steering DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

INSTALLATION - OUTER TIE ROD END
NOTE: Do not twist the boot at anytime during
removal or installation.
(1) Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie
rod, to it's original position (Fig. 2).
(2) Install the outer tie rod end into the steering
knuckle (Fig. 2).
(3) Tighten the ball stud nut on the ball stud to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.) then an additional 90É.
(4) Set wheel toe pattern, (Refer to 2 - SUSPEN-
SION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) Tighten jam nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 TIE ROD END
1 - JAM NUT
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER
19 - 32 LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONDR
TIE ROD END (Continued)

LINKAGE - LINK/COIL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................33
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION....34
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................34
SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE...................35
DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
DRAG LINK
REMOVAL.............................35INSTALLATION.........................35
PITMAN ARM
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................37
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL
DESCRIPTION
The steering linkage is comprised of a tie rod end,
tie rod, drag link, steering damper and pitman arm
(Fig. 1).
CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced
or serviced an alignment must be performed.
NOTE: To avoid damaging ball stud seals, use
Puller C-3894±A or an appropriate puller to remove
tie rod ends (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 LINK/COIL FRONT SUSPENSION
1 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - STEERING GEAR
4 - STABILIZER LINK
5 - TIE ROD ENDS
6 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS
7 - DRAG LINK
8 - TRACK BAR
9 - DAMPER
10 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
DRLINKAGE - LINK/COIL 19 - 33

STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system compo-
nents is required. Refer to Lubrication And Mainte-
nance for the recommended maintenance schedule.
The following components must be lubricated:
²Tie rod
²Tie rod end
²Drag link
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Pitman Arm
Gear Shaft Nut300 225 Ð
Drag Link
Pitman Arm88 65 Ð
Drag Link
Tie Rod108 80 Ð
Drag Link
Adjuster Clamp61 45 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle108 80 Ð
Tie Rod End
Adjuster Clamp61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link to Axle 68 50 Ð
Steering Damper
Axle95 70 Ð
Steering Damper
Tie Rod81 60 Ð
Fig. 2 Ball Stud Puller
1 - CLAMP
2 - ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
3 - PULLER TOOL C-3894±A
4 - SEAL
5 - TIE-ROD END
19 - 34 LINKAGE - LINK/COILDR
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
STEERING LINKAGE
DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering damper mounting nuts
and bolts.
(2) Slide the damper from the isolation bushing.
(3) Remove the damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the steering damper on the axle and iso-
lation bushing. Tighten nut to 95 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the steering damper on the tie rod.
Tighten nut to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
DRAG LINK
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the draglink nut from the pitman arm
side.(2) Remove the drag link nut from the knuckle
side.
(3) Remove the drag link from the right knuckle
and pitman arm with Puller C-3894A (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the drag link to the pitman arm. Install
the nut and tighten to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the drag link to the right steering
knuckle. Install the nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80
ft. lbs.).
(3) Install tie rod to the left steering knuckle and
drag link. Install the nuts and tighten to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
PITMAN ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the drag link from the right knuckle
and pitman arm with Puller C-4150A (Fig. 4).
(2) Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for
installation reference. Remove the nut and washer
from the pitman arm (Fig. 5). Remove the pitman
arm with Puller C-4150A.
Remover Ball Stud MB-991113
Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A
Remover Ball Joint C-4150A
Fig. 3 DRAGLINK REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - DRAGLINK
3 - C -3894-A PULLER
DRLINKAGE - LINK/COIL 19 - 35
LINKAGE - LINK/COIL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Align reference marks and install pitman arm.
(2) Install the lock washer and retaining nut on
the pitman shaft and tighten nut to 251 N´m (185 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Install the drag link to the pitman arm (Fig. 6).
Install the nut and tighten to 108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tie rod nuts (Fig. 7).
(2) Remove tie rod from drag link and left knuckle
with Puller C-4150A.
Fig. 4 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL
1 - PITMAN ARM
2 - C-4150A PULLER
Fig. 5 PITMAN ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - STEERING GEAR
2 - PITMAN ARM
3 - NUT
4 - WASHER
Fig. 6 PITMAN ARM INSTALLED
1 - DRAGLINK
2 - STEERING GEAR
3 - SWAYBAR
4 - NUT/WASHER
5 - PITMAN ARM
Fig. 7 TIE ROD ENDS
1 - NUT
2 - TIE ROD ENDS
19 - 36 LINKAGE - LINK/COILDR
PITMAN ARM (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install tie rod to the left steering knuckle and
drag link. Install the nuts and tighten to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.).
(2) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to
the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe,
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) After adjustment tighten tie rod adjustment
sleeve clamp bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retain-
ing bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the axle.
(2) Remove the track bar bolts and nuts (Fig. 8).
(3) Remove the track bar (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar.
(2) Install the new bolts and nuts. Tighten to 203
N´m (150 ft lbs.).(3) Remove the supports under the axle and lower
the vehicle to the ground.
Fig. 8 TRACK BAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1 - TRACK BAR
2 - BOLT
3 - NUT
DRLINKAGE - LINK/COIL 19 - 37
TIE ROD END (Continued)

PUMP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PUMP
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PUMP LEAKAGE . 39
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER
STEERING PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION....39
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM............39
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS......................40
REMOVAL - DIESEL...................40
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS..................41
INSTALLATION - DIESEL................41
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................41
FLUID
DESCRIPTION.........................42
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER
STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING......42
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
HOSES - I.F.S.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
REMOVAL - PRESSURE HOSE...........43
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR
TO COOLER.........................43INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
INSTALLATION - PRESSURE HOSE.......43
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE -
RESERVOIR TO COOLER...............43
HOSES - LINK/COIL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................43
REMOVAL - PRESSURE HOSE...........44
REMOVAL - RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR
TO COOLER.........................44
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO
COOLER............................44
INSTALLATION - PRESSURE HOSE.......44
INSTALLATION - RETURN HOSE -
RESERVOIR TO COOLER...............44
POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
REMOVAL - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L..............45
INSTALLATION - 3.7L, 4.7L & 5.7L..........45
PULLEY
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
RESERVOIR
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
PUMP
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.
The pump is connected to the steering gear via the
pressure hose and the return hose. The pump shaft
has a pressed-on pulley that is belt driven by the
crankshaft pulley.All vehicles are equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler.
NOTE: Power steering pumps are not interchange-
able with pumps installed on other vehicles.
OPERATION
Hydraulic pressure is provided for the power steer-
ing gear by the belt driven power steering pump (Fig.
1). The power steering pumps are constant flow rate
and displacement, vane-type pumps.
19 - 38 PUMPDR

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PUMP LEAKAGE
The pump is serviced as an assembly and should
not be disassembled. The plastic pump reservoir and
the reservoir o-rings can be replaced.
Check for leaks in the following areas:
²Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
²Pump to reservoir O-ring
²Reservoir cap
²Pressure and return lines
²Flow control valve fitting
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING COMPONENTS.
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.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateCOLDwhen the fluid is
at normal temperature.(1) Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
(2) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(4) Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20
times with the engine off while checking the fluid
level.
NOTE: For vehicles with long return lines or oil
coolers turn wheel 40 times.
(5) Start the engine. With the engine idling main-
tain the fluid level.
(6) Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle
for two minutes.
(7) Turn the steering wheel in both direction and
verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat
the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hy-
draulic booster system fluid has become contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid in the steering/booster
system can cause seal deterioration and affect steer-
ing gear/booster spool valve operation.
(1) Raise the front end of the vehicle off the
ground until the wheels are free to turn.
(2) Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
booster remove both return lines from the pump.
(3) Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
(4) Position the return line/lines into a large con-
tainer to catch the fluid.
(5) While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir
start the engine.
(6) With the engine running at idle turn the wheel
back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the
steering stops.
(7) Run a quart of fluid through the system then
stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
(8) Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering
Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes
then stop the engine.
Fig. 1 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - 3.7L & 4.7L (6 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.7L,5.9L & 8.0L (7 GROOVE)
PHENOLIC (PLASTIC TYPE) PULLEY
1 - 5.9L DIESEL (8 GROOVE)
STEEL PULLEY
2 - PUMP ASSEMBLY
3 - RESERVOIR
4 - CAP
DRPUMP 19 - 39
PUMP (Continued)

(10) Remove the return line/lines from the pump
and plug the pump port/ports.
(11) Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check
the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is
still contaminated, then flush the system again.
(12) Install the return line/lines and perform
Steering Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - GAS
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(2) Remove the serpentine belt.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump
that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting
may come loose unless it is backed up using
another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it
must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67Nm,
40 - 50 lbft) If this fitting comes out of the pump
body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out
of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled prop-
erly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced
with a new pump.
(3) Disconnect the return hose. (Fig. 2)
(4) Disconnect the pressure hose. (Fig. 2)
(5) Access to remove the three bolts securing the
pump to the cylinder head can be gained thru the
pulley holes. (Fig. 2)
REMOVAL - DIESEL
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from
the reservoir.
(2) Remove the serpentine belt.
CAUTION: Do not remove the fitting on the pump
that the high pressure hose screws into. The fitting
may come loose unless it is backed up using
another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it
must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67Nm,
40 - 50 lbft) If this fitting comes out of the pump
body, the internal spring and valve parts will fall out
of the pump and they cannot be reinstalled prop-
erly. If this occurs the pump needs to be replaced
with a new pump.
(3) Disconnect the return hose.
(4) Disconnect the pressure hose.
(5) Access to remove the three bolts securing the
pump to the cylinder head can be gained thru the
pulley holes.
(6) Loosen the pump bracket to the block.
(7) Remove the 6 intake plenum bolts (Fig. 3).
(8) loosen the inner cooler tube clamp at the
intake plenum and remove the intake plenum.
(9) Loosen the inner cooler tube clamp at the radi-
ator support side and remove the tube from the vehi-
cle.
(10) Remove the power steering pump from the top
of the engine compartment where the intake plenum
was (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 POWER STEERING PUMP
1 - POWER STEERING PULLEY
2 - POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
3 - RETURN HOSE
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE
Fig. 3 POWER STEERING PUMP ACCESS
1 - INTAKE PLENUM MOUNTING
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP
19 - 40 PUMPDR
PUMP (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS
(1) Align the pump with the mounting holes in the
left cylinder head.
(2) Install 3 pump mounting bolts through the pul-
ley access holes. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the pressure line and return hose to
the pump and reservoir. Tighten the pressure line to
37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the serpentine drive belt, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Fill the power steering pump, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) Set the power steering pump in place in the
engine compartment from the top (Fig. 3).
(2) Install the inner cooler tube.
(3) Tighten the inner cooler tube clamp at the
radiator support side.
(4) Install the 6 intake plenum bolts (Fig. 3).
(5) Tighten the inner cooler tube clamp at the
intake plenum.
(6) Install 3 pump mounting bolts through the pul-
ley access holes. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Tighten the pump bracket to the block.
(8) Reconnect the pressure line and return hose to
the pump and reservoir. Tighten the pressure line to
37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the serpentine drive belt, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Fill the power steering pump, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Power Steering Pressure
Switch10 Ð 80
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
Power Steering Pump
Mounting Bolts28 27 Ð
Power Steering Pump
Reservoir Bolts75Ð
Power Steering Pump
Bracket Bolts75Ð
DRPUMP 19 - 41
PUMP (Continued)