steering DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Steering Gear Mounting
Frame Bolts196 145 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
Steering Gear
Adjustment Screw Locknut31 23 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Nut305 225 Ð
Steering Gear
Pitman Shaft Cover Bolts68 50 Ð
Steering Gear
Valve Housing to Gear
Bolts54 40 Ð
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring Screw2.26 Ð 20
Steering Gear
Retainer Ring97 72 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING GEAR
HANDLE C-4171INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLER - 8987
19 - 22 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
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.
PULLER, SLIDE HAMMER - C-3752
SEAL REMOVER ADAPTER - 8990
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL INSTALLER - 8989
RETAINER RING WRENCH - 8988
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR - 8993
INPUT SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR - 8986
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 23
GEAR - LINK/COIL (Continued)

(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.
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.
(12) Remove oil seal from the housing with a spe-
cial tool 8990 with slide hammer C-3752. (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
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
19 - 24 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with a driver and handle
(Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).
(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
(1) Coat the oil seal and washer withhigh temp
grease.
NOTE: Install the oil seal with the lip facing inward.
Flat side of the oil seal should be against the
washer.
(2) Install the oil seal with special tool 8989 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(3) Install backup washer.
(4) Install the retainer ring with snap ring pliers.
(5) Coat the dust seal withhigh temp grease.
(6) Install the dust seal with special tool 8989
driver and C-4171 handle (Fig. 7).
(7) Install protective seal protector 8993 over the
shaft (Fig. 8).
(8) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(9) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
STEERING GEAR INPUT
SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment
(2) Mount the steering gear upside down over a
drain pan in a soft jawed vise.
(3) Place a drain pan under the gear and rotate
the input shaft back and forth several times lock-to-
lock to discharge the fluid from the steering gear
(4) Drain all the remaining fluid from the gear.
(5) Rotate the input shaft from stop to stop and
count the number of turns using a 12 point socket
(Fig. 9).
Fig. 7 SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
C-4171
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8989
3 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 8 PITMAN SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8993
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 25
PITMAN SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if
it is not centered.
(6) Center the input shaft by rotating it from the
stop back 1 1/2 turns to achieve center position (Fig.
9).
(7) Remove the pitman shaft (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the four bolts securing the valve hous-
ing.
(9) Remove the valve housing from the steering
gear (Fig. 10).(10) Remove the valve housing and wormshaft
assembly from the steering gear housing and place
the valve housing in a soft jawed vise (Fig. 11).
(11) Remove the retainer ring set screw from the
valve housing (Fig. 12).
Fig. 9 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 10 VALVE ASSEMBLY
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - WORMSHAFT BALLS
3 - STEERING GEAR HOUSING
Fig. 11 VALVE HOUSING AND WORMSHAFT
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SET SCREW
3 - RETAINER RING
Fig. 12 SET SCREW FOR THE RETAINER RING
1 - SET SCREW
2 - 3/32 ALLEN HEAD SOCKET
3 - RETAINER RING
19 - 26 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(12) Using special tool reatainer ring wrench to
remove the steering gear worm thrust bearing
reatainer ring (Fig. 13).
(13) Separate the wormshaft assembly from the
valve housing, Then remove the wormshaft assembly
from the vise (Fig. 14).(14) Remove the dust seal with a pick (Fig. 15).
CAUTION: Use care not to score the housing bore
when removing seals.
(15) Remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers
(Fig. 16).
Fig. 13 REATINER RING REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
8988
2 - RATCHET
Fig. 14 WORMSHAFT AND VALVE ASSEMBLY
1 - PISTON TEFLON SEALS
2 - RETAINER RING
Fig. 15 DUST SEAL REMOVAL
1 - PICK
2 - VALVE HOUSING
3 - SEAL
Fig. 16 SNAP RING REMOVAL
1 - SNAP RING PLIERS
2 - SNAP RING
3 - VALVE HOUSING
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 27
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(16) Using special tool slide hammer C-3752 with
adapter 8990 remove the oil seal (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect the piston teflon seals for damage.
Replace if needed.
NOTE: To replace the teflon seals, use a pick to
remove the teflon o-ring and the rubber o-ring
underneath. Install a new rubber o-ring in the piston
seal grove and a new teflon o-ring over the top of it.
(2) Install the valve into the valve housing.
(3) Thread the retainer ring into the valve housing
(Fig. 18). Tighten to 97 N´m (72 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: It is very important to make sure to compen-
sate for the added length of the torque wrench
when torquing to proper specifications.
(4) Install the retainer ring set screw. Tighten to
2.26 N´m (20 in. lbs.)
(5) Clean the steering gear housing.
CAUTION: Valve assembly must be centered to the
housing (Fig. 19).
(6) Install the valve assembly into the steering
gear (Fig. 19). Tighten the new bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.)
(7) Install the input shaft seal protector 8986 (Fig.
20).
(8) Coat the new seal inhigh temp greaseand
Install the new oil seal using special tool 8987 driver
and C-4171 handle (Fig. 21).NOTE: Drive the oil seal into the housing until the
outer edge does not quite clear the snap ring
groove.
(9) Insert the snap ring into the housing. Using
special tool 8987 driver and C-4171 handle push the
snap ring and oil seal together until the snap ring
seats in the groove.
NOTE: Generous amounts of the high temperature
grease from the seal kit should be applied to areas
between the pitman shaft bearing and oil seals and
also between the dust seals and snap ring.
Fig. 17 OIL SEAL REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL
8990
WITH SLIDE HAMMER C-3752
2 - VALVE HOUSING
Fig. 18 RETAINER RING INSTALLATION
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
3 - TORQUE WRENCH
Fig. 19 CENTERED GEAR TEETH
1 - GEAR INSTALLED WITH THE CENTER TOOTH CENTERED IN
HOLE
2 - VALVE HOUSING
19 - 28 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

(10) Install the new dust seal usinghigh temp
grease, special tool C-4171 (driver) and 8987 (han-
dle).
(11) Check to make sure the gear is centered in
the middle tooth before installing the pitman shaft
(Fig. 19).
(12) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR/PITMAN SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).(14) Install the steering gear to the vehicle (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(15) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
PITMAN SHAFT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS
(1) Separate 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 (Fig.
22).
(7) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
Fig. 20 INPUT SHAFT SEAL PROTECTOR
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8986
Fig. 21 INPUT SHAFT SEAL INSTALLATION
1 - VALVE HOUSING
2 - SPECIAL TOOL
8987
3 - SPECIAL TOOL
C-4171
Fig. 22 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
DRGEAR - LINK/COIL 19 - 29
STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT SEAL (Continued)

REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Separate 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 stub shaft with a 12 point socket
from stop to stop and count the number of turns (Fig.
23).
(6) Center the stub shaft by rotating it from the
stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns (Fig. 23).
(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 (Fig.
24).
(9) Remove the cover if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut, Then removing the cover from the pit-
man shaft.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install pitman shaft into the steering gear until
it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment,
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(6) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
(2) Install the pitman shaft into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
(3) Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
(4) Perform over-center meshload adjustment
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
(5) Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
Fig. 23 CENTERING STEERING GEAR
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - 12 POINT SOCKET
3 - RATCHET
4 - INPUT SHAFT
Fig. 24 PITMAN SHAFT
1 - PITMAN SHAFT
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - COVER
4 - ADJUSTING NUT
19 - 30 GEAR - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN SHAFT (Continued)

LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END ................................31TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END..........31
INSTALLATION - OUTER TIE ROD END......32
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT
FRONT SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END
NOTE: If the outer tie rod end is equipped with a
lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test
the vehicle before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the vehicle
steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position indicator plunger on the topside of the
outer tie rod end.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the outer tie rod
end.
(5) Position a pry bar in order to pry downwards
on the outer tie rod end.
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the outer tie rod end (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
(7) If the outer tie rod end is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END
NOTE: Do not twist the boot anytime during
removal or installation.
(1) Loosen the jam nut.
(2) Remove the outer tie rod end nut from the ball
stud.
(3) Separate the tie rod ball stud from the knuckle
with Remover 8677 (Fig. 1).
(4) Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner
tie rod.
Fig. 1 TIE ROD SEPARATION
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
DRLINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 31