Dodge Durango Steering Wheel Removal

How To Replace Durango steering wheel

Fig. Rack and pinion steering gear mounting used on the 2WD 2002-03 models

Rack and pinion steering gear mounting used on the 2WD 2002-03 models

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   

   Steering gear. Tighten the bolts to 190 ft. lbs. (258 Nm).

   Power steering hoses. Tighten the fittings to 25 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).

   Steering shaft coupler. Tighten the bolt to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm).

   Outer tie rod ends. Tighten the nuts to 65 ft. lbs. (88 Nm).                                                                               

   
   
   

   
   

   Once you have done this,now comes the procedure to replace steering wheel.
   For steering wheel removal procedure,follow the steps mentioned in order:
   

   
   

1. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible from the pump.
2. Lock the steering wheel.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the front tires.
5. Remove the nuts from the tie rod ends.
6. Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles.
7. Remove the steering gear pinch bolt.
8. Remove the lower steering coupling from the steering gear.
9. Turn the steering gear to the full right position.
10. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe (3.7L & 4.7L engines only).
11. Remove the power steering lines from the gear.
12. Remove the front crossmember.
13. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts, washers and nuts.
14. Tip the gear forward to allow clearance and move to the right then tip the gear downward on the left side to remove from the vehicle.

Steering Wheel Installation Procedure:

NOTE

Before installing gear inspect the bushings and replace if worn or damaged, also use new gear mounting bolts and nuts.

1. Install gear to the vehicle and tighten mounting nuts and bolts to 258 Nm (190 ft. lbs.).
2. Install power steering lines to steering gear and tighten the pressure hose to 38 Nm (28 ft. lbs.) and tighten the return hose to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).
3. Slide the shaft coupler onto gear. Install new bolt and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
4. Clean tie rod end studs and knuckle tapers.
5. Install tie rod ends into the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts to 55 ft. lbs. (75 Nm).
6. Install the Y-pipe (3.7L & 4.7L engines only).
7. Install the front crossmember.
8. Install the front tires.
9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
10. Unlock the steering wheel.
11. Fill system with fluid.
12. Adjust the toe position.

How To Bleed Steering Wheel:

Air gets into steering wheel pump.This air blocks the flow of the steering fluid.So its necessary to bleed the air bubbles formed or trapped in the steering pump line.

The procedure of Bleeding is as follows: 

CAUTION

The fluid level should be checked with engine off to prevent injury from moving components.

WARNING
Use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid (2001) or MOPAR® ATF+4 (2002 and later) is to be used in the power steering system. No other power steering or automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the system. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if any other fluid is used. Do not overfill.

1. Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level. The dipstick should indicate COLD when the fluid is at normal temperature (before engine has been operated).
2. Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
3. Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
4. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
5. Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20 times with the engineOFF while checking the fluid level. 
   
   NOTE
   Vehicles with long return lines or oil coolers turn wheel 40 times.
   
6. Start the engine. With the engine idling maintain the fluid level.
7. Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle for two minutes.
8. Turn the steering wheel in both direction and verify power assist and quiet operation of the pump.
9. If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking, allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat the procedure.
   
   WARNING

   Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for an extended period. This may cause pump damage.

   steering pump details:--