A. Inspect Steering Gear Pinion Shaft Nut

1. Position the vehicle in the stall and then turn the steering wheel to the full LEFT position (left lock).

2. Turn the ignition off and then remove the ignition key.

3. Turn the steering wheel to the RIGHT until the steering column locks.

4. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.





5. For vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine remove the stay (left cradle reinforcement) from the front crossmember (Figure 1).





6. Clean any dirt and grease from the steering gear end plug (Figure 2).

7. Mark the position of the steering gear end plug relative to the steering gear housing (Figure 2).

8. Using a 15/16" (24 mm) open end wrench or swivel socket, remove the steering gear end plug.

9. Wipe any excess grease from the end of the pinion shaft and the shaft nut.

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT use solvent to clean the pinion shaft nut as it may affect the steering gear bearing lubrication.

10. Visually inspect the threads on the pinion shaft.





^ If the threaded shaft is BELOW the face of the nut (Figure 3), the steering gear assembly must be replaced. Continue with Section B - Replace Steering Gear Assembly.

^ If the threaded shaft protrudes ABOVE the face of the nut (Figure 3), continue with Step 11.





11. Mark the position of the pinion shaft nut relative to the pinion shaft (Figure 4).

12. Using a 17 mm socket, tighten the pinion shaft nut to 14 ft-lbs (19 Nm).

13. Inspect the position of the pinion shaft nut relative to the mark made in Step 11.

^ If the nut turned MORE than 90°, the steering gear assembly must be replaced. Continue with Section B - Replace Steering Gear Assembly.

^ If the nut turned LESS than 90°, no further action is necessary. Continue with Step 14.

14. Clean the threads of the steering gear end plug with solvent and dry completely.

NOTE:
If the steering gear end plug was damaged during removal, install a new end plug, PN MR519043.

15. Wipe the threads of the steering gear housing with a clean cloth.

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT use solvent to clean the steering gear housing, as it may affect the steering gear bearing lubrication.

16. Apply a thread sealant (Mopar PN 04318034 or equivalent) to the end plug threads.

17. Hand start the end plug into the steering gear housing at least two full turns to avoid cross-threading.

18. Using a 15/16" (24 mm) crow's foot socket, tighten the end plug to 44 ft-lbs (59 Nm).

19. Inspect the position of the end plug to the steering gear housing using the mark made in Step 7.

^ If the end plug mark has not reached the housing alignment mark, tighten the nut further until the marks are aligned.

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT exceed 51 ft-lbs (69 Nm). If the plug still has not reached the alignment mark, remove the end plug and then reinstall it.

^ If the end plug mark is at or beyond the housing alignment mark, the end plug has been properly tightened.

20. Stake the end plug in position.

21. For vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, install the stay (left cradle reinforcement) onto the front crossmember (Figure 1). Tighten the bolts to 55 ft-lbs (74 Nm).

22. Lower the vehicle.

23. Start the engine and then check the steering at the full left and right turn positions for any abnormal noise or sticking.