OEM 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Rack And Pinion

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Rack And Pinion Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Install a Rack and Pinion Steering System on 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan?

  A: Bring the power steering rack and pinion into the front suspension cradle, leaving room for the intermediate coupler. Start by placing the roll pin into the intermediate coupler and hammering it in, then join the coupler to the rack and pinion shaft. Push Remover/Installer Special Tool 6831A through the roll pin at its center, lock it with the knurled nut when it is aligned and hold the threaded rod steady to draw the pin into its seat with the coupler. Fit the rack and pinion onto the front cradle with three bolts and nuts. After that, tighten the 14 mm bolts to 183 Nm (135 ft. lbs.) and the 12 mm bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.). Fit the power steering fluid pressure and return hoses into the right places on the rack and pinion, tighten the hose tube nuts to 31 Nm (275 in. lbs.). All-Wheel-Drive vehicles should have the power transfer unit fitted and appropriate bolting torque applied to connections with the suspension cradle. Fix the reinforcement to the front suspension cradle crossmember and fasten all M-14 bolts to 153 Nm (113 ft. lbs.) and M-12 bolts to 106 Nm (78 ft. lbs.). Pass the rear bushing retainer bolts (M-10 size) through the reinforcement and tighten them to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Place two bolts through the reinforcement and cradle crossmember, securing them to the vehicle body and tightening to 163 Nm (120 ft. lbs.). Insert the outer tie rod end into the steering knuckle, put on the nut and tighten the nut by hand while holding the stud still and then use a crowfoot and socket to tighten the nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). Assemble the cooler and leak detection pump onto the crossmember reinforcement, tightening the bolts on the cooler to 11 Nm (100 in. lbs.) and leaving the pressure hose routing clamp attached. Put the hose back on the power steering cooler and clamp it. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies and tighten the wheel lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.). After that, attach the front emissions vapor canister. Raise the vehicle so it's on the ground, place the intermediate shaft between the steering column coupler as the wheels point forward and fasten the steering column shaft coupler to the intermediate shaft by turning in the nut to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.). Don't forget to remove the tool from the steering wheel, add in the power steering solution, take out air from the system and look for any leaks, then check the toe of the front suspension by putting it on higher ground and using safety chain.