Steering Column - Squeaking Noise

CATEGORY
Steering

SECTION
6

PAGE
7

ISSUE
05/95-0580

CODE
641

Subject:
Squeaking Steering Column

Application:
All 1994- 900 model cars, from VIN R2000563, excluding the 1994 Convertible, but including the 1995 Convertible.

Supersedes PSI 03/94-0453

In a small number of cars, the steering column may have been mounted in such a way during production that it causes tension on the steering column felt bearing. This may result in customer complaints of a squeaking or creaking noise when the steering wheel is turned and/or binding in the telescopic adjustment.

To remedy this customer complaint, follow the Action listed.

Action:

1. Make sure that the steering wheel is in the position where the customer noticed the squeaking noise.





2. Remove driver's side lower dash trim panel (item 1, Figure 1).





3. Remove the knee protection beam's two retaining bolts and remove the knee protection beam (see Figure 2).





4. Loosen the lower steering column assembly retaining bolt (item 1, Figure 3).





5. Move the steering column up and down in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 4 to a position where the squeaking sound lessens or disappears.
6. Press the felt bearing (item 4, Figure 4) up and down in the direction of the arrows.
7. Retighten the retaining bolt (item 1, Figure 3) to 17.8 ft.lbs. (24 Nm).
8. Loosen the two upper mounting nuts a few turns. See item 2, Figure 3.





9. Loosen the telescopic adjustment lever (item 1 Figure 5) and pull the steering wheel in and out a few times until it moves smoothly and easily.
10. Lock the telescopic adjustment mechanism.
11. Tighten the two upper retaining nuts. Torque to 17.8 ft.lbs (24 Nm).

NOTE:
If the the squeaking noise is gone, skip to step 19. However, if the noise still exists, continue with step 12.




12. Loosen the two upper retaining nuts a few turns. See item 2, Figure 6.
13. Use a 13 mm (0.5 in.) hex wrench with extension to angle the upper retaining bolts (item 3, Figure 6) a few millimeters forward or rearward. Move the bolts until the noise is no longer present.
14. Hand tighten the two retaining nuts until the steering column assembly bracket contacts the steering column "basket."
15. Loosen the telescopic adjustment lever (item 1, Figure 5) and pull steering wheel in and out a few times until it moves smoothly and easily.
16. Lock the telescopic adjustment mechanism.
17. Tighten the two upper retaining nuts. Torque to 17.8 ft.lbs (24 Nm).
18. Check again to make sure that the squeaking noise is gone. If the noise is still present, repeat steps 4 through 7.
19. Reinstall the knee protector.
20. Reinstall the lower part of the dashboard.
21. Road test the car to make sure the noise is gone.

Warranty Information:

To resolve a customer complaint for a vehicle in warranty, submit a claim using the following information:

Failure coding: 64198-27-0-01-05.

Labor operation number: 64198
R&R Steering Wheel, for 0.7 hr.