torque strut DODGE NEON 2000 Service Manual PDF

(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)

NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the
crossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(6) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 25) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.(7) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(8) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 24). The left side bolt is located in
the same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(9) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 24). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
CAUTION: Lower the steering gear slowly, paying
special attention to the power steering fluid hoses
coming down from the power steering pump. Do
not strain or over extend the hoses coming to the
gear. Damage to the hoses or connecting hardware
could occur.
(10) Lower the front suspension crossmember
using the transmission jack enough to allow suffi-
cient access to the steering column lower coupling
(Fig. 26). When lowering front suspension crossmem-
ber, do not let crossmember hang from lower control
arms or power steering hoses. The weight should be
supported by the transmission jack.
(11) Remove the roll pin securing the steering col-
umn lower coupling to the power steering gear pinion
shaft using a roll pin punch (Fig. 27). Push the steer-
ing column lower coupling up and off of the power
steering gear pinion shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Push the column end of the steering column
lower coupling partway up through its hole in the
dash panel, then match the flat on the inside of the
steering column lower coupling to the flat on the
power steering gear pinion shaft and slide the cou-
pling onto the top of the pinion shaft. Align the roll
pin hole in the coupling with the groove in the pinion
shaft and install the roll pin through the coupling
until it is centered (Fig. 27).
(2) Center the power steering gear rack in its
travel.
(3) Using the transmission jack, raise the front
suspension crossmember and power steering gear
until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot
Fig. 24 Mounting Bolts
1 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 25 Marking Crossmember Location
1 ± SCRIBED LINE
2 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
3±AWL
4 ± BODY
PLSTEERING 19 - 39
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the steer-
ing column lower coupling up through its hole in the
dash panel.
(4) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 24). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(5) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 25). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(6) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right for-
ward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 24). Follow the proce-
dure described in the ENGINE service manual group
to properly align and tighten the torque strut mount-
ing bolts.
(7) Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the
power steering fluid pressure switch (Fig. 23). Be
sure the locking tab on the wiring harness connector
is securely latched.
(8) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(9) Install the dash-to-lower coupling seal in place
over the lower coupling's plastic collar.
NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of
the dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the cou-
pling's plastic collar.
(10) Inside the passenger compartment, reconnect
the steering column lower coupling to the steering
column upper coupling (Fig. 22). Install the coupling
pinch bolt an tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install the pinch bolt retainer
pin.
(11) Remove the steering wheel holder.
(12) While looking under the instrument panel at
the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-
and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not
squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
Fig. 26 Crossmember Lowered
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
4 ± TRANSMISSION JACK
Fig. 27 Coupling Roll Pin
1 ± STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 ± POWER STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT
3 ± ROLL PIN
4 ± ROLL PIN PUNCH
19 - 40 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Remove case bolts. Remove clutch bellhousing
differential bearing cup. Install shim(s) selected in
Step 7. Then press the bearing cup into clutch bell-
housing.
(9) Install clutch bellhousing. Install and torque
case bolts to 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.).
(10) Using Special Tool C-4995 and an inch-pound
torque wrench, check turning torque of the differen-
tial assembly (Fig. 164).The turning torque
should be 6 to 12 in. lbs. If the turning torque is
too high, install a 0.05mm (0.002 inch) thinner
shim. If the turning torque is too low, install a
0.05mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.(11) Recheck turning torque. Repeat Step 10until
the proper turning torque is obtained.
SPECIFICATIONS
NV T350 (A-578) SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Back-up Lamp Switch........ 24N´m(18ft.lbs.)
Crossover Cable Adj. Screw.... 8N´m(70in.lbs.)
Drain Plug............... 28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Differential Ring Gear Bolts . . . 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.)
Dust Shield to Transaxle.... 12N´m(105 in. lbs.)
End Plate Cover Bolts........ 29N´m(21ft.lbs.)
Lateral Bending Strut to Engine......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Lateral Bending Strut to Trans.......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Left Mount Through Bolt.... 108N´m(80ft.lbs.)
Left Mount to Transaxle...... 68N´m(50ft.lbs.)
Output Bearing Race Ret. Strap......... 11N´m
(96 in. lbs.)
Reverse Fork Bracket........ 11N´m(96in.lbs.)
Reverse Idler Shaft Bolt...... 26N´m(19ft.lbs.)
Shift Cable Bracket to Transaxle........ 28N´m
(250 in. lbs.)
Transaxle Case Bolts......... 29N´m(21ft.lbs.)
Transaxle to Engine Bolt...... 95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
Trans. to Eng. Intake Bkt. Bolts......... 95N´m
(70 ft. lbs.)
Vehicle Speed Sensor......... 7N´m(60in.lbs.)
Vertical Bending Strut to Engine........ 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
Vertical Bending Strut to Trans.......... 81N´m
(60 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: Bolts that have thread sealer or torque lock
patches should not be reused. Always install new
bolts in these applications.
Fig. 163 Checking Differential Bearing End Play to
Determine Shim Thickness
1 ± T-HANDLE
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
Fig. 164 Checking Differential Bearing Turning
Torque
1 ± INCH-POUND TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE FLUID
FILL
TRANSAXLE METRIC
MEASUREU. S.
MEASURE
NV T350 1.9-2.2 Liters 2.0-2.3 Quarts
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 51
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

obtained, add or subtract shims until desired read-
ing is obtained.
(8) Install compressor shaft bolt. Tighten to 17.56
2 N´m (155620 in. lbs.) torque.
NOTE: Shims may compress after tightening shaft
nut. Check air gap in four or more places to verify if
air gap is still correct. Spin pulley for final check.
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After new clutch installation, cycle the A/C clutch
20 times (5 seconds on and 5 seconds off). During
this procedure, set the system to the A/C mode,
engine rpm at 1500 - 2000, and high blower speed.
This procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing
friction surfaces and provide a higher clutch torque
capability.
CONDENSATION DRAIN TUBE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Locate rubber drain tube on right side of dash
panel (Fig. 30).
(3) Squeeze clamp and remove drain tube.
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse the preceding operation. Check
the drain tube nipple on the heater-A/C housing for
any obstructions.
CONDENSER
The condenser is located in front of the engine
radiator. It has no serviceable parts. If damaged or
leaking, the condenser assembly must be replaced.
WARNING: THE REFRIGERANT MUST BE
REMOVED FROM THE SYSTEM BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE CONDENSER.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from the A/C system.
(2) Remove battery support strut.
(3) Remove refrigerant lines from condenser (Fig.
31).
(4) Remove upper radiator mounts.
(5) Remove condenser to radiator mounting
screws.
(6) Tilt radiator back and remove condenser.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
²Tighten the condenser refrigerant lines to 5 N´m
(45 in lbs).
Fig. 29 Installing Pulley Assembly
1 ± PULLEY ASSEMBLY
2 ± WOOD BLOCK
Fig. 30 Condensate Water Drain Tube ± Typical
1 ± DASH PANEL (UNDER HOOD RIGHT SIDE)
2 ± CLAMP
3 ± CONDENSATE DRAIN TUBE
4 ± NIPPLE-A/C HEATER HOUSING
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)