Steering - High Steering Effort/Poor Returnability
NO: 19-06-95GROUP: Steering
DATE: Jun. 9, 1995
SUBJECT:
High Steering Effort and/or Steering Wheel Returns Slowly
MODELS:
1995 (PL) Neon
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customer complaint of high steering effort and/or slow steering wheel returnability after making a turn.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the vehicle is equipped with a tilt steering column, the column must be in the full down position. Pull up on the lower steering column dash seal to dash cover and inspect the left inner upper surface of the plastic dash cover for rub marks and/or contact with the steering column coupler collar. If these conditions are found, proceed to the repair procedure. Figure 1.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves modifying the plastic lower steering column dash cover to obtain clearance between the steering column coupler collar and the dash cover.
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position and position the steering wheel to the right or left one-half turn (180°) from center . Turn the ignition key to the OFF/LOCK position and verify that the steering wheel is in the locked position.
2. Remove the steering column coupling pinch bolt retaining pin and remove the pinch bolt.
NOTE:
THE PINCH BOLT NUT IS CAGED TO THE COUPLER AND IS NOT REMOVABLE.
3. Remove the steering column dash cover seal by pulling it up over the steering coupler. Figure 1.
4. Remove the four steering column dash cover attaching screws and remove the steering column dash cover up over the steering coupler.
5. With the steering column dash cover removed from the vehicle, using a 1/4" (6 mm), maximum diameter, rattail file, slot the existing holes downward, not to exceed 1/2" (12.7 mm). The slot must not extend beyond the edge of the dash cover. Figure 2.
6. Install the modified dash cover and install the four attaching screws loosely. Position the dash cover upward so that the attaching screws are at the bottom of the slots that were created. Tighten the four dash cover mounting screws.
7. Install the dash cover upper seal. Make sure the seal is fully seated in the dash cover groove.
8. Install the pinch bolt retaining the upper to lower steering coupler on the steering column.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 19-20-12-92 0.4 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: XX - Service Adjustment