warning DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2000, Model line: NEON, Model: DODGE NEON 2000Pages: 1285, PDF Size: 29.42 MB
Page 892 of 1285

STEERING GEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING GEAR..................21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........22
POWER STEERING GEAR..................22
OUTER TIE ROD.........................26SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR FASTENER
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS...............28
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..................28
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER STEERING GEAR
The power steering gear is mounted on the front
suspension crossmember (Fig. 1). The outer ends of
the outer tie rods attach to the steering knuckles.
The power steering gear operates as follows: Turn-
ing of the steering wheel is converted into linear
travel through the meshing of the helical pinion
teeth with the rack teeth of the gear. Power assist
steering is provided by a pump supplying fluid to
either side of the integral rack piston.Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. This movement
directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which, in
turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the
turning effort.
The drive tangs on the pinion of the power steering
gear mate loosely with a stub shaft. This is to permit
manual steering control to be maintained if the drive
belt on the power steering pump should break. How-
ever, under these conditions, steering effort will be
increased.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Gear
1 ± OUTER TIE ROD
2 ± JAM NUT3 ± STEERING GEAR
4 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
PLSTEERING 19 - 21
Page 893 of 1285

NOTE: The power steering gear should not be ser-
viced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak occurs
with the steering gear, the complete steering gear
needs to be replaced.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
NOTE: Do not use any type of automatic transmis-
sion fluid in the power steering system.
POWER STEERING GEAR
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-
AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock
the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating
(Fig. 2). This keeps the clockspring in the proper ori-
entation.
(2) Inside the passenger compartment, remove the
steering column coupling retainer pin, back off the
pinch bolt nut, and remove the steering column cou-
pling pinch bolt (Fig. 3) (the pinch bolt nut is caged
to the coupling and is not removable). Separate the
upper and lower steering column couplings.
(3) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.(4) Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies
from the vehicle.
(5) Remove nuts attaching both outer tie rods to
the steering knuckles (Fig. 4). Remove each nut by
holding the tie rod stud stationary while loosening
and removing the nut with a wrench.
(6) Remove the outer tie rod from the steering
knuckles using Remover, Special Tool MB991113
(Fig. 5).
(7) Remove the tie rod heat shield.
Fig. 2 Steering Wheel Holder
1 ± STEERING WHEEL
2 ± STEERING WHEEL HOLDER
3 ± DRIVERS SEAT
Fig. 3 Steering Column Couplings
1 ± STEERING COLUMN UPPER COUPLING
2 ± PINCH BOLT
3 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
5 ± NUT
6 ± RETAINER PIN
19 - 22 STEERINGPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Page 900 of 1285

STEERING COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN......................29
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......29
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN......................30
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......30
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........31STEERING COLUMN......................31
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING......38
SPECIFICATIONS
STEERING COLUMN FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................41
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN
This vehicle is equipped with both tilt and non-tilt
steering columns. Both steering columns have been
designed to be serviced only as complete assemblies
if an internal component is found to be defective (Fig.
1). The shaft, bearings and upper coupling are all
serviced with the column.
The replaceable components on the steering col-
umn assembly are:
²the key cylinder
²the ignition switch
²the multi-function switch
²the clockspring²the trim shrouds
²the steering wheel
²the driver airbag module
These components can be serviced without removal
of the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to the
appropriate group and section of this service manual
for servicing these components separately.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
This vehicle uses a corrugated design lower cou-
pling to connect the steering column to the steering
gear (Fig. 2).
This coupling has a hollow corrugated tube that
allows the coupling to bend rather than collapse
when a vehicle is involved in a collision.
Fig. 1 Steering Column
1 ± UPPER MOUNTING NUTS
2 ± STEERING COLUMN
3 ± LOWER MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 2 Steering Column Lower Coupling
1 ± FLEX JOINT
2 ± SEAL COLLAR SEALING SURFACE
3 ± TO STEERING COLUMN
4 ± CORRUGATED TUBE SECTION
5 ± TO STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 29
Page 902 of 1285

NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt any-
time the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may
cause unwanted conditions within the steering col-
umn if the vehicle is suspended in any manner
when the pinch bolt is tightened.
(6) Ensure front wheels of vehicle are positioned
STRAIGHT-AHEAD, then align and attach the steer-
ing column upper coupling to the lower coupling.
Install the coupling pinch bolt (Fig. 3). Tighten the
pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the coupling pinch bolt retainer pin.
(8) Remove the steering wheel holding clamp.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE
PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE
AIR BAG. REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE
(-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE BATTERY. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO
DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO
THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. FAILURE TO DO SOCOULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGI-
NALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFI-
CALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUB-
STITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS
NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTEN-
ERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR
FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
BEFORE SERVICING A STEERING COLUMN
EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP
8M, ELECTRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE SER-
VICE PROCEDURES.
WARNING: WHEN HANDLING AN UNDEPLOYED
AIR BAG MODULE DURING SERVICING OF THE
STEERING COLUMN, THE FOLLOWING PRECAU-
TIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED:
²AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY SOURCE OF ELEC-
TRICITY BE PERMITTED NEAR THE INFLATOR ON
THE BACK OF THE AIR BAG MODULE.
²WHEN CARRYING A LIVE MODULE, THE TRIM
COVER SHOULD BE POINTED AWAY FROM THE
BODY TO MINIMIZE INJURY IF THE MODULE
SHOULD ACCIDENTLY DEPLOY.
²IF THE AIR BAG MODULE IS PLACED ON A
BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, THE PLASTIC
COVER SHOULD BE FACE-UP TO MINIMIZE MOVE-
MENT, IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT.
CAUTION: Safety goggles should be worn at all
times when working on steering columns.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery, before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
STEERING COLUMN
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
Fig. 5 Lower Coupling Inspection
1 ± FLEX JOINT
2 ± SEAL COLLAR SEALING SURFACE
3 ± TO STEERING COLUMN
4 ± CORRUGAGATED TUBE SECTION
5 ± TO STEERING GEAR
PLSTEERING 19 - 31
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Page 903 of 1285

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the bat-
tery and isolate the cable.
(2) Before beginning removal of the steering col-
umn, be sure the front wheels of vehicle are in the
STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
(3) Remove the screw securing the left end of the
top cover to the instrument panel. It is located just
above the left instrument panel end cap.
(4) Starting on the driver's end, push upward on
the instrument panel top cover, disengaging its
retainer clips along the face of the instrument panel.
Disengage just enough clips to allow access to the
upper ends of the instrument cluster bezel.
(5) Disengage the clips along the outer edge of the
instrument cluster bezel and remove the bezel from
the vehicle.
(6) Remove the two screws along the bottom of the
steering column cover that mounts below the steering
column on the instrument panel. Disengage the clips
on the upper end of the steering column cover and
remove the cover by pulling it straight away from the
instrument panel.
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with speed control,
remove the speed control switches from the steering
wheel (Fig. 6).WARNING: WHEN AN UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MOD-
ULE IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING
WHEEL, FIRST DISCONNECT THE BATTERY
GROUND CABLE AND ISOLATE IT. ALLOW THE
SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE FOR A MINI-
MUM OF TWO MINUTES, THEN BEGIN THE AIRBAG
REMOVAL.
(8) If the vehicle is not equipped with speed con-
trol, remove the airbag mounting screw trim caps
from the steering wheel rear cover (Fig. 7). There is
one on each side of the steering wheel.
(9) Remove the two mounting screws, one on each
side of steering wheel, attaching the airbag module
to the steering wheel (Fig. 6).
(10) Lay the airbag module back away from the
center of the steering wheel (Fig. 6). Disconnect the
clockspring and horn switch electrical connectors
from the back of the airbag module. Remove the air-
bag module from the steering wheel.
(11) Holding the steering wheel firmly in place,
remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the
steering column shaft in the center of the steering
wheel. If equipped, remove the damper weight from
the steering wheel.
Fig. 6 Steering Wheel Components
1 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 ± AIRBAG MOUNTING SCREWS
3 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 ± SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
5 ± AIRBAG MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
6 ± AIRBAG MODULE
7 ± HORN SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
8 ± SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
Fig. 7 Trim Caps
1 ± MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH LEVER
2 ± STEERING WHEEL
3 ± TRIM CAP
19 - 32 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 908 of 1285

bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install
the pinch bolt retainer pin.
(11) Install the upper and lower steering column
shrouds onto the steering column (Fig. 9). Snap the
two shrouds together and then install and tighten
the two screws securing the shrouds to the column.
(12) Install the steering column cover that mounts
below the steering column on the instrument panel
by first aligning the retainer clips and snapping the
cover into place. Install the two screws along the bot-
tom of the steering column cover.
(13) Align the clips along the outer edge of the
instrument cluster bezel with the mounting holes in
the instrument panel and install the bezel.
(14) Align the clips on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel top cover with the mounting holes in the
instrument panel and install the top cover by push-
ing it down into place.
(15) Install the screw securing the left end of the
top cover to the instrument panel.
CAUTION: If there is any question as to whether
the clockspring is in the centered position, the
clock spring needs to be recentered before install-
ing the steering wheel. If the clockspring is not cen-
tered, it may be overextended, causing the
clockspring to become inoperative.
(16) Center the clockspring using the following
procedure:
²Using your fingers, rotate the clockspring rotor
in the CLOCKWISE DIRECTION to the end of the
travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
²From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two full
turns and an additional half turn in the counter-
clockwise direction. (The wires should end up at the
bottom of the clockspring).
CAUTION: Do not install the steering wheel onto
the shaft of the steering column by driving it onto
the shaft.
(17) Feed the clockspring wiring leads through the
hole in the steering wheel (Fig. 6). Align the steering
wheel's wide mounting spline with the steering col-
umn shaft missing spline area and push the wheel
onto the shaft. Make sure the clockspring squares up
with the back of the wheel and does not bind.
(18) Install the steering wheel retaining nut and
tighten it until the steering wheel is fully installed
on shaft. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to
a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(19) Connect the clockspring electrical leads to the
speed control switches and reinstall the switches on
the steering wheel (Fig. 6).
(20) Install the airbag electrical lead from the
clockspring into the connector on the back of the air-bag module (Fig. 6). Be sure electrical connector from
clockspring is securely latched into airbag module
connector.
(21) Connect the horn switch electrical lead to the
connector on the back of the airbag module (Fig. 6).
CAUTION: The fasteners originally used for the air-
bag components are specifically designed for the
airbag system. They must never be replaced with
any substitutes. Anytime a new fastener is needed,
replace it with only the correct fastener listed in the
parts book.
(22) Install the airbag module into the center of
the steering wheel. Align the airbag module mount-
ing holes with the bolt holes in steering wheel (Fig.
6). Install only the two original or identical replace-
ment airbag module mounting screws. Tighten the
two air bag module attaching bolts to a torque of 10
N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(23) Install the airbag mounting screw trim caps
on the steering wheel rear cover (Fig. 7). One belongs
on each side of the steering wheel.
NOTE: When reconnecting the battery on a vehicle
that has had the airbag module removed, the fol-
lowing procedure should be used.
(24) Reconnect the ground cable to the negative
post of the battery in the following manor:
²Connect a scan tool (DRBIIIt) to the data link
diagnostic connector located below the steering col-
umn.
²Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Exit
the vehicle with the scan tool leaving the scan tool
harness plugged in.
²Ensuring that there are no occupants in the
vehicle, connect the ground (-) cable to the negative
post of the battery.
²Using the scan tool, read and record any fault
codes. Refer to the DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR-
BAG SYSTEM diagnostic manual if any faults are
found.
²Erase any stored faults if there are no active
fault codes. If a problem exists, the fault code will
not erase.
²Reach around the back of the steering wheel (in
front of the instrument cluster) and turn the ignition
key to OFF, then back ON while observing the
instrument cluster airbag lamp. It should go on for
six to eight seconds, then go out. This will indicate
that the airbag system is functioning normally. If air-
bag warning lamp fails to light, blinks on and off, or
goes on and stays on, there is an airbag system mal-
function. Refer to the BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCE-
DURES manual to diagnose the system malfunction.
PLSTEERING 19 - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 909 of 1285

(25) Turn the key to OFF and remove the scan tool
from the vehicle.
(26) Test the operation of the horn, wipers and any
other functions that are steering column operated. If
applicable, reset the radio and the clock.
(27) If the steering column is a tilt column, verify
the tilt mechanism operates properly.
(28) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the steering system and the speed control sys-
tem.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section and in STEERING
GEAR.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-
AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock
the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating
(Fig. 21). This keeps the clockspring in the proper
orientation.
(2) Inside the passenger compartment, remove the
steering column coupling retainer pin, back off the
pinch bolt nut, and remove the steering column cou-
pling pinch bolt (Fig. 22) (the pinch bolt nut is caged
to the coupling and is not removable). Separate the
upper and lower steering column couplings.
(3) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.(4) Release the locking tab on the wiring harness
connector for the power steering fluid pressure
switch before connector removal. Remove the wiring
harness connector from the power steering fluid pres-
sure switch (Fig. 23).
(5) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 24).
Fig. 21 Steering Wheel Holder
1 ± STEERING WHEEL
2 ± STEERING WHEEL HOLDER
3 ± DRIVERS SEAT
Fig. 22 Steering Column Couplings
1 ± STEERING COLUMN UPPER COUPLING
2 ± PINCH BOLT
3 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
4 ± BRAKE PEDAL
5 ± NUT
6 ± RETAINER PIN
Fig. 23 Power Steering Fluid Pressure Switch
1 ± WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
4 ± REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
19 - 38 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 985 of 1285

FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the transaxle oil cooler(s) must be flushed (both
radiator and remote). The cooler bypass valve in the
transaxle must be replaced also. The torque con-
verter must also be replaced with an exchange unit.
This will ensure that metal particles or sludged oil
are not later transferred back into the reconditioned
(or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the cool-
ers and tubes is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES.
KEEP LIT CIGARETTES, SPARKS, FLAMES, AND
OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY FROM THE
AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF COMBUSTI-
BLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A CLASS (B) FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA WHERE THE
FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
COOLER FLUSH USING TOOL 6906A
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906A.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions gen-
erally used to clean automatic transmission compo-
nents.DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water,
gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906A.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
(4) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.
NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.
(5) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(6) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(7) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler(s) and lines. Monitor pressure readingsand clear return lines. Pressure readings should sta-
bilize below 20 psi. for vehicles equipped with a sin-
gle cooler and 30 psi. for vehicles equipped with dual
coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pres-
sures, replace cooler.
(8) Turn pump OFF.
(9) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(10) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(11) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of MopartATF+4 (Automatic Transmission
Fluid) Type 9602.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(13) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, fill to the proper level with MopartATF+4
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602. The vol-
ume should be checked using the following proce-
dure:
(1) Disconnect theFrom coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of ATF, discon-
nect theTo Coolerline at the transaxle.
(4) Refill the transaxle to proper level and recheck
pump volume.
(5) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
replace the cooler. Then fill transmission to the
proper level, using MopartATF+4 (Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid) Type 9602.
(6) If fluid flow is still found to be inadequate,
check the line pressure using the Transaxle Hydrau-
lic Pressure Test procedure.
21 - 72 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1045 of 1285

WARNING: HOLD ONTO DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING OUT OF HOUSING.
Use MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant, or
equivalent, when installing extension housing.
Fig. 202 Remove Differential Bearing Cone
(Extension Housing Side)
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-293
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-293-36
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-293-3
Fig. 203 Position Bearing Cone Onto Differential
1 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 ± DIFFERENTIAL BEARING
Fig. 204 Install Differential Bearing Cone
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6536
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 205 Position Button and Collets Onto
Differential and Bearing (Ring Gear Side)
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4539-2
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL 5048
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL 5048-4
21 - 132 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Page 1072 of 1285

signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The use of tires from different manufactures on the
same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire
pressure should be maintained on all four tires.
SPARE TIRE±TEMPORARY
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M. P. H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for
complete details.
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires provide a proper bal-
ance of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capabilityIt is recommend that tires equivalent to the origi-
nal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi-
cle.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 3).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
Fig. 2 Tire Identification
Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators
1 ± TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 ± TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 ± WEAR INDICATOR
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)