Steering - Squeak While Turning Steering Wheel

NUMBER: 19-001-07 REV. A

GROUP: Steering

DATE: May 9, 2007

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-001-07, DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2007, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE AN ADDED MODEL AND REVISED CLEAN DATES.

SUBJECT:
Squeak Sound While Turning Steering Wheel

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves disconnecting Steering Column Intermediate, (lower) Shaft and trimming and lubricating rubber boot inner seal to provide additional space between boot and Rack and Pinion Input Shaft.

MODELS:

2007 (JS) Sebring

**2007** - 2008 (JS) Avenger

**2008 (J527) Sebring Convertible**

NOTE:
This bulletin applies to JS models built between November 27, 2006 (MDH 1128XX) and **April 16, 2007 (MDH 0416xx)**.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

Some vehicles may have a steering shaft that makes a squeak sound when the wheel is turned to the right or left.

DIAGNOSIS:

If the customer brings their vehicle in for a squeak sound while turning, verify that the sound is coming from the lower steering shaft area by rotating the steering wheel left to right rapidly. If the sound is noted, perform the Repair Procedure.





PARTS REQUIRED:





SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

1. Reposition the floor carpeting to access the steering column intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the column.

2. Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel, if necessary, until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt at the base of the column can be accessed for removal.

3. Block the steering wheel to prevent rotation and maintain clockspring orientation.

4. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt.





5. Disconnect the intermediate shaft coupling from the Rack & Pinion input shaft. Push shaft up out of the way.(Fig 1)

6. Lift secondary inner seal up and over Rack & Pinion input shaft.





7. Pinch and pull up on inner seal and cut the secondary seal with scissors down approximately 9.5mm (3/8 inch) removing the small ID portion of the seal.(Fig 2)

8. Push secondary seal boot back down over Rack & Pinion input shaft.

NOTE:
AFTER THE BOOT IS PUSHED BACK DOWN OVER SHAFT, ENSURE THERE IS NO CONTACT BETWEEN SHAFT AND BOOT.

9. Lubricate shaft in the area where boot was trimmed with 68003883AA White Lithium Grease.

10. Pull intermediate shaft down and reconnect the intermediate shaft coupling to the Rack & Pinion input shaft.

11. Install the intermediate shaft coupling bolt. Tighten the bolt to 47 N.m (35 ft. lbs.).

12. Reposition the floor carpet in place.

13. Remove blocking from steering wheel and verify squeak noise is no longer present by rotating the steering wheel left to right rapidly.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.





TIME ALLOWANCE:





FAILURE CODE:

Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.