wheel DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

HOUSING - REMOVAL). Check the turning effort of
the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is
excessive replace the key cylinder.
REMOVAL
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission is not equipped
with an internal locking shaft with the ignition cyl-
inder. Alternative methods of locking the steering
wheel for service will have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (Fig. 8) have been
designed to be serviced as an assembly; without wir-
ing, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most
steering column components can be serviced without
removing the steering column from the vehicle.
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
Refer to Electrical Restraints and follow all WARN-
INGS and CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG ANDPOSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column
shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bear-
ing.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts
to disassemble the tilting mechanism.
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for
cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed
first before removing ignition switch.
(1) Remove the negative (ground) cable from the
battery.
(2) Disable the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
(4) Remove key cylinder. (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
(6) Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever
bracket.
(7) Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain
access to the ignition switch mounting screws. (Fig.
9)
Fig. 8 STEERING COLUMN
1 - KEY CYLINDER
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
3 - MOUNTING HOLES
4 - STEERING COLUMN
5 - IGNITION SWITCH
Fig. 9 IGNITION SWITCH WITH TILT
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - TILT LEVER MECHANISM
19 - 10 COLUMNDR
IGNITION SWITCH (Continued)

(2) Cycle the key from ACC to RUN and ensure
that the blocker does not stick or bind.
(3) Turn the key to the OFF position and ensure
that the shifter will not pull from the PARK position.
(4) Connect the over drive switch harness (if
equipped).
NOTE: Route and tie off harness to original loca-
tion.
(5) Connect the shift cable to the lever.
(6) Ensure the gear shift lever and transmission
are in the PARK position and snap the cable adjust
clip in place.
(7) Install a new brake light switch (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the SKIM and halo.
(9) Install the upper and lower column shroud.
(10) Install the column back into place and
tighten.
(11) Install the kneeblocker. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE BLOCKER - INSTAL-
LATION).
UPPER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
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 with the tire in the
straight position.
(3) Remove and discard the lower pinch bolt.
(4) Lower the steering coupler shaft from the col-
umn.
(5) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing in the four tags securing it to the panel
(Fig. 16).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt from the lower steering coupling shaft (Fig. 17).
(7) Remove the upper steering coupling shaft from
the vehicle (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper steering coupling shaft to the
vehicle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPRING
1 - BLOCKER TO INHIBIT LINK SLOT
2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Fig. 16 RELEASE TANGS
1 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
2 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
Fig. 17 UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
1 - LOWER STEERING COUPLER
2 - RELEASE TANGS (4)
3 - UPPER STEERING COUPLER SHAFT
DRCOLUMN 19 - 13
GEAR SHIFT LEVER (Continued)

(2) Install the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing it in securing the four tangs to the panel
(Fig. 16).
NOTE: Note: A new steering coupling shaft pinch
bolt for the upper and lower shafts must be used.
(3) Install the steering coupler shaft to the column
(Fig. 17).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(5) Install the shaft to the lower coupler (Fig. 17).
(6) Install the lower pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(7) Unlock the steering wheel.
(8) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
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.
(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Mark both coupler connections for proper
installation.
(6) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt.
(7) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt.
(8) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
18).
REMOVAL - 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
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.(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 19).
(7) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
20).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4
HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering rack & pin-
ion using the marks made in the removal process.
Fig. 18 LOWER STEERING COUPLER
Fig. 19 LOWER COUPLER PINCH BOLT
1 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
2 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
3 - STEERING GEAR
19 - 14 COLUMNDR
UPPER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft
using the marks made in the removal process.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering gear.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the driver's side air-
bag.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller CJ98-1 or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 21)
(4) Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt.
(5) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the driver's side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 20 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
1 - UPPER COUPLING BOOT AND BOLT
2 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
3 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
4 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 21 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL CJ98-1
DRCOLUMN 19 - 15
LOWER STEERING COUPLING (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)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts319 235 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Coupler Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut61
Then tighten an additional
90É45
Then tighten an additional
90ÉÐ
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
BUSHING
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case.
(2) Mount the steering gear in a soft jawed vise.
NOTE: If the bushings are seized a brass punch can
be used to remove the bushings from the gear
using care not to strike the gear.
(3) Remove the front mounting bushings.
(4) Remove the rear mounting bushings.
(5) Remove the steering gear from the vise and
place it on the bench.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Coat all bushings with a thin rubber lubri-
cate oil prior to installation.
NOTE: A rubber mallet can be used to assist in the
installation of the bushings once lubricated.
(1) Coat the rear bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the rear bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(2) Coat the front bushings with a thin rubber
lubricate oil then install the front bushings using a
rubber mallet to seat the bushings in the gear.
(3) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(4) Adjust the toe position (if necessary) (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
DRGEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 19
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)

PITMAN SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS ENGINE
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(3) Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop and
count the number of turns.
(4) Center the steering wheel by rotating it from
the stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position.
(5) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(7) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals and washer.
(8) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
(9) Remove washer from the housing.
NOTE: Tighten the slide hammer adapter 8990 into
the seal using wrenches, in order to make a tight fit
to pull the seal out. If this is not performed the seal
may tear on the removal making it difficult to
remove.(10) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752.
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Seperate the pitman arm from the gear box
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the steering gear box (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
(3) Install the steering gear in a soft jawed bench
vise.
(4) Clean exposed end of pitman shaft and housing
with a wire brush.
(5) Rotate the input shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
6).
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 6).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(8) Remove the pitman shaft from the gear.
(9) Remove dust seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when prying out seals.
(10) Remove retaining ring with snap ring pliers.
(11) Remove washer from the housing.
Fig. 5 SLIDE HAMMER
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SLIDE HAMMER C-3752 USED WITH SPECIAL TOOL
ADAPTER
8990
Fig. 6 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 25