Dodge Durango (DN). Manual — part 22

STEERING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

page

POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
POWER STEERING PUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
STEERING COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

POWER STEERING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

page

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

STEERING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE . . . . . 4

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

STEERING SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Power steering systems consist of:
• Steering column

• Rack and pinion steering gear

• Belt driven hydraulic steering pump

• Pump pressure and return hoses

• Oil Cooler

OPERATION

The steering column shaft is attached to the gear

pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear
rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack
pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction
of the front wheels.

Power assist is provided by an engine mounted

hydraulic pump, (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2) the pump sup-
plies hydraulic fluid pressure to the steering gear.
Some vehicles are equipped with an oil cooler.

Fig. 1 Steering Pump, Gear And Oil Cooler - 5.2L &

5.9L

1 – HYDRAULIC PUMP
2 – RACK AND PINION GEAR
3 – OIL COOLER

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STEERING

19 - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

POWER STEERING SYSTEM

STEERING NOISE

There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a

standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it’s travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE

1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.

1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.

2. Noisy valve in power steering gear.

2. Replace steering gear.

RATTLE OR CLUNK

1. Gear mounting bolts loose.

1. Tighten bolts to specification.

2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.

2. Inspect and repair suspension.

3. Internal gear noise.

3. Replace steering gear.

4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.

4. Reposition hose.

5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.

5. Inspect and repair or replace.

CHIRP OR SQUEAL

1. Loose belt.

1. Adjust or replace.

Fig. 2 Steering Pump, Gear And Oil Cooler - 4.7L

1 – HYDRAULIC PUMP
2 – RACK AND PINION GEAR
3 – OIL COOLER

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STEERING

DN

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

WHINE OR GROWL

1. Low fluid level.

1. Fill to proper level.

2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.

2. Reposition hose.

3. Internal pump noise.

3. Replace pump.

SUCKING AIR SOUND

1. Loose return line clamp.

1. Replace clamp.

2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.

2. Replace o-ring.

3. Low fluid level.

3. Fill to proper level.

4. Air leak between pump and reservoir.

4. Repair as necessary.

5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly.

5. Install reservoir cap correctly.

SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING

1. Wrong tire size.

1. Verify tire size.

2. Wrong gear.

2. Verify gear.

BINDING AND STICKING

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTION

DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL

STICKS OR BINDS

1. Low fluid level.

1. Fill to proper level.

2. Tire pressure.

2. Adjust tire pressure.

3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).

3 Inspect and repair as necessary.

4. Loose belt.

4. Adjust or replace.

5. Low pump pressure.

5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.

6. Column shaft coupler binding.

6. Replace coupler.

7. Steering gear worn.

7. Replace gear.

INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTION

HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT

1. Tire pressure.

1. Adjust tire pressure.

2. Low fluid level.

2. Fill to proper level.

3. Loose belt.

3. Adjust or replace.

4. Low pump pressure.

4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.

5. Internal gear leak.

5. Replace gear.

STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION

1. Tire pressure.

1. Adjust tire pressure.

2. Wheel alignment.

2. Align front end.

3. Lack of lubrication.

3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.

4. High friction in steering gear.

4. Replace gear.

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STEERING

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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)