Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 902

Fig. 59: Identifying OTC® 7929A Jaws, L-4407A Puller & Puller Jaws
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

3. Install puller special tool L-4407A puller (2) with OTC® 7929A jaws (1) or equivalent using the top of

the bolt (3) to push on.

4. Remove the steering wheel.

INSTALLATION

STEERING WHEEL

1. Install steering wheel to the column

2. Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the bolt to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.).

3. Install the drivers side air bag. Refer to INSTALLATION .

GEAR

DESCRIPTION

RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR

NOTE:

Ensure the puller jaws (1) are seated in the pockets of the steering wheel
armature.

NOTE:

Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a new bolt must be used)

NOTE:

Be certain that the steering wheel mounting bolt is tightened to the proper
torque specification to ensure proper clockspring operation.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 60: Rack & Pinion Steering Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

A rack and pinion steering gear is made up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the rack. The gear
cannot be adjusted or internally serviced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear must be replaced as an
assembly, With the exception of the outer tie rods (3 & 5) which are serviced separately. See Fig. 60.

OPERATION

RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR

The steering column intermediate 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, which are connected to the
steering knuckles to change the direction of the front wheels.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

POWER STEERING GEAR

1 - TIE ROD - INNER
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER LH
4 - BOOTS
5 - TIE ROD END - OUTER RH

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

OBJECTIONABLE HISS OR WHISTLE POSSIBLY CAUSED BY A NOISY STEERING GEAR

1. Check and adjust power steering fluid level in the reservoir as necessary. See STANDARD

PROCEDURE.

2. Start the vehicle and heat system by steering lock-to-lock 5 times with the engine running at 3000 RPM.

Do not hold the gear against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time.

3. Return the engine to idle speed.

4. Listen for the noise when turning the wheel slowly off center during a dry park maneuver.

5. Replace power steering gear if the hiss or whistle is present. See REMOVAL.

REMOVAL

RACK & PINION - 2WD

1. Siphon the power steering fluid from the power steering reservoir.

2. Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of the clockspring.

3. Raise and support the vehicle.

4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

5. Remove the tie rod end nuts.

6. Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with Puller C-3894-A.

NOTE:

The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not
be equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the
steering wheel for service will have to be used.

NOTE:

Mark the alignment adjusting cams and tie rod end jam nuts on the
steering gear for easier installation.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 61: Removing/Installing Lower Intermediate Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt And Sliding Coupler
Off/On Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

7. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt and slide the coupler off the gear.

Fig. 62: Identifying Power Steering Lines & Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

8. Remove the power steering lines (1 & 2) from the gear (3).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro