension
alignment. If camber, caster settings and wheel stag-
ger is not within specifications, loosen and reposition
crossmember to bring suspension within specifica-
tions. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension and Drive-
shaft for additional information.
SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS
Structural dimensions are listed in metric mea-
surements. All dimensions are from center to center
of Principal Locating Point (PLP), or from center to
center of PLP and fastener location (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4),
(Fig. 5), (Fig. 6), (Fig. 7), and (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 Forward Frame and Suspension Crossmember
13 - 4 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.1. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints
are not a lubricated for life type of
ball joint. If ball joint is a lubricated
for life ball joint, replace ball joint or
control arm.
4. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column U-joints.
5. Mispositioned dash cover. 5. Reposition dash cover.
To evaluate items 6 and 7,
disconnect the intermediate shaft.
Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering
column.
6. Steering wheel rubbing. 6. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
7. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.7. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
8. Binding upper strut bearing. 8. Correct binding condition in strut
bearing.
9. Tight shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.9. Replace the steering column
assembly.
10. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.10. Replace steering column coupler.
11. Excessive friction in steering
gear.11. Replace steering gear.
19 - 6 STEERINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

LOOSE STEERING
VEHICLE LEADS TO THE SIDE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL
KICKBACK OR TO MUCH
STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir
to the specified level. Perform
procedure to bleed the air out of the
power steering system. Perform
leakage diagnosis.
2. Steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.2. Check steering rear to front
suspension crossmember mounting
bolts. Tighten to specified torque if
found to be loose.
3. Worn, broken or loose steering
column to steering gear coupler.3. Check for worn universal joint,
broken isolator or loose fasteners.
4. Free play in steering column.
4.Check components of the steering
system and repair or replace as required.
5. Loose front suspension control
arm ball joints.5. Check and or replace the ball joint
or control arm as required.
6. Loose steering knuckle to ball
joint stud pinch bolt.6. Check pinch bolts and tighten if
required to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearings loose or
worn.7. Tighten hub nut to specified
torque or replace with new parts as
necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod ends. 8. Check free play of outer tie rod
ends and replace if required.
9. Loose inner tie rod ends. 9. Replace steering gear assembly.
10 Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace steering gear assembly.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.1. Radial tire lead. 1.Rotate tires as recommended in
the Tire And Wheel Group of this
service manual.
2. Front suspension misaligned. 2. Align the front suspension as
required. Refer to the Wheel
Alignment Procedure in the
Suspension Group of this service
manual for the required wheel
alignment procedure.
3. Wheel braking. 3. Check for dragging brakes. Refer
to the procedures in the Brake
Group of this service manual.
4. Unbalanced steering gear valve. (If
this is the cause, the steering efforts will
be very light in direction of lead and
heavier in the opposite direction.4. Replace steering gear.
STEERING WHEEL HAS FORE
AND AFT LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel to steering column
shaft retaining nut not properly
tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the retaining nut to its
specified torque specification.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
PLSTEERING 19 - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Torque the 4 steering gear mounting bolts to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.).
(2) Using the transmission jack, raise front sus-
pension crossmember and steering gear against body
and frame rails of vehicle. Start the 2 rear bolts into
tapping plates, attaching front suspension crossmem-
ber to body of vehicle (Fig. 13). Then install the 2
front bolts, attaching front suspension crossmember
to frame rails of vehicle (Fig. 13). Tighten the 4
mounting bolts, until front suspension crossmember
is against body of vehicle at the 4 mounting points.
Then torque the 4 mounting bolts to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.) to hold front suspension crossmember in posi-
tion.
CAUTION: When front suspension crossmember is
installed back in vehicle, crossmember MUST be
aligned with positioning marks previously scribbed
into body of vehicle (Fig. 16). This MUST be done to
maintain NET BUILD front suspension alignment
settings.
(3) Using a soft face hammer, tap front suspension
crossmember into position, until it is aligned with
the 2 previously scribbed positioning marks on body
of vehicle (Fig. 16). When front suspension cross-
member is correctly positioned, torque the 2 rear
crossmember/lower control arm mounting bolts to
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Then torque the 2 front cross-
member to frame rail attaching bolts to 163 N´m (120
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 13).
(4) If vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install power steering fluid pressure and return
hoses into correct fluid ports on power steering gear
assembly (Fig. 10). Torque power steering fluid pres-
sure and return lines to steering gear tube nuts (Fig.
10) to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).(5) If vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install power steering pressure and return hose rout-
ing bracket and attaching screw on front suspension
crossmember (Fig. 9). Torque hose routing bracket to
crossmember attaching bolt (Fig. 9) to 23 N´m (17 ft,
lbs.).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install vehicle wiring harness connector onto power
steering fluid pressure switch on steering gear
assembly (Fig. 8). Be sure locking tab on wiring har-
ness connector is securely latched to pressure switch.
(7) Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle.
Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut
onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod
end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering
knuckle attaching nut (Fig. 6). Then using a crowfoot
and 11/32 socket (Fig. 17), torque tie rod end attach-
ing nut to 55 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install engine/transaxle bobble strut (Fig. 5)
back on front suspension crossmember bracket.
Install and securely tighten the dampener to cross-
member attaching bolt.
(9) Install the wheel and tire assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts to 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(10) Lower vehicle.
(11) From interior of vehicle, reconnect the steer-
ing gear coupler with the steering column shaft cou-
pler. Install steering gear coupler retaining pinch bolt
and torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).Be sure to
install the upper to lower steering coupler
retaining bolt, retention pin (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission
fluid.
(12) Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the
(Full-Cold) proper level.
Fig. 16 Crossmember Aligned With Positioning
Marks
Fig. 17 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
PLSTEERING 19 - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)