Power Steering Control Valve - Low Speed Shudder
NO: 19-03-95GROUP: Steering
DATE: Mar. 31, 1995
SUBJECT:
Slow Speed Shudder in Steering System
MODELS:
1995 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED PROPORTIONING STEERING BUILT PRIOR TO NOV. 15, 1994 (MDH 11-15-XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Shudder in steering system when turning steering wheel during parking or slow speed turning maneuvers.
DIAGNOSIS:
Verify shudder with the following procedure:
1. Warm the power steering system to approximately 130 F by making ten (10) parking maneuvers (stand still) with the engine speed at approximately 2000 RPM. TO PREVENT FLAT SPOTS ON THE TIRES - DO NOT MAKE MORE THAN 2 PARKING MANEUVERS WITHOUT ROLLING THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE TI RE- TO-FLOOR CONTACT AREA.
2. While standing still, perform two (2) lock-to-lock turns at slow (1/2 turn/sec.), medium (1 turn/sec.), and fast (2 turn/sec.) handwheel rates.
3. In a large parking lot or other suitable area, accelerate to approximately 8 MPH and perform several lock-to-lock maneuvers at slow, medium, and fast handwheel rates.
4. If shudder is observed under either of the above conditions, perform the repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 4695914 Solenoid Control Valve
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves replacing and/or bleeding the power steering solenoid control valve.
1. Record preset radio stations and remove and isolate negative battery cable.
2. Siphon power steering fluid from remote power steering reservoir.
3. From interior of vehicle, remove the retaining pin from the intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt. Then remove pinch bolt from intermediate shaft coupler and separate the intermediate shaft coupler from gear shaft.
4. Raise vehicle on jack stands or suitable hoist.
5. Remove left front tire and wheel assembly.
6. Using an awl, scribe a line on the body marking the front to back and side to side installed location where the front suspension crossmember is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
NOTE:
THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS ORIGINAL POSITION TO RETAIN FRONT END ALIGNMENT.
7. Remove the stabilizer bar bushing clamp to body attaching bolts.
8. Remove the bolts attaching the shock absorber clevis to the left and right lower control arm.
9. Remove the 2 bolts attaching the engine support bracket to the leading edge of the front suspension crossmember.
10. Remove the 2 bolts attaching the engine support rear bracket to the trailing edge of the front suspension crossmember.
11. Remove bolt attaching engine support rear bracket to the engine support bracket and remove rear engine support bracket.
12. Remove rear engine mount through bolt.
13. Loosen 4 front engine support bracket bolts at radiator support, allowing rear of support bracket to sag.
14. Position a transmission jack under the center of the front suspension crossmember.
15. Remove 4 suspension crossmember to body mounting bolts.
16. Using transmission jack, partially lower front suspension crossmember.
17. Disconnect power steering pressure hose at gear.
18. Disconnect steering gear solenoid electrical connection at module.
19. Remove solenoid from gear and inspect Part Number. If removed solenoid is the new P/N 4695914, it should be reused. Continue with the repair procedure.
NOTE:
THE SOLENOID MUST BE PURGED OF AIR PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
20. While holding the top threaded end of the solenoid up, fill the top section with power steering fluid and manually cycle the valve inside ten (10) times to release all the trapped air under the valve. The valve spring resistance will change as the air is exhausted and the valve is dampened by the fluid.
21. Reverse procedure to install new solenoid valve (torque valve to 124 +/- 18 in.lbs.), power steering gear, and front suspension.
22. Fill steering system with Mopar Power Steering Fluid, P/N 4318085.
23. Install negative battery cable, set time and previously recorded radio stations.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 19-40-25-90 1.6 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part