Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 907

Fig. 87: Power Steering Pump
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Hydraulic pressure for the power steering system is provided by a belt driven power steering pump. The pump
shaft has a bolt-on drive pulley that is belt driven by the crankshaft pulley. The reservoir is separate from the
pump body. The power steering pump is connected to the steering gear by the pressure and return hoses.

3.7L POWER STEERING PUMP

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 88: Power Steering Pump Assembly
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Hydraulic pressure for the power steering system is provided by a belt driven power steering pump (4). See Fig.
88. The pump shaft has a pressed-on high strength plastic drive pulley (3) that is belt driven by the crankshaft
pulley.

4.0L

1 - RESERVOIR
2 - CAP
3 - PULLEY
4 - PUMP BODY
5 - RESERVOIR RETAINING CLIPS

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 89: Identifying Drive Pulley, Reservoir & Power Steering Pump
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Hydraulic pressure for the power steering system is provided by a belt driven power steering pump (4). The
pump shaft has a pressed-on high strength plastic drive pulley (1) that is belt driven by the crankshaft pulley.
The integral reservoir (2) used on the 4.0L is attached to the pump body (4).

OPERATION

POWER STEERING PUMP

The power steering pump is a constant flow rate and displacement, vane-type pump. The pump internal parts
operate submerged in fluid. The flow control orifice is part of the high pressure line fitting. The pressure relief
valve inside the flow control valve limits the pump pressure.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSES

CHECKING FOR WEAR OF POWER STEERING PUMP INTERNAL COMPONENTS

1. Place gear selector in PARK (or NEUTRAL) with wheels chalked.

2. With the engine idling, have a helper turn the steering wheel.

3. Using an electronic listening tool, determine if noise is coming from the pump.

4. Increase the engine speed and have a helper turn the steering wheel. Does the noise change with load?

NOTE:

Power steering pumps have different pressure rates and are not
interchangeable with other pumps.

NOTE:

This information is designed to be used in conjunction with the diagnostic
charts at the beginning of the article. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

5. Replace the power steering pump if excessive noise is present. See REMOVAL.

CHECKING FOR POWER STEERING HOSES TOUCHING BODY OR FRAME OF VEHICLE

Check hoses and hose tubes as following:

Inspect hoses and hose tubes for witness marks. If witness marks are present, adjust hose(s) to the proper
position by loosening, repositioning and tightening attachments to the specified torque. See
SPECIFICATIONS. Do not bend tubing to adjust. Replace the hose assembly if damaged.

Check fastener torque of hose mounting brackets and tube nuts. See SPECIFICATIONS.

Have a helper bump the steering gear off of the stops to induce pressure fluctuations which may move the
hose. If hose contact is made, adjust hose(s) to the proper position by loosening, repositioning and
tightening attachments to the specified torque. See SPECIFICATIONS. Do not bend tubing to adjust.
Replace the hose assembly if damaged.

REMOVAL

POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L ENGINE

1. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible.

2. Remove air cleaner housing. Refer to REMOVAL .

3. Remove the washer/coolant reservoir assembly.

4. Remove the fan shroud.

Fig. 90: Identifying Power Steering Belt, Pressure Line & Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

5. Remove power steering belt (2). Refer to REMOVAL .

6. Remove pressure line (2) at the pump.

7. Remove return line at the reservoir.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro