ABS DODGE RAM 1999 Service Manual Online
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: RAM, Model: DODGE RAM 1999Pages: 1691, PDF Size: 40.34 MB
Page 1260 of 1691
TIE ROD ENDS (INNER AND OUTER)
TRACK BARS
TRAILING ARMS
WHEEL BEARINGS, RACES AND SEALS
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheels and Tires
TIRES
VALVE STEMS
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
WHEELS (RIMS)
MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
OVERVIEW
The Motorist Assurance Program is the consumer outreach
effort of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, Inc.
(AMRA). Participation in the Motorist Assurance Program is drawn from
retailers, suppliers, independent repair facilities, vehicle
manufacturers and industry associations.
Our organization's mission is to strengthen the relationship
between the consumer and the auto repair industry. We produce
materials that give motorists the information and encouragement to
take greater responsibility for their vehicles-through proper,
manufacturer-recommended, maintenance. We encourage participating
service and repair shops (including franchisees and dealers) to adopt
1) a Pledge of Assurance to their Customers and 2) the Motorist
Assurance Program Standards of Service. All participating service
providers have agreed to subscribe to this Pledge and to adhere to the
promulgated Standards of Service demonstrating to their customers that
they are serious about customer satisfaction.
These Standards of Service require that an inspection of the
vehicle's (problem) system be made and the results communicated to the\
customer according to industry standards. Given that the industry did
not have such standards, the Motorist Assurance Program successfully
promulgated industry inspection communication standards in 1994-95 for
the following systems: Exhaust, Brakes, ABS, Steering and Suspension,
Engine Maintenance and Performance, HVAC, and Electrical Systems.
Further, revisions to all of these inspection communication standards
are continually re-published. In addition to these, standards for
Drive Train and Transmissions have recently been promulgated.
Participating shops utilize these Uniform Inspection & Communication
Standards as part of the inspection process and for communicating
their findings to their customers.
The Motorist Assurance Program continues to work
cooperatively and proactively with government agencies and consumer
groups toward solutions that both benefit the customer and are
mutually acceptable to both regulators and industry. We maintain the
belief that industry must retain control over how we conduct our
business, and we must be viewed as part of the solution and not part
of the problem. Meetings with state and other government officials
(and their representatives), concerned with auto repair and/or
consumer protection, are conducted. Feedback from these sessions is
brought back to the association, and the program adjusted as needed.
To assure auto repair customers recourse if they were not
satisfied with a repair transaction, the Motorist Assurance Program
offers mediation and arbitration through MAP/BBB-CARE and other non-
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the facts, allowing the customer to draw their own
conclusions and make an informed decision about how to
proceed.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
SERVICE PROCEDURES REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED FOR PROPER VEHICLE
OPERATION
Steering and suspension are complex systems made up of a
variety of interdependent components. For proper vehicle handling,
ride, and tire wear, a thorough inspection is required whenever
suspension work is being performed.
Conditions listed assume that the problem has been isolated
to the specific component by proper testing procedures.
NOTE: When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check
and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM
specifications.
CAUTION: DO NOT use ride height altering or load compensating
components, such as variable rate springs and coil over
shocks, on vehicles with height or load sensing
proportioning valve-equipped braking systems, unless
these components are original equipment.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION
NOTE: Depending on the air suspension design, there are some
aftermarket products available to eliminate the air ride
suspension on certain vehicles. If the system has been
eliminated with one of these products, then no service is
suggested or required.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCKS AND AIR STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the air spring portion of the
air shock or strut. For damping portion of shock
or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SHOCK AND AIR STRUT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Inner fabric of air bag
damaged ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Outer covering of air bag
is cracked to the extent
that inner fabric of air
bag is visible ......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
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AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVES
AIR RIDE SUSPENSION - AIR SPRING VALVE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
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Grease fitting missing .. C ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease fitting
won't seal ............. A ... Require replacement of grease
fitting.
Grease seal missing ..... 2 ........ (5) Suggest replacement.
Grease seal torn ........ 2 ........ ( 4) Suggest replacement.
Looseness (perceptible
horizontal movement) ... 1 ........ ( 6) Suggest replacement.
Looseness that is
excessive .............. B ..... ( 6)( 7) Require replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Stud bent ............... B ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud broken ............. A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... ( 8) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 9) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications ......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - Missing grease seal will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 6) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 7) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 8) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 9) - Check for damaged stud.
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ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCKS AND STRUTS
NOTE: This section covers the electronic damping control portion
of the electronic shock or strut. For dampening portion of
shock or strut conditions and procedures, refer to the
SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
section.
ELECTRONIC RIDE CONTROL SHOCK AND STRUT INSPECTION
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Condition Code Procedure
Connector bent .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector loose ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Electronic valve control
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Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.
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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION
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Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. Follow OE
specifications for fluid type.
( 2) - Indicates internal wear.
( 3) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.
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STEERING KNUCKLES
STEERING KNUCKLE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt incorrect .... B ... Require replacement with bolt
that meets OE design.
Pinch bolt loose ........ B ................. Require repair.
Pinch bolt missing ...... B ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt tabs
deformed (pinched
together), .032"
or more before
clamping ............... B ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Steering knuckle deformation can cause pinch
bolt breakage.
( 2) - Check for damaged stud.
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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - 2 W D C O IL S PR IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - 2WD Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
All models are equipped with independent front suspension,
consisting of upper and lower control arms, steering knuckles, coil
springs and shock absorbers. See Fig. 1. Upper control arms are
mounted to frame side rails. Lower control arms are mounted to
crossmember. Steering knuckles are mounted between upper and lower
control arms by conventional ball joints. Coil springs are mounted
between seat in frame and lower control arm.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
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stud. Separate upper ball joint stud from knuckle with Ball Joint
Breaker (MB-990635).
3) Separate lower ball stud with Ball Joint Breaker (C-
4150A). Remove knuckle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
all nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Support lower
control arm.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove shock until lower control arm is supported.
Shock holds lower control arm and spring in position.
2) Remove shock absorber and coil spring. See COIL SPRING.
Remove bolts mounting lower control arm to crossmember. Remove lower
control arm.
Bushing Replacement
If bushings are worn, use a sleeve and press to remove and
replace bushings.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove link rod retaining nut at
each end of stabilizer bar. Remove outer retainers and rubber bushings
from link rods. Remove stabilizer bar clamps from frame rails. Remove
stabilizer bar from vehicle. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Ensure stabilizer bar is centered in chassis. Tighten all nuts and
bolts to specifications.
UPPER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT
Removal
1) Raise vehicle, and position safety stands under frame.
Remove wheel. Support upper control arm.
2) Disconnect upper ball joint. Refer to step 2) under LOWER
CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT. Remove pivot bolts and control arm.
Bushing Replacement
If bushings are worn, use a sleeve and press to remove and
replace bushings.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure ball joint is
fully seated against control arm. With vehicle at normal operating
height, tighten all retaining nuts and bolts to specifications. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
WHEEL BEARINGS
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove brake
caliper, and support it aside. Remove inboard brake pad (if
necessary). Remove grease cap, cotter pin, nut, washer and outer wheel
bearing.
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CAUTION: To avoid damage to threads, bearing and seal, DO NOT allow
inner bearing and seal to contact spindle threads during
removal.
2) Carefully slide rotor from steering knuckle. Remove oil
seal and inner bearing.
Installation
Clean and inspect bearings. Pack or replace bearings as
required. Install inner bearing and oil seal. Carefully install rotor
and outer bearing, washer, and nut. Adjust wheel bearings. See WHEEL
BEARING ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. To install
remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS \
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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Ball Joint Nuts
Lower
Light Duty ............................................. 95 (129)\
Heavy Duty ............................................ 110 (149)\
Upper .................................................... 60 (81)\
Lower Control Arm-To-Crossmember Bolt .................... 145 (196)\
Lower Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1998 Models ............................................ 100 (135)\
1999 Models ........................................... 105 (142))\
Stabilizer Bar Bolts/Nuts
Frame End ................................................ 40 (54)\
Link End ................................................. 25 (34)\
Tie Rod End Nut ............................................ 40 (54)\
Upper Ball Joint-To-Control Arm .......................... 125 (169)\
Upper Control Arm Eccentric Cam Bolt ....................... 70 (95)\
Upper Control Arm Pivot Bar To Frame ..................... 150 (203)\
Upper Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1998 Models .............................................. 35 (47)\
1999 Models .............................................. 40 (54)\
Wheel Lug Nuts
Tapered (Coned)
1/2"-20 ............................................... 105 (142)\
5/8"-18 ............................................... 200 (271)\
Flat (Flanged) (5/8"-18) ............................... 325 (4\
40)
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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT - L IN K/C O IL S PR IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1998-99 SUSPENSION
CHRY - Front - Link/Coil Spring
Ram Pickup
DESCRIPTION
Link/coil front suspension uses upper and lower suspension
arms attached to frame and drive axle (4WD) or tube axle (2WD). Shoc\
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absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs, and attached at top to
a bracket with grommets. These brackets are bolted onto the frame with
3 studs on a ring. The shock is mounted at bottom of axle below the
spring seat. See Fig. 1.
A track bar is used, and is attached to a frame rail bracket
with a ball stud. The track bar is isolated with a bushing at the axle
bracket. Other components of the link/coil spring suspension system
are a stabilizer bar, links, upper and lower suspension arms, bushings
and ball joints.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT.
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WHEEL BEARING & HUB
Wheel bearing and hub assembly is not serviceable, and is
replaced as an assembly only.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
COIL SPRING
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Position jack under axle for
added support. Scribe alignment marks on lower control arm cam
adjusters and axle bracket for installation reference.
2) Remove upper control arm. See UPPER CONTROL ARM. Loosen
lower control arm bolts. See Fig. 1. On 4WD models, scribe marks on
front drive shaft for installation reference. Disconnect front drive
shaft from axle. On all models, disconnect track bar from frame rail
bracket. See TRACK BAR. Disconnect drag link from pitman arm.
3) Disconnect stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from
axle. Lower axle until spring is free from upper mount. Remove coil
spring. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Scribe alignment marks on cam
adjusters and suspension arm for installation reference. Remove lower
control arm nut, cam and cam bolt from axle. See Fig. 1.
2) Remove nut and bolt from frame rail bracket. Remove lower
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal & Installation
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove upper control arm nut
and bolt at axle bracket. See Fig. 1. Remove nut and bolt at front
rail and remove upper control arm assembly.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal & Installation
1) Remove nut, retainer and grommet from upper stud in engine
compartment. See Fig. 2. Remove 3 nuts from upper shock bracket.
Remove lower bolt from axle bracket. Remove shock absorber from engine
compartment.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and
bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.