Models With Airbag

Fig. 9 Taping Clockspring:

Fig. 10 Upper Bearing Retainer Plate Removal:

Removal

1. Disarm airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Park vehicle with wheels in straight ahead position, then turn ignition switch to Lock position and rotate steering wheel approximately 16° counterclockwise until locked into position.
3. Remove steering wheel and the upper and lower shrouds.
4. Disconnect airbag slip ring connector from column wiring harness. Before removing airbag clockspring type slip ring from steering shaft, clockspring must be taped, Fig. 9, to prevent clockspring rotor from being turned accidentally and damaging clockspring.
5. Remove two screws that attach slip ring to retaining plate, then the slip ring.
6. Remove upper bearing retaining plate, Fig. 10.
7. Remove and discard upper bearing retainer snap ring.
8. Insert two screwdrivers under bearing, using two ramps provided in casting, and carefully pry upper bearing and sleeve from steering shaft. Discard sleeve.

Installation

1. Prick punch steering column upper shaft serration diameter enough to ensure an interference fit between bearing inner race and steering column upper shaft.
2. Position bearing and insulator on steering column upper shaft. Work bearing and insulator as far down steering column upper shaft as possible, then place a piece of pipe 3/4 inch diameter by 1-1/2 inches long over end of steering column upper shaft and install steering wheel attaching nut.
3. Tighten steering wheel attaching nut until bearing is seated on steering shaft.
4. Remove steering wheel attaching nut and piece of pipe from steering column upper shaft.
5. Install new snap ring in groove at top of steering column upper shaft above bearing.
6. Install upper bearing retaining plate.
7. Place airbag slip ring on steering shaft and install two retainer screws that attach slip ring to retainer plate, ensuring ground wire pigtail is secured with lower retainer screw, then remove tape from slip ring.
8. Connect slip ring wire to column wiring harness.
9. Install steering wheel and the upper and lower shrouds.
10. Connect airbag module wire to slip ring connector and place airbag module on steering wheel, then install four module attaching nuts. Torque to 35-53 inch lbs.
11. Connect battery ground cable.
12. Rearm airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.