Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

Fig. 1 Exploded View Of Steering Column Assembly:

1. Remove steering wheel.
2. Remove column shroud, then disconnect electrical connectors and remove multifunction switch.
3. Remove bolt retaining steering shaft to joint, Fig. 1.
4. Remove column bracket to frame, then steering shaft from joint.
5. Remove bolt from steering gear box.
6. Remove interior shaft dust cover, then assembly from vehicle.

DISASSEMBLY

1. Remove bearing from dust cover.
2. Remove boot and dust cover from joint.
3. Remove snap ring from shaft, then unlock steering wheel, and remove steering shaft from column by striking softly with hammer.
4. Remove steering lock by cutting slot in mounting screw heads and bracket, then unscrew and remove steering wheel lock.
5. Remove lower column bracket by cutting slot in mounting bolt head, then unscrew and remove bracket.

ASSEMBLY

1. Install steering shaft into column tube and secure with snap ring.
2. Tighten column bracket mounting bolt until head is sheared off.
3. Apply suitable lubricant to inside of bearing then install bearing into end of column tube.
4. Align steering lock with column boss, then insert ignition key to ensure steering lock operation.

INSTALLATION

1. Install universal joint and dust cover, then assembly into vehicle.
2. Apply suitable lubricant to bearing and dust cover, then install bearing into dust cover.
3. Install joint to gear box. Torque to 11-14 ft. lbs.
4. Install shaft to column support. Torque to 7 ft. lbs.
5. Install shaft to interior joint. Torque to 11-14 ft. lbs.
6. Install steering wheel.