Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL





1. Loosen the tapping screws and lift up the horn pad and remove it.





2. Remove the lock nut and the washer.

CAUTION: Before doing these procedures, refer to Restraint Systems for further information (SRS equipped vehicle only).

3. Remove the steering wheel.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on the steering wheel to remove it; doing so may damage the collapsible mechanism.





4. Remove the steering column lower and upper shrouds.
5. Remove the lower cover.





6. Disconnect the connectors and remove the multifunction switch.





7. Remove the bolts securing the coupling and universal joint. Pull out the coupling and universal joint from the gear box.
8. Remove the dust cover mounting bolts.
9. Remove the steering column mounting bolts (4 bolts).





10. Remove the steering column and shaft together with the universal joint and dust cover.

DISASSEMBLY





1. Remove the coupling and universal joint from the steering column and shaft assembly.
2. Remove the grease to the inside lip of the boot.





3. Remove the boot while using a rod to widen the lip section.





4. Apply the grease to the inside lip of the inner cover.
5. Cover the joint while using a rod to widen the lip section.





6. While using the rod to widen the inner cover from behind, pull the cover to remove it from the joint.





7. If it is necessary to remove the steering lock cylinder, use a hack saw to cut the special bolts at the steering lock bracket side.

INSPECTION
1. Check the steering shaft for damage, play and round movement.
2. Check the joints for excessive play, damage or rough movement.
3. Check the tilt bracket for cracks or damage.
4. Check the cover or boot for damage.
5. Check that the steering lock mechanism operates properly. If necessary, replace.

ASSEMBLY
1. When installing the steering & ignition lock and steering lock bracket to the column tube, temporarily install the steering lock in alignment with the column boss.





2. After checking that the lock works properly, tighten the special bolts until the head twists off.

CAUTION: The steering lock bracket and bolts must be replaced with new ones when the steering lock is installed.





3. Cover the inside lip of the inner cover with grease and pull the outside of the cover onto the joint.





4. Fill the inside of the bearing with multipurpose grease.
5. Install the bearings to the shaft on the joint assembly.
6. Wrap vinyl tape approximately one and one-half times around the concave circumference of the bearings, and then press fit the bearings into the cover assembly.

INSTALLATION
1. Before installation, apply multipurpose grease to the groove on the inside of the bearing and mating surfaces of the boot and cover assembly.





2. Connect the steering lower shaft and joint assembly.

NOTE: When installing, secure the U-joint to the gear box first, then to the steering column shaft.

3. Install the dust cover with column shaft assembly.
4. Install the steering column assembly to the column member assembly (4 bolts).
5. Install the malfunction switch and connect the connectors.
6. Install the lower cover and upper and lower shroud.
7. Install the steering wheel.

NOTE: When installing, do not use a hammer as the collapsible column shaft could be damaged.