RAM 3500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
THE AIR LEVELING SYSTEM MAY BE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE TO ADJUST VEHICLE ATTITUDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS
EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR LEVELING SYSTEM, ENSURE THE SYSTEM IS INFLATED TO THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS
PRIOR TO PROCEEDING.
3.
Lubricate all front steering and suspension system components.
4.
Inspect the condition and size of all tire and wheel assemblies. Tires that are worn or damaged and/or wheels that are of a different size and/or
offset than recommended, may cause the vehicle to wander. Any tires or wheels which exhibit the conditions stated above should be replaced
before continuing with the diagnosis.
5.
Inflate the tires to 65 psi. - front and 80 psi. - rear
NOTE:
-IMPORTANT- TIRE PRESSURES ARE NORMALLY SET TO THE LIGHT LOAD SPECIFICATION WHEN PERFORMING STEERING
WANDER DIAGNOSIS, HOWEVER, HEAVILY LOADED VEHICLES SUCH AS MOTOR HOMES OR CONVERSION VANS, OR
VEHICLES USED FOR SHUTTLE SERVICES WHICH ARE OFTEN FILLED WITH PASSENGERS WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL
PRESSURE. HEAVILY LOADED VEHICLES SHOULD BE RUN WITH TIRE PRESSURES OF 65 PSI. - FRONT AND 80 PSI. REAR TO
ENHANCE STEERING PERFORMANCE. THIS INCREASE IN TIRE PRESSURE ALONE MAY BE ALL THAT IS REQUIRED TO
CORRECT THE CONDITION.
6.
Validate the customer's concern by test driving the vehicle on a smooth highway, free of road crown, ruts, speed bumps, or potholes. Drive the
vehicle at speeds between 80 - 113 km/h (50 - 70 mph), preferably without crosswind conditions. If crosswind conditions are prevalent, drive the
vehicle in both directions relative to the crosswind. Return the vehicle to the customer if the steering wander condition has been repaired. If the
vehicle still exhibits a steering wander condition, proceed to the steering gear replacement procedure.
NOTE:
VEHICLES THAT DO NOT EXHIBIT A STEERING WANDER CONDITION DURING THE ROAD TEST MAY HAVE HAD THE
CONDITION CORRECTED WITH STEPS 1-6, OR THE CONDITION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ROAD OR WEATHER
CONDITIONS (E.G. WIND, HIGH ROAD CROWN, GROOVED ROADS, ETC.).
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WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
1.
Verify the front wheel bearing end play. If the end play is above the specification, complete the following repair procedure
NOTE:
The end play should be 0.25-0.076 mm (0.001-0.003 in.).
2.
Remove the dust cover, nut lock and cotter pin. Tighten the nut to 54 N.m (40 ft. lb. to preload the bearing while rotating the hub/rotor. Stop
hub/rotor and loosen the nut to completely release bearing preload torque. Tighten the nut to 3 N.m (25 in. lb.). Install the nut lock and a new
cotter pin.
3.
Clean the dust cap and apply a coating lubricant to the internal surface. Do not fill the dust cap with lubricant. Install the cap.
STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT
NOTE:
INSPECT THE BAR CODE LABEL ON THE STEERING GEAR AND NOTE THE PART NUMBER. IF THE PART NUMBER IS 52039231
AD OR 52039231AE (14:1 RATIO) THE VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT. IF THE PART NUMBER IS
52039231AB OR 52039231AC (16-13:1 VARIABLE RATIO), STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED. MOST 1998 AND
SOME EARLY 1999 VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE 16-13 :1 VARIABLE RATIO GEAR.
1.
Using the procedures outlined in the appropriate service manual, remove the steering gear and install the new steering gear, P/N 52013456AA.
NOTE:
MAKE SURE TO FILL THE STEERING SYSTEM WITH FLUID (P/N 04883077) AND PURGE ALL AIR FROM THE SYSTEM AS
OUTLINED IN THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL.
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REAR SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS REPLACEMENT (8700 LB. GVW ONLY)
NOTE:
THE REAR SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS ON THE 8700 LB. GVW VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE UPGRADING TO THE
COMPONENTS USED ON THE 9200 LB. GVW VEHICLES. INSTALLATION OF THE UPGRADED SPRINGS AND SHOCKS IS NOT
REQUIRED ON 9200 LB. GVW VEHICLES. FOR 9200 LB. GVW VEHICLES, PROCEED TO THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
