2005 GRAND CARAVAN Power Steering Rack Replacement 3.3L Engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reY8cpnKUWA

The video above shows three (3) possible methods for removing a rack and pinion steering gear…

1. Removing the bolts on the rear cradle mounts and dropping the engine downward 3 to 5 inches.
2. Removing the battery, battery box, and speedometer servo to gain access to the pressure and return lines.
3. Removing the lower emission device, undercarriage plate, and charcoal canister to gain access to the rack mount bolts and lines.

The factory manual is always best to follow, however it does not give precise directions to best possible methods for rack and pinion gear removal on this vehicle. My suggestion is to use a combination of all three methods to gain access to the mounting bolts and lines. If you do not feel comfortable about these procedures - do not attempt the repairs and hire a professional.

New or remanufactured steering gears will usually place the pinion shaft and rack in the straight ahead position to facilitate ease of installation. Under no circumstance are you to rotate the steering wheel when the steering shaft is disconnected from the rack. If the steering shaft is rotated, you may damage the clock spring in the steering column (mounted just below the steering wheel).

The clock spring is used to trigger the air bags during a front-end collision. See Chrysler Van Clock Spring video on YouTube by realfixesrealfast –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ipVKnDNzXM

 Summary of steps... 

1. Remove the tie-rod ends on both sides…
2. Remove the emission device – remove the hoses and electrical wires…
3. Remove the cruise control servo, battery, and battery box…
4. Remove the undercarriage bracket with power steering cooler…
5. Take fluid out of the power steering reservoir…
6. Remove the canister and bracket to get the rack mounting bolts...
7. Remove the rack pressure and return lines – mark a “U” for Upper or “L” for Lower prior to removal. 
8. Do not cross-thread the line fittings into the rack housing. Position the fittings parallel to the housing and shake the lines while you thread the nut into the hole with your fingers. The soft aluminum threads in the rack housing can be easily damaged - so be careful…
9. Remove the roll pin on the universal steering shaft coupler joint with a punch and hammer...
10. Remove the old rack and reverse the procedures…

Caution: When installing the lines, ensure that new o-ring seals are installed. New or remanufactured steering gears will be positioned in the straight ahead position to facilitate ease of installation. Under no circumstance are you allowed to rotate the steering wheel when the steering shaft is disconnected. Failure to follow this procedure will result in clock spring damage.

START YOUR OWN INFLATABLE BUSINESS - BOUNCE HOUSES, ZIPLINE & MECHANICAL BULL BUSINESS

PROFITABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY INFLATABLE ZIPLINE, BOUNCE HOUSES, MOONWALKS, SLIDES, AND WATER GAMES!

Here is one of the most profitable business opportunity that will work in almost any community in the United States (inflatable zipline slides, bounce houses, moonwalks, slides, and water games). Take orders through the week and setup on the weekend! These inflatable units can be purchased and rented to provide hours of jumping fun for children!

Great for birthday parties, summer camps, family reunions, fund-raising events, and corporate gatherings and promotions!

In this blog posting, I will provide contact information on where to locate huge variety of units (complete telephone number, addresses, email, website and fax number), marketing and business planning guide, online ordering and pricing information, earnings and profit potential guide, payment and shipping options, setup and take-down procedures, safety and insurance, rental contracts and forms, and complete source list for ordering optional accessory items - electric blowers, ground stakes, storage bags, etc).

Special features of this business:

Units Sell Themselves! Just Inflate One and Watch the Business Grow!

Commercial Grade Construction and Material!

Fast & Easy Setup!

Profitable Weekend or Summer Business!

Holds from 4 to 12 Children Depending on Unit Size You Select!

Adult Supervision Is Always Required!

  Click Here to See the Deluxe Mechanical Rodeo Bull - Galaxy Multi Rides

START YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD NOW - CLICK HERE

GET STARTED TODAY...!
Not Associated with Any Vendor in this Blog

WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT ON 2003 Dodge Caravan Minivan with 3.8 or 3.8 Engine

Is your water pump leaking and needs replacing on your 2003 Dodge Caravan or Minivan with a 3.3 or 3.8 Engine?
If so, here's what you need to do to get this job done...
1. Start by lifting the car on the rack
2. Remove the passenger-front tire and fender-well to gain access to the water pump. 
Note: Some technicians prefer to lower the front part of the engine by placing a jack and wooden block under the engine and slowly removing the 3 motor mount bolts on the center mount. 
3. Remove the water pump bolts on the pulley prior to pulling the belt. This will help to hold the pulley while you break the bolts loose.
4. Use a special tensioner tool to relieve pressure on the belt
5. Drain the radiator by opening the lower water pump hoses at the radiator. Be careful and make sure the coolant is not hot - you could be severely burned if this is pulled when hot.
6. To gain access to the water pump bolts, remove the pulley out of your way by lifting it up. Use a 10 mm ratchet wrench with flex head. Swivel joint sockets will also work on the 5 water pump bolts.
7. Remove the water pump and pulley together to prevent binding.
8. Reverse the procedure to install the water pump. Use 3M gasket glue to hold the seal in place. being careful to tighten all bolts by hand before final tightening. 
Note: Failure to screw-in all bolts prior to tightening, may result in cross threading of the bolts and or misalignment of the water pump.
9. Reinstall the belt and hose and check for alignment
10. Refill the radiator with coolant and make sure all air has been removed from the cooling system. This can be done by letting the car run about 10 minutes with the radiator cap off.  Reinstall the radiator pressure cap and you're done.

Note: To avoid scalding, do not remove the radiator cap once the engine is started or running. Check the coolant level in the radiator only after it has cooled - preferably in the mornings.