Fluid DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

(d) Insert special fuel line removal tool (Snap-On
number FIH 9055-1 or equivalent) into fuel line
(Fig. 14). Use tool to release locking fingers in end
of line.
(e) With special tool still inserted, pull fuel line
from fuel rail.
(f) After disconnection, locking fingers will
remain within quick-connect fitting at end of fuel
line.
(10) Disconnect quick-connect fitting from fuel sys-
tem component being serviced.
CONNECTING
(1) Inspect quick-connect fitting body and fuel sys-
tem component for damage. Replace as necessary.
(2) Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to
component being serviced, check condition of fitting
and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth.
Lubricate with clean engine oil.
(3) Insert quick-connect fitting into fuel tube or
fuel system component until built-on stop on fuel
tube or component rests against back of fitting.
(4) Continue pushing until a click is felt.
(5) Single-tab type fitting: Push new tab down
until it locks into place in quick-connect fitting.
(6) Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on
fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.).
(7) Latch Clip Equipped: Install latch clip (snaps
into position).If latch clip will not fit, this indi-
cates fuel line is not properly installed to fuel
rail (or other fuel line). Recheck fuel line con-
nection.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
(9) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The electric fuel pump is located inside of the fuel
pump module. A 12 volt, permanent magnet, electric
motor powers the fuel pump. The electric fuel pump
is not a separate, serviceable component.
OPERATION
Voltage to operate the electric pump is supplied
through the fuel pump relay.
Fuel is drawn in through a filter at the bottom of
the module and pushed through the electric motor
gearset to the pump outlet.
Check Valve Operation:The bottom section of
the fuel pump module contains a one-way check
valve to prevent fuel flow back into the tank and to
maintain fuel supply line pressure (engine warm)
when pump is not operational. It is also used to keep
the fuel supply line full of gasoline when pump is not
operational. After the vehicle has cooled down, fuel
pressure may drop to 0 psi (cold fluid contracts), but
liquid gasoline will remain in fuel supply line
between the check valve and fuel injectors.Fuel
pressure that has dropped to 0 psi on a cooled
down vehicle (engine off) is a normal condition.
The electric fuel pump is not a separate, service-
able component.
FUEL PUMP MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pump module assembly is located on the
top of the fuel tank (Fig. 1). The complete assembly
contains the following components:
²A combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator
²A separate fuel pick-up, or inlet filter
²An electric fuel pump
²A lockring to retain pump module to tank
²A soft gasket between tank flange and module
²A fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor)
²Fuel line connection
The fuel gauge sending unit may be serviced sepa-
rately. If the electrical fuel pump, primary inlet filter,
fuel filter or fuel pressure regulator require service,
the fuel pump module must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refer to Fuel Pump, Inlet Filter, Fuel Filter / Fuel
Pressure Regulator and Fuel Gauge Sending Unit.
Fig. 14 FUEL LINE DISCONNECTION USING
SPECIAL TOOL
1 - SPECIAL FUEL LINE TOOL
2 - FUEL LINE
3 - FUEL RAIL
DRFUEL DELIVERY - GAS 14 - 11
QUICK CONNECT FITTING (Continued)

STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM....................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE........4
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING...........................5COLUMN...............................6
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION..17
GEAR - LINK/COIL.......................20
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION...........................32
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL....................34
PUMP.................................39
STEERING
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
Power steering systems consist of:
²Steering column
²Rack and pinion steering gear
²Belt driven hydraulic steering pump
²Pump pressure and return hoses
²Oil Cooler
OPERATION
The steering column shaft is attached to the gear
pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear
rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack
pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction
of the front wheels (Fig. 1).
Power assist is provided by an engine mounted
hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid pres-
sure to the steering gear.
Fig. 1 STEERING COMPONENTS
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY
2 - RESERVOIR
3 - HOSES
4 - TIE ROD ENDS
5 - MOUNTING BOLTS
6 - RACK & PINION
DRSTEERING 19 - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Gear mounting bolts loose. 1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Internal gear noise. 3. Replace steering gear.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.4. Reposition hose.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.5. Inspect and repair or replace.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL 1. Loose belt. 1. Adjust or replace.
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
4. Air in fluid 4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
19 - 2 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve 8. Replace pump.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler. 5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DRSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
FLOW AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the opera-
tion of the power steering system on the vehicle. This
test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or
flow rate of the power steering pump along with the
maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a
power steering system problem is present. This test
will determine if the power steering pump or power
steering gear is not functioning properly. The follow-
ing pressure and flow test is performed using Power
Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 and (Fig. 2) Adapter
Kit 6893.
FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
(1) Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in
good condition and adjusted properly.
(2) Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power
Steering Analyzer to adapter 6826.
(3) Connect tube 6825A to Power Steering Ana-
lyzer test valve end.
(4) Disconnect the high pressure hose from the
power steering pump.
(5) Connect the tube 6825A to the pump fitting.
(6) Connect the power steering hose from the
steering gear to the adapter 6826.
(7) Open the test valve completely.
(8) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off
engine.(9) Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start
engine again and let idle.
(10) Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in
the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
(11) Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and
read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below
specification, (refer to pump specification chart for
GPM) the pump should be replaced.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than three seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
(12) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
²Pressures above specifications but not within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
²Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other
but below specifications, replace pump.
(13) Open the test valve and turn the steering
wheel to the extreme left and right positions three
times against the stops. Record the highest pressure
reading at each position. Compare readings to the
pump specifications chart. If pressures readings are
not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against
the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.PUMP SPECIFICATION
ENGINERELIEF PRESSURE
 65FLOW RATE
(GPM) AT 1500
RPM
1500
series11032 kPa
(1615   65 psi)3.1 - 3.5
2500 &
3500
series12400 kPa
(1800   50 psi)3.5 - 4.0
Fig. 2 Analyzer With Tube and Adapter
1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE
19 - 4 STEERINGDR
STEERING (Continued)

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION.........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................19BUSHING
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gears (Fig. 1) is made
up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(1) Lock the steering wheel.(2) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch
bolt.
(5) Remove the power steering hoses from the rack
& pinion.
(6) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(7) Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie
rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts. (Fig.
2) & (Fig. 3)
(10) Remove the rack & pinion from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - OUTER TIE ROD ENDS
2 - MOUNTING BUSHINGS
3 - BELLOWS
Fig. 2 STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS
1 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS 4X4
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 17

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and
replace if worn or damaged.
NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the
mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and
one is round, When tightening the gear to specifi-
cations make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with
the hole first to avoided movement of the steering
gear.
(1) Install the gear on the front crossmember and
tighten the mounting bolts to 319 N´m (235 ft. lbs.).
(Fig. 4) & (Fig. 3).
(2) Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install
newpinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(3) Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the
knuckle tapers.
(4) Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuck-
les and tighten the nuts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) thenan additional 90É. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINK-
AGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the pressure power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 32 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Install the return power steering hose to the
steering gear and tighten to 71 N´m (52 ft. lbs.).
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 -
FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE
- INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(10) Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(11) Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
Fig. 3 STEERING GEAR 4X2
1-SWAYBAR
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END
4 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
5 - LEFT INNER & RIGHT OUTER (TIE ROD ENDS)
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR 4X4
1 - FRONT AXLE
2 - STEERING GEAR MOUNTING NUTS & BUSHINGS
19 - 18 GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

GEAR - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT........................21
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............22
TORQUE CHART......................23
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR..............23
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE...............25REMOVAL - DIESEL...................25
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE...........26
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................26
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................29
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................30
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................30
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................31
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................31
GEAR - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type
gear (Fig. 1). The gear ratio's used are 12.5:1.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the
worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is sup-
ported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a
bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm
shaft is turned from input from the steering column
the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh
with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft, turns
the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead posi-
tion.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(2) Lock the steering wheel.
(3) Siphon out as much power steering fluid as
possible.
Fig. 1 STEERING GEAR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTLET
3 - INLET
4 - VALVE ASSEMBLY HOUSING
5 - PITMAN SHAFT COVER BOLTS
6 - STEERING GEAR
7 - MESHLOAD ADJUSTER NUT
8 - PITMAN SHAFT
19 - 20 GEAR - LINK/COILDR

(4) Disconnect and cap the fluid hoses from steer-
ing gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove coupler pinch bolt at the steering gear
and slide shaft off gear (Fig. 2).
(6) Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm for
installation reference. Remove the pitman arm from
the shaft with Puller C-4150A (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - REMOVAL), (Fig. 3).
(7) Remove steering gear three mounting bolts
(Fig. 4). Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering gear on the frame rail and
install the three mounting bolts (Fig. 4). Tighten the
mounting bolts to 196 N´m (145 ft. lbs.).(2) Align steering coupler on gear shaft. Install
pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Align and install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Install the washer and retaining nut on the pit-
man shaft. Tighten the nut to 305 N´m (225 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect fluid hoses to steering gear (Refer to
19 - STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION),
tighten to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(6) Add fluid, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: Steering gear must be adjusted in the
proper order. If adjustments are not performed in
order, gear damage and improper steering response
may result.
NOTE: Adjusting the steering gear in the vehicle is
not recommended. Remove gear from the vehicle
and drain the fluid. Then mount gear in a vise to
perform adjustments.
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(2) Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
Fig. 2 COLUMN SHAFT
1 - STEERING COUPLER
2 - STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 3 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 4 STEERING GEAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 21
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(3) Hold the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan and rotate the input shaft back and forth
several times lock-to-lock to discharge the fluid from
the steering gear
(4) Rotate the input shaft to the left stop and then
back-off approximately 45 degrees. Using an inch-
pound torque wrench on the input shaft, record the
peak torque required to slowly and evenly rotate the
input shaft clockwise
1¤2turn (180 degrees) starting
from the 45 degree position. This peak torque read-
ing is the preload torque. The preload torque must be
within2-10in-lbs.
(5) Rotate the input shaft to its center of travel
(approximately 1.5 turns from either stop). Place the
torque wrench on the input shaft with the handle in
the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly
and evenly
1¤4turn (90 degrees) each side of center
and record the peak torque measure on or near cen-ter. This total on-center torque reading must be5-9
in-lbs higher than the previously measured preload
torque without exceeding a total of 17 in-lbs. The
value of the total on-center minus the preload torque
is defined as the meshload torque
(6) If required, adjust the on-center torque by loos-
ening the adjuster screw lock nut and turning the
adjuster screw until the total on-center and meshload
torque readings fall within the specified values. Turn
the adjuster screw clockwise to increase and counter-
clockwise to decrease the torque reading. While hold-
ing the adjuster screw in place, tighten the lock nut
to 31 N´m (23 ft. lbs.).
(7) Re-check the preload and on-center torque
readings.
(8) Install pitman arm on the steering gear (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(9) Reinstall steering gear to the vehicle (Refer to
19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING GEAR
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Steering Gear
TypeRecirculating Ball
Gear Code & Ratio 12.5:1
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Preload
Torque0.23-1.13 Ð 2-10
Meshload Torque 0.56-1.02 Ð 5-9
+ Preload (17 Max)
19 - 22 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)