Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 906

OUTER TIE ROD

Fig. 82: Checking Outer Tie Rod Free Play
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Grasp the outer tie rod near the ball stud and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down. If any free-play
is felt, replace the outer tie rod. See REMOVAL. If no free-play is felt at the outer tie rod, attempt to move the
inner tie rod in the same manner. Refer to the following procedure.

INNER TIE ROD

Fig. 83: Checking Inner Tie Rod Free Play
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Grasp the inner tie rod near the steering gear bellows and attempt to move the tie rod straight up and down. If

NOTE:

Always check and repair (if necessary) outer tie rod free-play before checking
inner tie rod free-play. False results can otherwise be obtained.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

any free-play is felt, replace the steering gear. See REMOVAL.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

STEERING LINKAGE

The tie rod end and ball stud seals should be inspected during all oil changes. If a seal is damaged, replace the
tie rod.

REMOVAL

OUTER TIE ROD END

Fig. 84: Identifying Outer Tie Rod End & Nut
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

3. Loosen the tie rod end jam nut.

4. Remove the outer tie rod end nut (2).

CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced or serviced an alignment must be

performed, to ensure the vehicle meets all alignment specifications.

NOTE:

Mark the outer to inner tie rod end for easier installation.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 85: Identifying Outer Tie Rod End, Knuckle & Tool 9360
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

5. Separate the outer tie rod end (1) from the knuckle (3) using tool 9360 (2).

6. Remove the outer tie rod end (1) from the inner tie rod.

INSTALLATION

OUTER TIE ROD END

NOTE:

Never use anything other than the specified tool to disassemble the ball
joints & tie rods from the steering knuckle. Ball joint seal or knuckle
damage can result.

NOTE:

Count the number of turns when removing.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

Fig. 86: Identifying Outer Tie Rod End & Nut
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Install the outer tie rod end (1) to the inner tie rod end to the exact number of turns that it was removed.

2. Install the outer tie rod end (1) to the knuckle. Tighten the nut (2) to 41 N.m (30 ft.lbs.) Plus an additional

90° turn.

3. Tighten the jam nut to 75 N.m (55 ft.lbs).

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

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

PUMP

DESCRIPTION

2.8L POWER STEERING PUMP

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro