Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 905

6. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and tighten the nuts to 41 N.m (30 ft.lbs.) Plus an additional 90° turn.

7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

8. Install the skid plate. Refer to INSTALLATION .

9. Lower the vehicle.

10. Unlock the steering wheel.

11. Fill the power steering fluid. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.

12. Reset the toe and center the steering wheel. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

RACK & PINION - 4WD

Fig. 77: Identifying Steering Gear & Gear Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new steering gear (if needed).

2. Install the steering gear (1) to the vehicle.

3. Install the gear mounting bolts (2) to the front cradle. Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 176 N.m (130

ft.lbs.).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 78: Identifying Power Steering Lines & Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

4. Install the power steering lines (1 & 2) to the gear (3). Tighten the tube nuts to 27 N.m (20 ft.lbs.).

5. Install the oil filter trough and filter.

6. Install the axle mounting bracket.

7. Install the left lower control arm into position and install the cam/bolt.

8. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and tighten the nuts to 41 N.m (30 ft.lbs.) Plus an additional 90° turn.

9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

10. Lower the vehicle.

Fig. 79: Removing/Installing Lower Intermediate Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt And Sliding Coupler
Off/On Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

11. Install the lower coupler pinch bolt and slide the coupler on to the gear. Tighten to 53 N.m (39 ft.lbs.).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 80: Identifying Battery Tray, Power Center & Battery Terminals
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

12. Install the battery tray (1). Refer to INSTALLATION .

13. Install the battery. Refer to INSTALLATION .

14. Reinstall the power center (2) back into place.

15. Reconnect the battery cables (3).

16. Unlock the steering wheel.

17. Fill the power steering fluid. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.

18. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

N.m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Rack and Pinion Steering

Gear to Frame Bolts

176

130

-

Rack and Pinion Steering

Gear Intermediate Shaft

Bolt

53

39

-

Intermediate Shaft Lower

Support Bearing Nuts

12

9

106

Tie Rod End Knuckle

Nut

41 Plus an additional 90°

turn

30 Plus an additional 90°

turn

-

Tie Rod End Jam Nut

75

55

-

Power Steering Line

Pressure Line

27

20

-

Power Steering Line

27

20

-

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

SPECIAL TOOLS

RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR

Fig. 81: Puller C-3894-A
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

LINKAGE

TIE ROD END

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

TIE ROD

Tie rod free-play can be measured using the following hand methods:

Return Line

NOTE:

When checking free-play, DO NOT rotate the tie rod. Just because a tie rod
rotates easily, it is not necessarily faulty.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro