Steering System - Diagnosis
NUMBER: 19-04-99GROUP: Steering
DATE: May 28, 1999
SUBJECT:
Steering System Diagnosis
MODELS:
1999 (BR/BE) Ram Trucks
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customers may complain that the steering system "feels heavy" or the steering wheel is not centered while driving on a straight road.
The steering gear used on the 1999 Ram Truck is designed to have a heavy on-center steering characteristic. Before replacing a steering gear for a steering system "feel" complaint, perform the following Diagnosis to ensure that the rest of the steering system components perform as designed.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Inflate all tires to the pressure specified in the Tire Inflation Pressure sheet (located in the glove box).
2. Start the engine. Turn the steering wheel slowly to the right until the steering gear reaches the end of its travel. Then, slowly turn the steering wheel to the left counting the number of turns required to reach the end of steering gear travel. Turn the steering wheel back to the right a total of 1/2 (one half) the number of turns required to turn the steering wheel right turn lock to left turn lock. This position is the steering gear center. If the steering wheel is centered with the steering gear centered, proceed to Step 4. Proceed to the next step if the steering wheel is not centered with the steering gear being centered.
3. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Upon removal, verify that the master splines are aligned between the steering gear and the intermediate shaft. Align the master splines of the steering coupler with master splines of the steering gear and attach the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Install the pinch bolt and tighten the bolt to 49 N.m (36 ft. lbs.). Then, perform a four-wheel alignment on the vehicle. If necessary, refer to the manufacture of your dealership's alignment equipment for proper operation of your equipment. For information regarding alignment procedures and specifications, refer to the 1999 Dodge Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No.81-370-9108), pages 2-1 through 2-5.
NOTE:
TOE MUST BE ADJUSTED WITH THE STEERING GEAR CENTERED. USE THE TOE ADJUSTMENT TO RETURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE CENTERED POSITION.
4. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel slowly to the right and then to the left (lock-to-lock). Check for any loss of power steering assist or binding in the steering system. If lack of steering assist is found inspect the following:
^ Use the procedure in the 1999 Dodge Ram Service Manual (Publication Number 81-37-9108), page 19-7 to ensure that the power steering system has the proper amount of fluid in it and that all of the air has been removed from the system.
^ Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner for wear and/or damage.
If binding is identified during the steering wheel lock-to-lock check, proceed to Step 5. If the power steering assists functions properly and there is no binding in the steering system, proceed to Step 7.
5. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
6. Inspect the steering dampener attachment on the steering linkage for witness marks that may indicate that the steering dampener has moved from its original location. If no movement is apparent, verify that the attachment nuts are properly torqued to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.). If there are witness marks on the steering linkage that may indicate that the steering dampener has moved, replace the steering dampener. Refer to the 1999 Dodge Ram Service Manual (Publication Number 81-37-9108), page 19-29 for information regarding steering dampener replacement.
7. Perform Technical Service Bulletin 19-03-99, Dated May 7, 1999 for ball joint binding diagnosis.
8. Road Test the vehicle for the condition described by the customer.
^ The initial test should be performed on a smooth highway, tree of road crown, ruts, speed bumps, or potholes. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds, preferably without cross wind conditions. If cross wind conditions are prevalent, drive the vehicle in both directions to the crosswind.
^ Decel the vehicle from highway speeds without applying the brakes. Record any drift condition noticed. If the vehicle drifts, the steering condition can be corrected by performing Technical Service Bulletin 05-04-99 "Chassis Dynamics Diagnosis" dated May 28, 1999.
^ Next, perform several brake applications from speeds greater than 80 kph (50 mph) to a complete stop. This portion of the road test should be performed on several different types of road surfaces. First series of brake applications should be a normal type of brake application (similar to the way you would come to a stop at a stop sign). Second series of brake applications should be a hard braking application but try not to activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS). If the vehicle drifted to one side, or if a wheel locked-up during a normal brake apply, refer to Technical Service Bulletin 05-04-99 "Chassis Dynamics Diagnosis" dated May 28, 1999.
9. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
10. Mark the pitman shaft and pitman arm for installation reference. Remove the pitman arm from the shaft with puller C-4150A.
11. Perform the Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload adjustment. Refer to the 1999 Dodge Ram Service Manual (Publication Number 81-37-9108), pages 19-21 and 19-22 for the proper procedures. The over-center rotating torque should be between 0.23- 0.45 N.m (2 - 6 in.lbs.).
12. Align the master splines of the steering coupler with master splines of the steering gear and attach the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Install the pinch bolt and tighten the bolt to 49 N.m (36 ft. lbs.).
13. Align and install the pitman arm. Install the washer and pitman arm retaining nut onto the pitman shaft. Tighten the nut to 251 N.m (185 ft. lbs.).
14. Verify all repairs by performing the road test described in Step 8.
15. If the condition still exists, replace the steering gear. After the steering gear has been replaced, verify proper steering wheel centering by performing a front end alignment.
POLICY: Information Only