Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 889

Fig. 1: Analyzer With Tube & Adapter
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The following procedure is used to test the operation of the power steering system on the vehicle. This test will
provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief
pressure. Perform test any time a power steering system problem is present. This test will determine if the
power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following pressure and flow test is
performed using Power Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 and Adapter Kit 6893. See Fig. 1.

FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 2: Analyzer With Tube & Adapter
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.

2. Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power Steering Analyzer to Tube 6844.

3. Connect Adapter 6826 to Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.

4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the power steering pump.

5. Connect the tube to the pump hose fitting.

6. Connect the power steering hose from the steering gear to the adapter.

7. Open the test valve completely.

8. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge

and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.

9. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.

10. Check for air bubbles, evacuate if necessary.

1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

11. Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as

necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).

12. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below

specification, (refer to pump specification chart for GPM) the pump should be replaced.

13. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must

be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.

Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.

Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.

14. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions three times against

the stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. Compare readings to the pump
specifications chart. If pressure readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking internally
and must be replaced.

PUMP SPECIFICATION

STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) ISSUES

CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump

pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve
closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.

CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to

3 seconds at a time because, pump damage will result.

ENGINE

RELIEF PRESSURE

FLOW RATE (GPM) AT 1500

RPM

ALL

10342 kPa, PREFERRED (1450 psi) with a

MAX 1550 psi & 7929 kPa, MIN (1400 psi)

2.4 - 2.8

NOTE:

There are three diagnosis charts following that cover NOISE, VIBRATION AND
HARSHNESS (NVH) ISSUES, PERFORMANCE ISSUES, and FLUID ISSUES.

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

EVALUATION/CORRECTION

OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE WHILE
TURNING STEERING
WHEEL WHEN
STATIONARY OR
MOVING SLOWLY*

1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
boot seal.

1. Check to ensure boot is properly
installed and seals against sheet metal.
Reposition or replace steering column
shaft/coupling dash boot seal as
necessary.

2. Mis-routed power steering hose. 2. Check routing of power steering

hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

unwanted contact with other
components and objects.

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3. Restriction in pressure or return
hose.

3. Using an electronic listening tool,
determine if noise is coming from either
pressure or return hose. Replace hose
that noise is present within.

4. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.

4. For evaluation and correction, see
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.

RATTLE OR EXCESSIVE
CLUNK**

1. Power steering gear loose on
engine cradle/crossmember.

1. Check fastener torque and tighten to
specifications. Replace as necessary.
Check steering wheel center following
repair.

2. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower or knuckle.

2. Check fastener torque and tighten to
specifications.

3. Excessive play in outer tie rod.

3. For evaluation and correction, see
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.

4. Engine cradle/crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame
or bushings worn.

4. Check fastener torque and tighten to
specifications. Inspect bushings and
repair as necessary.

5. Wheel Mounting (Lug) nuts
loose.

5. Inspect wheel mounting (Lug) nuts
and studs and repair as necessary.
Tighten nuts to specifications.

6. Power steering hose touching the
body or frame of vehicle.

6. For evaluation and correction, see
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.

7. Stabilizer bar link joints worn
(occurs with steering input only
when moving, not stationary).

7. At park, jounce only one side of
vehicle front to exercise stabilizer bar.
Replace stabilizer bar link.

8. Loose lower control arm
mounting bolts at engine cradle,
frame or crossmember (occurs with
steering input only when moving,
not stationary).

8. Check control arm mounting bolts
and tighten to specified torque.

-

9. Loose intermediate shaft or
column.

9. Rotate intermediate (steering) shaft in
relationship to gear, checking for free-
play. Check column fasteners and
tighten to specifications as necessary.

10. Lower control arm pivot
bushing worn (occurs with steering
input only when moving, not
stationary).

10. Inspect bushings for wear and
replace lower control arm as necessary.

11. Internal power steering gear
noise.

11. Drive vehicle on rough road, then
steer rapidly back and forth when
stopped. Replace power steering gear as
necessary.

-

12. Loose inner tie rod.

12. For evaluation and correction, see
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro