Chrysler 300M, Dodge Interpid. Manual - part 279
CONDITION
POSSIBLE CAUSES
CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.
1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.
1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Power steering gear loose on
crossmember.
2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Power steering gear housing
isolator bushings worn.
3. Replace power steering gear housing
isolator bushings.
4. Steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft worn, broken or
loose.
4. Replace steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft.
5. Free play in steering column.
5. Check all components of the steering
column and repair or replace as required.
6. Worn lower control arm ball joints.
6. Replace lower control arm as required.
7. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint
stud pinch bolt.
7. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary,
and tighten to specified torque.
8. Front wheel bearing loose or
worn.
8. Replace hub and bearing or knuckle as
necessary.
9. Loose outer tie rod end.
9. Replace outer tie rod end that has
excessive free play.
10. Worn inner tie rod bushing.
10. Replace inner tie rod.
11. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.
11. Replace power steering gear.
* NOTE: Steering shudder can be expected in new
vehicles and vehicles with recent steering system
repairs. Shudder should dissipate after the vehicle
has been driven several weeks.
** NOTE: To evaluate this condition, it may be nec-
essary to disconnect the coupling at the base of the
steering column. Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering column. To
avoid damaging the column clockspring, note the
following. Before disconnecting coupling, place
tires in the straight-ahead position and center steer-
ing wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotate
steering wheel more than one revolution in either
direction and place steering wheel in original loca-
tion before reconnecting coupling. If this position is
lost, the steering column clockspring must be
recentered following the procedure found within the
procedure for steering column installation in the
steering column section.
LH
STEERING
19 - 9
STEERING (Continued)