power steering fluid DODGE RAM SRT-10 2006 Service User Guide

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(Referto19-STEERING/GEAR-REMOVAL).
2. Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
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 reading is the preload torque. The
preload torque must be within 2 - 10 in-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 center. This total on-center torque
reading must be 5 - 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 loosening 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 counterclockwise to decrease the torque reading. While holding the adjuster screw in
place, tighten the lock nut to 34 Nꞏm (25 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
Ty peRecirculating Ball
Gear Code & Ratio 12.5:1
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION Nꞏm Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Preload
To r q u e0.23-1.13 — 2-10
Meshload Torque 0.56-1.02 — 5-9
+ Preload (17 Max)

7. Remove the pitman shaft cover (3) bolts.
NOTE: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing
if it is not centered.
8. Remove the pitman shaft (1) from the gear.
9. Remove the cover (3) if needed by loosing the
adjuster nut (4). Then removing the cover from the
pitman shaft.
INSTALLATION
GAS
1. Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
2. Install pitman shaft (1) into the steering gear until it
fully seats into the bearing.
3. Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68 Nꞏm
(50 ft. lbs.).
4. Perform over-center meshload adjustment, (Refer
to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
5. Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
6. Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

DIESEL
1. Coat the seal withpower steering fluid.
2. Install the pitman shaft (1) into the steering gear
until it fully seats into the bearing.
3. Install the new cover bolts and tighten to 68 Nꞏm
(50 ft. lbs.).
4. Perform over-center meshload adjustment (Refer to
19 - STEERING/GEAR - ADJUSTMENTS).
5. Install the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).
6. Install the pitman arm (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).
7. Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to 2- SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

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PUMP
DESCRIPTION ................................ 77
OPERATION .................................. 77
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PUMP LEAKAGE ............................ 77
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUSHING POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . . . . 77
POWER STEERING PUMP - INITIAL
OPERATION................................ 78
REMOVAL
GAS ENGINE ............................... 79
DIESEL ENGINE............................ 79
INSTALLATION
GAS ENGINE ............................... 80
DIESEL ENGINE............................ 80
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE ................................... 81
FLUID
DESCRIPTION ................................ 82
STANDARD PROCEDURE
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
CHECKING................................. 82
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL .................................... 83
INSTALLATION ............................... 83
HOSES - I.F.S.
REMOVAL
RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO COOLER ......... 85PRESSURE HOSE .......................... 85
RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR TO COOLER . . 85
INSTALLATION
RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO COOLER ......... 86
PRESSURE HOSE .......................... 86
RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR TO COOLER . . 86
HOSES - LINK/COIL
REMOVAL
RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO COOLER ......... 87
PRESSURE HOSE .......................... 87
RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR TO COOLER . . 87
INSTALLATION
RETURN HOSE - GEAR TO COOLER ......... 88
PRESSURE HOSE .......................... 88
RETURN HOSE - RESERVOIR TO COOLER . . 88
SWITCH-POWER STEERING PRESSURE
DESCRIPTION ................................ 89
OPERATION .................................. 89
REMOVAL - 5.7L - HD VEHICLES ONLY ......... 89
INSTALLATION - 5.7L - HD VEHICLES ONLY .... 89
PULLEY
REMOVAL .................................... 90
INSTALLATION ............................... 90
RESERVOIR
REMOVAL .................................... 91
INSTALLATION ............................... 91

PUMP
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: MOPARATF+4 is to be used in the power steering system. No other power steering or auto-
matic 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 interchangeable with pumps installed on other vehicles.
OPERATION
Hydraulic pressure is provided for the power steering
gear by the belt driven power steering pump (2). The
power steering pumps are constant flow rate and dis-
placement, vane-type pumps.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PUMP LEAKAGE
The pump is serviced as an assembly and should not be disassembled. The plastic pump reservoir and the reser-
voir o-rings can be replaced.
Check for leaks in the following areas:
Pump shaft seal behind the pulley
Pump to reservoir O-ring
Reservoir cap
Pressure and return lines
Flow control valve fitting
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUSHING POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hydraulic booster system fluid has become contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid in the steering/booster system can cause seal deterioration and affect steering gear/booster spool valve
operation.
NOTE: The engine should not be run so that all of the fluid is drained from thesystem. The pump should
never be run without fluid.

1. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the wheels are freeto 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 container 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 - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
9. Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes then stop the engine.
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).
POWER STEERING PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURYFROMMOV-
ING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: MOPAR
ATF+4 is to be used in the power steering system. No other power steering or auto-
matic 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 reservoir up to FULL HOT level and crank engine until it just starts.(DO NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL).
Then turn vehicle off. And recheck fluid level, to Full COLD.
3. Crank engine again until it just starts, (DO NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL). and turn vehicle off. Recheck fluid
leveltoFullCOLD.
4. Turn engine on again, (DO NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL) and let the vehicle idle for 5 minutes. If possible
apply a 20 in-Hg vacuum to the reservoir, while engine is idling.
5. Turn engine off and recheck fluid level, to FULL COLD.
6.If the Steering gear is replacedensure reservoir is at FULL HOT level, start engine and turn wheel to left. Stop
Engine and recheck fluid level to FULL HOT. Start engine and turn wheel to the right. Stop engine and check
fluid level is at FULL COLD.
7. Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level and let the fluid settlefor at least two (2) minutes.
8. Start the engine. With the engine idling maintain the fluid level.
9. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
10. 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.
11. Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle for two minutes.
12. 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 standa few minutes and repeat the procedure.

CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
REMOVAL
GAS ENGINE
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 fit-
ting may come loose unless it is backed up using
another wrench. If the fitting does come loose, it
must be retightened before continuing. (57 - 67
Nm, 40 - 50 lb.ft.). 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
properly. If this occurs the pump needs to be
replaced with a new pump.
3. Disconnect the return hose (3).
4. Disconnect the pressure hose (4).
5. Access to remove the three bolts securing the pump to the cylinder head can be gained thru the pulley holes (1).
DIESEL ENGINE
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 retight-
ened before continuing. (57 - 67 Nm, 40 - 50 lb.ft.). 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 properly. 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 (1).
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 radiator
support side and remove the tube from the vehicle.
10. Remove the power steering pump (2) from the top
of the engine compartment where the intake ple-
num was.

FLUID
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: It is normal that some pressure will build up inside the reservoir, especially, with a warm vehicle. A
slight popping noise upon removal ofthe cap is normal. The fluid level should read between the ADD and
the FULL COLD marks. When the fluid is hotit should read between ADD and FULLHOT marks. Only add
fluid when the vehicle is cold.
The recommended fluid for the power steering system is Mopar
AT F + 4 .
Mopar
ATF+4, when new is red in color. The ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the
vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent andis not an indicator of fluid condition, As
the vehicle is driven, the ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown.THIS IS NOR-
MAL.ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to
indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY
FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: MOPAR
ATF+4 is to be used in the power steering system. No other power steering or auto-
matic 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 power steering fluid level can be viewed on the dipstick attached to thefiller cap. There are two ranges listed
on the dipstick, COLD and HOT. Before opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and
debris. Remove the cap and check the fluid level on its dipstick. When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature,
approximately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F), the fluid level should read between the minimum and maximum area of
the cold range. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to read up to thehighest end of the HOT range. Only add
fluid when the vehicle is cold.
Use only Mopar
AT F + 4 .Do not overfill the power steering system.

FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL
1. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid.
2. Disconnect the return and supply hoses connected to the power steering fluid cooler.
3. Remove the mounting bracket bolts (2) securing
the fluid cooler (1) to the brace. (V6&V8)
4. Remove the mounting bracket bolts (3) securing
the fluid cooler (1) to the brace. (Diesel engine)
5. Remove the fluid cooler from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
1. Install the fluid cooler (1) to the vehicle.
2. Install the mounting bracket bolts (2) securing the
fluid cooler (1) to the brace (V6&V8).

3. Install the mounting bracket bolts (3) securing the
fluid cooler (1) to the brace (Diesel Engine).
4. Reclamp the return and supply hoses to the power
steering fluid cooler (4).
5. Refill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).