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Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes. Manual - part 30

10-12

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

11.18 Slide off the shock absorber rod rubber jounce bumper, collar,

and coil spring isolator

12.2 Use an open-end wrench to hold the

trailing link from rotating while removing

the nut and washer at the knuckle

Remove the dust boot from the shock

absorber (see illustration 11.15).
17

Lift the coil spring off of the shock

absorber. Warning:

Keep the

ends

of the

spring pointed away from

your body. Set

the

spring aside in a safe, isolated location.
18

Remove the rubber jounce bumper, col-

lar, and coil spring isolator from the shock
absorber (see illustration).
19

Reassembly is the reverse of removal.

When installing the sleeve on the shock
absorber rod, install it with the undercut side
of the sleeve facing downward. Push the
sleeve tightly onto the rod step until the
sleeve is seated firmly. Reinstall the top
washer on the shock rod with the work TOP
stamped on the washer facing upward (see
illustration 11.13). When reinstalling the
spring, align the studs at the top of the
mounting plate with the hole in the bottom
clevis bracket

before

relieving the spring

force.

Installation

Guide the shock absorber into place,

inserting the upper mounting studs through

the holes in the shock tower. Install the nuts,

but don't tighten them yet.
21

Connect the lower end of the shock

absorber to the knuckle, with the bolt head

facing the rear of the vehicle. Tighten the

bolt/nut to the torque listed in this Chapter's
Specifications.
22 Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the

vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque

li sted in the Chapter 1 Specifications. Tighten

the upper mounting nuts to the torque listed

in this Chapter's Specifications. Install the
cap.

12 Trailing link (rear) - removal and

installation

Refer

to illustrations 12.2 and 12.3

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the

vehicle and support it securely on jackstands.

Block the front wheels and remove the rear

wheel.
2

At the rear knuckle, remove the nut,

bushing retainer, and outer trailing link bush-
ing from the trailing link (see illustration).

Remove the four bolts from the trailing

li nk bracket which attach the bracket to the
body and frame rail (see illustration).

Remove trailing link and mounting

bracket as an assembly from the vehicle.

If separating the trailing link from the

mounting bracket, note the location and posi-
tions of the bushings and retainer for correct
reinstallation later.
6

Installation is the reverse of the removal

procedure. Be sure to tighten the bolts and
nuts to the torque listed in this Chapter's
Specifications.

13 Lateral links (rear) - removal and

installation

Refer

to illustrations 13.2, 13.4, 13.6 and 13.7

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the

rear of the vehicle and support it securely on
jackstands. Remove the rear wheel.

12.3 Unbolt the trailing link bracket bolts
(arrow) to remove the forward end of the

trailing link

Forward lateral link

Remove rear stabilizer bar attaching link

from the forward lateral link (see illustration).
3

Remove the nut, bolt and washer

attaching the forward lateral link to the
knuckle (see illustration 11.2).

BOLT AND

13.2 Remove the

WASHER stabilizer bar attaching

li nk bolt/nuts and front

lateral link to knuckle

bolt and washer

STABILIZER

BAR

ATTACHING

LINK

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

10-13

13.4 Remove the front lateral link-to-crossmember bolt (arrow)

and nut

13.6 Remove the rear lateral link to knuckle bolt (arrow) and nut

Remove the nut, bolt and washer

attaching the forward lateral link to the sus-
pension crossmember (see illustration).
5

Remove the forward lateral link from the

vehicle. Note: Lateral links are replaced as a
unit - do not repair or straighten a lateral link.
Do not apply heat to the lateral link adjusting
screws or jam nuts to loosen them.

Rear lateral link

Remove the nut, bolt and washer

attaching the rear lateral link to the knuckle
(see illustration).
7

Remove the bolt and washer attaching

the rear lateral link to the suspension cross-

member (see illustration).

Remove the rear lateral link from the

vehicle. Note: Lateral links are replaced as a
unit - do not repair or straighten a lateral link.
Do not apply heat to the lateral link adjusting
screws or jam nuts to loosen them.

Installation

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Install the front lateral link crossmember bolt

with the head of the bolts are toward the front

of the vehicle. Install the rear lateral link
crossmember bolt with the head of the bolts
are toward the rear of the vehicle. For the for-
ward lateral link, make sure the cup in the
cast portion faces downward and toward the
rear knuckle when installed. For the rear lat-
eral link, install with the adjusting screw

toward the knuckle, not toward the suspen-

sion crossmember (see illustration 13.6).

Tighten all fasteners to the torque listed in

this Chapter's Specifications.
10 Install the wheel and lug nuts, then
lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the
wheel lug nuts to the torque listed in the
Chapter 1 Specifications.

14 Rear suspension crossmember -

removal and reinstallation

Refer to illustration 14.6
1

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the

13.7 Remove the rear lateral link

bolt/washer from the

suspension crossmember

rear of the vehicle and support it securely on
jackstands. Remove the rear wheels.
2

Remove the muffler support bracket

from the rear frame rail.
3

Remove the rear exhaust pipe hanger

from the suspension crossmember, then
ease the exhaust system while it drops down
as far as possible.
4

Support the suspension crossmember

with a hydraulic jack and a wooden block on
the jack. If the vehicle has ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System), remove the routing clips for
the wheel speed sensor cable from the
brackets on the upper control arm.
5

Remove the nuts and bolts on each side

of the vehicle which attach both rear lateral
li nks and both front lateral links to the knuck-
les.
6

Remove the bolts attaching the suspen-

sion crossmember to the rear frame rails (see
illustration).
7

Lower the suspension crossmember

using the hydraulic jack a sufficient distance

to remove the upper control arm pivot bolts
which attach the control arm pivot bar to the
crossmember (see illustration 1.2b).
8

Remove the four upper control arm

mounting bolts from the suspension cross -

14.6 Remove the suspension

crossmember mounting bolts (arrow)

member. Remove the upper control arms

from the crossmember.
9

Lower the suspension crossmember,

lateral arms, and stabilizer bar as far as pos-

sible and then remove the suspension cross-

member.
10 Installation is the reverse of removal.
Mount the lateral links, stabilizer bar bushing

clamps and the stabilizer bar on the cross-

member before installation. Align the cross-
member as described in Section 15. Tighten

the fasteners to the torque listed in this

Chapter's Specifications.

Upper control arm (rear) -
removal and installation

Refer to illustrations 15.6 and 15.13

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the

entire rear of the vehicle and support it
securely on jackstands. Remove the rear
wheels.
2

Remove the shock absorber clevis

bracket bolt and nut from both sides of the
vehicle (see illustration 11.4).
3

Remove the muffler support bracket

from the rear frame rail.

10-14

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

15.6 Use a puller to detach the upper control arm balljoint from

the rear knuckle

15.13 Position a temporary locating drift in the suspension

crossmember to frame rail alignment hole - one drift on each side

of the vehicle

DRIFT

Remove the rear exhaust pipe hangar

from the suspension crossmember, then

ease the exhaust system while it drops down

as far as possible.
5

Remove the cotter pin and loosen the

castle nut attaching the upper control arm

balljoint to the knuckle.

With the castle nut loosened a few

turns, detach the balljoint stud from the

knuckle using a puller (see illustration).
7

Support the suspension crossmember

with a hydraulic jack and a wooden block on
the jack. If the vehicle has ABS (Anti-lock

Brake System), remove the routing clips for

the wheel speed sensor cable from brackets
on the upper control arm.
8

Remove the nuts and bolts on each side

of the vehicle which attach both rear lateral
li nks and both front lateral links to the knuck-
les.
9

Remove the bolts attaching the suspen-

sion crossmember to the rear frame rails (see
illustration 14.6).

Lower the suspension crossmember

using the hydraulic jack a sufficient distance
to remove the upper control arm pivot bolts
which attach the control arm pivot bar to the
crossmember (see illustration 1.2b).

Remove the two upper control arm

mounting bolts from the suspension cross-
member. Remove the upper control arm from
the crossmember.
12

The upper control arm, bushings, and

pivot bar are serviced as a complete assem-
bly. Only the balljoint and balljoint seal are
replaceable.

Replace the balljoint and

balljoint seal with the control arm removed

from the vehicle.

13 Installation is the reverse of removal.

When installing the suspension crossmem-

ber, install a drift (see illustration) into the
positioning holes (one positioning hole in
each side of the crossmember and frame rail)

to properly locate the suspension in the vehi-

cle body. Tighten fasteners to the torque
li sted in this Chapter's Specifications.
Remove the drifts.
14

Drive the vehicle to an alignment shop

to check rear wheel camber and toe and

adjust as necessary.

16 Upper balljoint (rear) -

replacement

The balljoint on the rear upper control

arm is replaceable, but it is a press fit in the

arm and requires a hydraulic press and spe-
cial adapters to remove and install. For this
reason we recommend that you take the
upper control arm to an automotive machine
shop to have the balljoint replaced (refer to
Section 15 for the removal and installation
procedure). Many auto parts stores are also
equipped to handle such work.

17 Hub and bearing assembly (rear)

- removal and installation

Refer to illustrations 17.3, 17.4 and 17.5
Warning: Dust created by the brake system
may contain asbestos, which is harmful to

your health. Never blow it out with com-
pressed air and don't inhale any of it. Do not,

under any circumstances, use petroleum-
based solvents to clean brake parts. Use
brake system cleaner only.
1

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the

vehicle and support it securely on jackstands.
Remove the wheel.
2

Remove the brake drum from the rear

hub/bearing (see Chapter 9).
3

Remove the dust cap (see illustration).

Remove the hub/bearing retaining nut

17.3 Tap off the rear hub/bearing dust cap with a hammer

17.4 Remove the rear spindle nut

and chisel

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

10-15

18.3 Detach the wheel speed sensor from the brake

backing plate

17.5 Pull the rear

hub/bearing assembly off of the knuckle spindle

BRAKE FLEX

HOSE BRACKET

(see illustration). Discard the nut - a new
one must be used upon installation.
5

Pull the hub/bearing assembly off of the

rear spindle (see illustration).
6

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Use a new retaining nut - do not reuse the old
nut. Tighten the nut to the torque listed in this
Chapter's Specifications.
7

Install the wheel and hand tighten the

wheel lug nuts. Remove the jackstands,
lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to

the torque listed in the Chapter 1 Specifica-
tions.

Knuckle/spindle (rear) - removal

and installation

Refer to illustrations 18.3, 18.5a and 18.5b
Warning: Dust created by the brake system
may contain asbestos, which is harmful to
your health. Never blow it out with com-
pressed air and don't inhale any of it. Do not,
under any circumstances, use petroleum-
based solvents to clean brake parts. Use
brake system cleaner only.

Removal

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the

vehicle and support it on jackstands. Block
the front wheels and remove the rear wheel.
2

Remove the rear hub/bearing assembly

(see Section 17).
3

On models with ABS, remove the wheel

speed sensor from the brake backing plate
(see illustrations).
4

Remove the parking brake cable from

the parking brake actuator lever. Then
remove the cable from the brake backing
plate (see Chapter 9).
5

Remove the brake backing plate bolts.

Using a length of wire, hang the brake
assembly from the coil spring above the
knuckle so that you do not need to remove
the brake hose from the wheel cylinder (see
illustrations).
6

Remove the nuts and bolts attaching the

forward and rear lateral links (see Section 13).

18.5a Remove the brake backing plate

bolts (arrows)

Separate the upper control arm balljoint

from the rear knuckle (see Section 15).

Remove the nut and washer attaching

the trailing link to the rear knuckle (see Sec-
tion 12).

Remove the shock absorber-to-knuckle

nut and bolt (see illustration 11.4).

Remove the knuckle assembly from the

vehicle.

Installation

13 Installation is the reverse of removal.

Make sure the shock absorber clevis bracket
bolt is installed with the head of the bolt fac-
ing the rear of the vehicle. Reinstall the trail-
ing link bushings in the same locations as
when you removed them, and with the retain-
ers installed with the cupped side of retainer
facing away from the bushing and knuckle.
Be sure to tighten all suspension fasteners to
the torque listed in this Chapter's Specifica-
tions.
14 Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the
vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque
listed in the Chapter 1 Specifications.
15

Drive the vehicle to an alignment shop

18.5b Hang the brake assembly on the

coil spring using a length of wire

to have the rear wheel alignment checked
and, if necessary, adjusted.

Steering system - general
information

All models are equipped with power

rack-and-pinion steering. The steering gear,

which is located on the suspension cross-

member behind the engine and in front of the

firewall, operates the steering knuckles via
tie-rods connected to steering arms on the
steering knuckles. The tie-rod ends can be
replaced by unscrewing them from the inner
tie-rods.

The power assist system consists of a

belt-driven pump and the associated lines
and hoses. The fluid level in the power steer-
ing pump reservoir should be checked peri-
odically (see Chapter 1).

The steering wheel operates the steer-

ing shaft, which actuates the steering gear
through an intermediate shaft with a universal
joint at the lower end of the steering column
(referred to as the flex joint) and a lower inter -

10-16

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

20.3 Remove the two screws retaining the

steering wheel airbag module

mediate shaft coupler which connects to the
steering gear input shaft. Looseness in the
steering can be caused by wear in the flex
joints, the shaft coupler, the steering gear,
the tie-rod ends and loose retaining bolts.
The steering gear is either a standard power
steering rack-and-pinion unit or an optional
speed-proportional/variable-assist type.

20 Steering wheel - removal and

installation

Removal

Refer to illustrations 20.3, 20.5a, 20.5b and
20.7
Warning: These models have airbags. Always
disable the airbag system before working in
the vicinity of the impact sensors, steering
column or instrument panel to avoid the pos-
sibility of accidental deployment of the
airbag, which could cause personal injury
(see Chapter 12).

Park the vehicle with the front wheels

pointing straight ahead.
2

Disconnect the negative battery cable

from the ground stud on the left shock tower
(see Chapter 5, Section 1). Wait at least two
minutes before proceeding (the system has a

back-up capacitor that must fully discharge).

Remove the two screws, one on each

side of the steering wheel, which retain the
airbag module to the steering wheel (see
illustration).
4

Remove the airbag module from the

steering wheel. Warning: When handling the
airbag module, make sure that at no time any
source of electricity is allowed near the infla-
tor on the back of the airbag module; when
carrying the airbag module, the trim cover
must be pointed away from your body or any
other person; if the airbag module is placed
on a workbench or any other surface, the trim
cover must face upwards. When removing
the airbag module, tag or mark all fasteners,
screws, bolts, and other parts for the airbag
module with their location as removed, for
correct installation later.

20.5a Remove the lock from the airbag

clockspring electrical connector

Remove the lock from the airbag clock-

spring electrical connector and disconnect
the electrical connector from the back of the
airbag module (see illustrations).
6

Remove the screws on the rear of the

steering wheel attaching the speed control
switches and remove the speed control
switches from the steering wheel. Disconnect
the clockspring and horn ground wire from
the airbag mounting bracket.

Remove the steering wheel retaining nut

(see illustration). Mark the steering column

shaft and the steering wheel for correct posi-
tioning when reinstalling later.
8

Remove the steering wheel with a steer-

ing wheel puller - do not bump or hammer on

the steering wheel or steering column in an
attempt to remove the wheel.

Installation

Before installing the steering wheel,

make sure the airbag clockspring is centered.

To do this, push in on the two locking pins to
disengage the locking mechanism. While
continuing to depress the pins, turn the
clockspring rotor clockwise until it stops
(don't turn it with too much force or you could
damage it). Slowly turn the rotor counter-
clockwise until yellow appears in the center-

ing window. The arrow on the rotor of the

20.5b Disconnect the electrical connector

from the back of the airbag module

clockspring should now be pointing at the
yellow window on the clockspring. Release
the locking pins to engage the locking mech-
anism.
10

Lower the steering wheel into position,

feeding the clockspring wiring harness
through the opening in the wheel.
11

Place the steering wheel on the shaft,

aligning the marks. Also, make sure the flats
on the hub of the steering wheel engage with
the flats on the inside of the clockspring.
Install the nut and tighten it to the torque
li sted in this Chapter's Specifications.
12

Correctly route and reconnect electrical

connectors such as the speed control switch
electrical leads from the clockspring to
switch openings in the steering wheel. Con-
nect the clockspring electrical leads to the
speed control switches. Install the speed
control switches in the steering wheel. Then
install and tighten the screws attaching the
speed control switches.
13

Plug in the horn and airbag module elec-

trical connectors. Press the speed control
wires into the retaining channels on the steer-
ing wheel.
14 Install the airbag module electrical lead
from the clockspring into the connector on

the airbag module. Insert the locking tab in

the back of the airbag module connector.

20.7 Remove the

steering wheel

retaining nut

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

10-17

OUTER TIE

ROD

21.2 Loosen the tie-rod jam nut

INNER TIE

ROD

21.4a While holding the ballstud with a wrench to prevent it from

turning, loosen the nut

JAM

NUT

15 Install the airbag module into the center

of the steering wheel, aligning the airbag
module alignment pins with the mating hole
and slot in the steering wheel. Use the two
original or factory replacement airbag module
retaining bolts. Tighten the airbag module
retaining bolts to the torque listed in this
Chapter's Specifications. Warning: Make
sure the electrical connector from the clock-
spring is securely latched into the airbag
module connector. The fasteners, screws,
bolts, and other parts for the airbag module

are specifically designed and must never be

replaced with anything other than genuine
factory part number replacements.
16 Install the remote ground cable on the
ground stud (at the underhood shock tower)
to reapply battery power.

21 Tie-rod ends - removal and

installation

Refer to illustrations 21.2, 21.4a and 21.4b

Removal

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the

front of the vehicle and support it securely on
jackstands. Apply the parking brake and

block the rear wheels to keep the vehicle

from rolling off the jackstands. Remove the
wheel.
2

Loosen the tie-rod end jam nut (see

illustration).
3

Mark the relationship of the tie-rod end

to the threaded portion of the tie-rod. This
will ensure the toe-in setting is restored when
reassembled.
4

Loosen the nut from the tie-rod end ball-

stud a few turns, while holding the ballstud
with a wrench (see illustration). Disconnect
the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle arm
with a puller (see illustration).
5

Remove the nut from the ballstud, sepa-

rate the tie-rod end from the steering
knuckle, then unscrew the tie-rod end from
the tie-rod.

Installation

Thread the tie-rod end onto the tie-rod

to the marked position and connect the tie-

rod end to the steering arm. Install the nut on

the ballstud and tighten it to the torque listed

in this Chapter's Specifications while holding

the ballstud with a wrench to prevent it from
turning.
7

Tighten the jam nut securely and install

the wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the
lug nuts to the torque listed in the Chapter 1
Specifications.
8

Drive the vehicle to an alignment shop

and have the front end alignment checked
and, if necessary, adjusted.

22 Steering gear and pressure

switch - removal and installation

Steering gear

Removal

Refer to illustrations 22.3, 22.7a, 22.7b,

22.15, 22.16a and 22.16b

Warning: These models are equipped with

airbags. Make sure the steering shaft is not

turned while the steering gear is removed or

you could damage the airbag system. To pre-

vent the shaft from turning, turn the ignition

key to the lock position before beginning

work or run the seat belt through the steering
wheel and clip the seat belt into place. Due to
the possible damage to the airbag system, we

recommend only experienced mechanics
attempt this procedure.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

from the ground stud on the left shock tower
(see Chapter 5, Section 1).
2

Drain the power steering fluid from the

remote power steering reservoir. This can be

accomplished with a suction gun or large
syringe, or by disconnecting the fluid hose
and draining the fluid into a container.
3

From inside the vehicle under the dash-

board, slide the steering shaft boot up from
the floorboard area and remove the safety
clip on the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Then remove the pinch bolt (see illustration).
4

Mark the intermediate shaft and the

steering gear shaft with alignment markings
for later installation. Then separate the inter-

21.4b Using a puller, separate the

ballstud from the knuckle

mediate shaft coupler from the steering gear
shaft.
5

Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise

the vehicle and place it securely on jack-
stands. Remove both front wheels.
6

Detach the tie-rod ends from the steer-

ing knuckles (see Section 21).

22.3 At the base of the steering column,

slide the boot up and remove the retaining

pin and pinch bolt (arrow)

10-18

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

22.7a Scribe a locating mark from the front suspension

crossmember to the attaching bracket (left side front shown)

22.7b Also mark the rear position of the crossmember (left side

rear shown)

Scribe marks showing the relationship

of the front suspension crossmember to the
crossmember attaching bracket (see illus-
trations). Be sure to mark each side, at the
front and at the rear.
8

Remove the front stabilizer bar mount-

ing clamp to body bolts. It is not necessary to
remove the stabilizer bar clamp-to-front sus-

22.15 If the vehicle is equipped with

electronic module type speed-

sensing/variable assist power steering,

detach the electrical connectors (arrows)

pension crossmember bolts.
9

For ABS-equipped vehicles, remove the

three bolts attaching the Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem hydraulic control unit to the front sus-
pension crossmember. Using a length of
wire, hang the hydraulic control unit from the
body/engine.
10

Remove the left and right side shock

absorber clevis bolts from the lower control
arms.
11

Remove the two bolts from the engine

support bracket attaching to the front edge of

the suspension crossmember, and the two

bolts attaching the rear support bracket at

the rear of the suspension crossmember.

Remove the bolt attaching the engine

support bracket to the transaxle mounting

bracket.
13

Using a transmission jack or two floor

jacks, support the front suspension cross-

member. Lower the crossmember sufficiently

to allow the steering gear to be removed.
Note: Make sure you support the crossmem-
ber and do not allow it to hang from the lower
control arms at any time.

Place a drain pan under the steering

gear and detach the power steering pressure
and return lines. Cap the ends to prevent
excessive fluid loss and contamination.
15

Disconnect the pressure switch wiring

harness connector from the steering gear. On
models equipped with the electronic speed

sensing/variable assist steering, disconnect
the speed sensing/variable assist module
and solenoid control valve electrical connec-
tors (see illustration).

Remove the two steering gear mounting

bolts and isolators at the crossmember and
then remove the two steering gear-to-cross-
member clamp bolts (see illustrations).
17

Remove the steering gear assembly

from the vehicle.

Installation

18 If you're installing a new steering gear
assembly, carefully grasp the steering gear in
your left hand and rotate the shaft counter-
clockwise with your right hand until the steer-
ing gear is in the full-left position.
19 Installation is the reverse of removal.
Make sure you align the marks on the steer-
ing gear shaft with the marks on the interme-
diate shaft. Gently tap the front suspension
crossmember into place, aligning it with the
marks scribed during removal. Make sure the

electrical connector(s) are fully connected
with the connector locking tabs securely

latched. Use a new steering gear intermedi-

ate shaft coupler pinch bolt, and make sure
the retention pin is installed in the bolt after

22.16b Steering gear-to-crossmember mounting bolt

(front shown)

22.16a Steering gear-to-crossmember clamp bolts (lower arrow)

Chapter 10 Suspension and steering systems

10-19

23.11 The power steering fluid cooler is bolted to the bumper

reinforcement bar (1996 and later models)

23.20 Remove the bolt at the power steering pump adjustment

slot (arrow)

tightening the pinch bolt to the torque listed
in this Chapter's Specifications.
20

Refill the power steering with power

steering fluid (see Chapter 1), and bleed the
system (see Section 24).
21

Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the

vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque

listed in the Chapter 1 Specifications. Drive

the vehicle to an alignment shop to have the
wheel alignment checked and, if necessary,
adjusted.

Pressure switch

Raise the vehicle and support it securely

on jackstands.
23

Remove the pressure switch electrical

connector, located on the back side of the
power steering gear.
24

Place a drain pan under the power

steering gear. Using a crow foot wrench,
remove the pressure switch from the power
steering gear.
25 Installation is the reverse of removal.
Tighten the switch to the torque listed in this
Chapter's Specifications. Fill the power steer-
ing with the recommended power steering
fluid (see Chapter 1), and bleed the system
(see Section 24).

23 Power steering pump, cooler and

hoses - removal and installation

Warning: Wait until the engine is completely
cool before beginning any of these proce-
dures.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

from the ground stud on the left shock tower
(see Chapter 5, Section 1).

Power steering fluid hoses

Raise the vehicle and support it securely

on jackstands.
3

Lower the front suspension crossmem-

ber sufficiently to access the steering gear
hose connections (see Section 22).
4

Place a drain pan under the power

steering gear. Disconnect the hose from the
power steering gear and let the fluid drain

into the drain pan. Cap the hose and the
power steering gear port to prevent entry of
foreign material.
5

Remove power steering fluid hose

brackets or tie-straps as necessary to
remove the hose(s).
6

Disconnect the power steering hose(s)

from the power steering pump.
7

Remove the hose(s) from the bottom of

the vehicle.
8

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Use new 0-rings on the pressure hose fit-
tings, lubricated with clean power steering
fluid. Before installing, wipe clean all hose fit-

tings and power steering pump and gear

ports. When installing, do not fully tighten the

fittings until the suspension crossmember is

re-installed. Tighten the fittings when the
entire hose is in place with brackets and tie-

strap attached. Fill the power steering reser-
voir with the recommended power steering
fluid (see Chapter 1), and bleed the system

(see Section 24).

Power steering oil cooler (1996
and later models)

Refer to illustration 23.11
9

Raise the vehicle and support it securely

on jackstands.

Remove the front fascia and grill (see

Chapter 11).
11

Place a drain pan under the oil cooler.

Remove the hose clamps from the oil cooler
(see illustration).
12

Drain the power steering fluid from the

hoses and from the oil cooler.
13

Unbolt the oil cooler from the front

bumper reinforcement bar.
14 Installation is the reverse of removal. Fill
the power steering fluid reservoir with the
recommended power steering fluid (see
Chapter 1), and bleed the system after lower-
ing the vehicle (see Section 24).

Power steering pump

Refer to illustrations 23.20, 23.23, 23.24,
23.26, 23.27a, 23.27b and 23.27c

Using a large syringe or suction gun,

suck as much fluid out of the power steering

fluid reservoir as possible.

Loosen the right front wheel lug nuts.

Raise the vehicle and support it securely on

jackstands.

Remove the right front wheel. Also

remove the right front wheel splash shield.
18

Place a drain pan under the vehicle to

catch any fluid that spills out when the hoses
are disconnected.

Disconnect the power steering pump

hoses. Cap the hoses and the power steering
pump ports.
20

Remove the bolt at the pump adjust-

ment slot (see illustration).
21

Remove the bolt attaching the back of

the power steering pump to the cast alu-
minum mounting bracket.
22

Remove the ABS hydraulic control unit

heat shield adjacent to the power steering
pump.
23

On four-cylinder models with ABS,

remove the wheel speed sensor cable
bracket from the right front wheel well (see
illustration). Then remove the grommet from
the right front inner fender, disconnect the
wheel speed sensor connector, and push the
wiring harness back through the hole in the

23.23 Remove the ABS speed sensor

harness bracket from the right front wheel

well and remove the grommet from the

inner fender - four-cylinder models

with ABS

GROMMET

RETAINER AND

CABLE ROUTING

BRACKET

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