Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 903

Fig. 63: Identifying Steering Gear & Gear Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

9. Remove the mounting bolts (2) from the gear (1) to the front cradle.

10. Remove the steering gear (1) from the vehicle.

RACK & PINION - 4WD

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

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

Fig. 64: Identifying Battery Tray, Power Center & Battery Terminals

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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

3. Disconnect the battery (3).

4. Remove the battery. Refer to REMOVAL .

5. Unclip the power center (2) and move it to the side out of the way to access the battery tray (1).

6. Remove the battery tray (1). Refer to REMOVAL .

Fig. 65: 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.

8. Raise and support the vehicle.

9. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

10. Remove the tie rod end nuts.

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

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

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

Fig. 67: Identifying Steering Gear & Gear Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

13. Remove the mounting bolts (2) from the gear (1) to the front cradle.

14. Remove the left front lower suspension arm cam/bolt and lower the control arm enough to get the axle

mounting bracket bolt out.This must be done to remove the axle mounting bracket.

15. Remove the axle mounting bracket.

16. Remove the oil filter and trough.

17. Put the steering gear in the full right position and lower the gear out of the vehicle.

18. Remove the steering gear (1) from the vehicle.

RACK & PINION - 4.0L

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

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 air cleaner housing. Refer to REMOVAL .

5. Remove the washer/coolant reservoir assembly.

6. Remove the fan shroud.

7. Remove the pressure and return lines at the gear.

8. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.

9. Remove the front axle. Refer to REMOVAL .

10. Remove the tie rod end nuts.

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

Fig. 68: Removing/Installing Lower Intermediate Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt And Sliding Coupler
Off/On Gear
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

12. Remove the intermediate shaft (3) lower coupler pinch bolt (1) and slide the coupler (3) off the gear (2).

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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro