Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 892

Fig. 3: Hand Vacuum Pump On Reservoir
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Check the fluid level. As measured on the side of the reservoir, the level should indicate between MAX 

and MIN when the fluid is at normal ambient temperature. Adjust the fluid level as necessary. See 
STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

2. Tightly insert Power Steering Cap Adapter (4), Special Tool 9688, into the mouth of the reservoir (3). 

3. Attach Hand Vacuum Pump (2), Special Tool C-4207 or equivalent, with reservoir (1) attached, to the 

Power Steering Cap Adapter (4). 

4. Using Hand Vacuum Pump (2), apply 68-85 kPa (20-25 in. Hg) of vacuum to the system for a minimum 

of three minutes.  

5. Slowly release the vacuum and remove the special tools.  

6. Adjust the fluid level as necessary. Refer to step 1.  

7. Repeat step 1 through step 6 until the fluid no longer drops when vacuum is applied.  

8. Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel lock-to-lock three times. 

9. Stop the engine and check for leaks at all connections.  

10. Check for any signs of air in the reservoir and check the fluid level. If air is present, repeat the procedure 

as necessary.  

SPECIAL TOOLS 

STEERING COLUMN 

NOTE:

Be sure the vacuum tool used in the following procedure is clean and free of 
any fluids.

CAUTION: Failure to use a the vacuum pump reservoir (1) may allow power 

steering fluid to be sucked into the hand vacuum pump.

CAUTION: Do not run the engine while vacuum is applied to the power steering 

system. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.

NOTE:

When performing the following step make sure the vacuum level is 
maintained during the entire time period.

NOTE:

Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

  

Fig. 4: Puller C-3894-A 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Fig. 5: Puller L-4407-A 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

COLUMN 

DESCRIPTION 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

  

STEERING COLUMN 

The steering column has been designed to be serviced as an assembly. The column is connected to the steering 
gear with a one piece shaft. The upper half has a support bearing mounted to a bracket. The bracket mounts to 
the frame rail with two nuts. The shaft is serviceable. The key cylinder, switches, clock spring, trim shrouds and 
steering wheel are serviced separately. 

OPERATION 

STEERING COLUMN 

Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns. 

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION and 
follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS. 

REMOVAL 

STEERING COLUMN 

1. Position front wheels straight ahead.  

2. Remove and isolate the negative ground cable from the battery.  

3. Remove the airbag, refer to REMOVAL . 

NOTE:

The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be 
equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to 
be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for 
service will have to be used.

WARNING:

The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit. Before 
attempting to diagnose, remove or install the airbag system components 
you must first disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable. 
Then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge. Failure to 
do so could result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible 
personal injury. The fasteners, screws, and bolts, originally used for the 
airbag components, have special coatings and are specifically designed 
for the airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. 
Anytime a new fastener is needed, replace with the correct fasteners 
provided in the service package or fasteners listed in the parts books.

NOTE:

If equipped with cruise control, disconnect clock spring harness from the 
cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro

  

Fig. 6: Steering Wheel Puller 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Remove the steering wheel (2) with puller C-3894-A (1) or an appropriate puller. See Fig. 6. See 

REMOVAL. 

1 - PULLER C-3894-A
2 - STEERING WHEEL

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro