Steering Damper - Shimmy after Striking a Bump
NO: 19-05-96GROUP: Steering
DATE: Aug, 30, 1996
SUBJECT:
Shimmy after Striking a
Bump or Pothole
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-04-95, DATED MAY 12, 1995, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES OR NOTED IN THE 1995 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-96084). ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS**.
MODELS:
1994 - **1996** (BR) Ram Truck
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 4X4 EQUIPPED VEHICLES WITH SALES CODES Z8A (10500 GVW) & Z8B (11000 GVW), AND 4X2 CAB CHASSIS WITH SALES CODE Z3B (11000 GVW) **AND BUILT BEFORE MAY 15, 1996 (MDH 05-15-XX)**.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Self sustaining vibration (shimmy) felt in the front end of the vehicle after striking a bump or pothole.
DIAGNOSIS:
Test drive vehicle over a road surface that duplicates the customer complaint. If shimmy is felt, perform the following procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 52038276 Steering Damper
1 4856304 Auxiliary Steering Damper Kit
AR 4796791 Track Bar - Bracket Measures 22.8 mm (.897 inches) OR
AR 52038795 Track Bar - Bracket Measures 29.5 mm (1.16 inches)
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves replacing the steering damper, replacing the track bar (if necessary) and the addition of an auxiliary steering damper.
1. Raise vehicle on suitable hoist to support vehicle weight.
2. Replace the steering damper per the 1996 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-6108). Use the 1996 Manual for all model years.
NOTE:
USE THE PITMAN ARM PULLER TOOL (SPECIAL TOOL NUMBER C4150A) TO REMOVE THE DAMPER FROM THE STEERING LINKAGE.
3. Check all front suspension and steering fasteners for correct torque. Re-torque if necessary using the torque specifications found in the 1996 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-6108).
4. If the vehicle was built prior to 7/5/94 (MDH 07-05-XX), install a new track bar. Determine the correct track bar by measuring the track bar frame rail bracket thickness (Figure 1).
A) If the track bar frame rail bracket measures 22.8 mm (.897 inches), replace the track bar with PIN 4796791 referring to Group 19 of the Ram Truck Service Manual (1994 Publication No. 81-370-4108 or 1995 Publication No. 81-370-5108).
B) If the track bar frame rail bracket measures 29.5 mm (1.16 inches), replace the track bar with PIN 52038795 referring to Group 19 of the Ram Truck Service Manual (1994 Publication No. 81-370-4108 or 1995 Publication No. 81-370-5108).
5. If the vehicle was built after 7-5-94, loosen the track bar to axle bolt and re-torque to 140 ft. lbs.
6. Inflate all tires to the pressure specified in the **Tire Inflation Pressure** sheet (located in the glove box).
7. Verify the alignment of the vehicle. Reset to factory preferred specifications if needed. Special attention should be given to the front toe settings and ensure that they are at the preferred setting.
NOTE:
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE STEERING DRAG LINK ADJUSTER ALIGNMENT BAR IS PROPERLY ALIGNED. SEE FIGURE 2 FOR PROPER ORIENTATION.
INSTALLATION OF AUXILIARY STEERING DAMPER KIT
8. Attach the axle bracket to the front axle against the axle tube sleeve as shown in Figure 3. Attach using the large U-bolts, flat washers and nylock nuts. Torque the nuts to 20 ft. lbs.
9. Attach the tie rod bracket to the tie rod as shown in Figure 4. Using the small U- bolts, flat washers and nylock nuts. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
10. Assemble one retainer and bushing on the large end of the damper. Insert the stud through the hole in the axle bracket. Install the second bushing and retainer and the 3/8 - 24 nut. Apply Mopar Thread Adhesive, Lock' N Seal following the directions given on the package. Tighten the nut until the bushings expand to the diameter of the retainer (Refer to Figure 5). Do not over tighten the nut or bushing as damage will result.
11. Assemble one retainer and bushing on the rod end of the damper. Extend the damper so that 4.5" of the rod extends from the damper body, as shown in Figure 6. Slide the tie rod bracket over the stud on the end of the rod. Install the bushing retainer and nut. Tighten the nut until the bushings expand to the diameter of the retainer, as shown in Figure 5. Hold the flats on the end of the stud and turn the nut to tighten. Do not allow the rod to spin or over tighten as bushing damage will result.
12. With the front wheels pointed straight ahead and the damper rod extended 4.5 inches, tighten the nuts on the tie rod bracket to 12 ft. lbs.
13. Turn the front wheels fully to the left and check for any contact or binding between the damper, tie rod, axle or trackbar. Turn the front wheels fully to the right and again check for contact or binding.
14. Reposition brackets to alleviate any contact/binding, and repeat steps 10 and 11.
15. Remove the nut, bushings and retainer from the rod end of the damper. Slip the boot over the damper.
16. Fasten the boot to the damper body with the included strap and snap the end of the boot over the washer on the rod.
17. Reinstall the retainers and bushings and fasten the rod to the tie rod bracket.
18. Apply Mopar Thread Adhesive Lock' N Seal following the directions given on the package. Tighten the nut until the bushings expand to the diameter of the retainer as shown in Figure 5.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 02-15-20-91 Vehicle Built Prior to 7-5-94 2.3 Hrs.
02-15-20-92 Vehicle Built After 7-5-94 2.0 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part