Steering Gear/Front Suspension - Rattle
NUMBER: 19-01-00GROUP: Steering
DATE: Jan.21,2000
SUBJECT:
Steering Gear/Front Suspension Rattle
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves diagnosing a steering gear rack rattle condition.
MODELS:
1998 - 2000 (LH) Concorde/lntrepid/LHS/300M
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Rattle sound coming from front of vehicle. More noticeable at slow speeds on rough road or over speed bumps. May sound like a front suspension component.
DIAGNOSIS:
Fig. 1:
If rattle can be isolated to the rack housing, inspect for pinholes in the convolutes of the bellows by expanding the convolutes left and right (Figure 1). The pinholes may be surrounded by rusty water stains. If the pinholes cannot be seen, perform Repair Procedure "A". If the pinholes do exist, and there is a rattle, perform Repair Procedure "B".
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 05018538AA Service Kit Containing Rack Protector and Clamp. (Procedure A)
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
PROCEDURE A
1. Center the steering gear.
2. Remove the fluid level wire connector and master cylinder mounting nuts.
3. Move master cylinder our of the way.
4. Cut off the clamp on the rubber rack protector on the left end of the steering gear.
5. Remove the rack protector.
6. Cycle the rack all the way to the left with the wheels off the ground. About 3-4 inches of the rack should now be visible.
7. Inspect the rack for any signs of corrosion. The rack will normally appear greasy and may look dark in color. Do not mistake this for corrosion on the rack.
8. If the rack is corroded, perform Procedure B. If there is no corrosion, install the new rack protector and clamp, p/n 05018538AA and re-assemble vehicle.
PROCEDURE B
1. Replace the steering gear as described on page 19-31 of the 2000 Concorde/Interpid/LHS/300M Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8140.)
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 19-00-01-92 (Procedure A) 0.3 Hrs.
Replace Rack Protector
19-00-01-93 (Procedure B) 3.2 Hrs.
Replace Steering Gear
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part