DESCRIPTION
A 2-piece safety steering column with a slip-joint flange connection is used. The steering column is supported by a column tube and a steering lock assembly.
| CAUTION | To provide increased occupant protection, the energy absorbing steering column is designed to be collapsible upon frontal impact. Applying excessive pressure, or causing impact to mainshaft during service, may cause the column to collapse. |
Removal
- Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove steering wheel and column switches. From under hood, remove clamp bolt attaching steering shaft clamp to steering gear pinion shaft.
- Remove column cover bolts and steering column covers. Pry lock washer from steering shaft. Remove spring. Remove contact ring and steering lock assembly. Remove support ring from column tube. see scheme 1
- Center punch, and drill out, shear bolt attaching column tube to dash. Remove socket head screw attaching column tube to dash. From inside vehicle, pull dust boot out of floor board. Remove steering column tube and shaft as an assembly.
Installation
- Install assembled steering column into vehicle. Install shear bolt and socket head bolt finger tight. Push dust boot into floor board until seated.
- Position clamp onto steering gear pinion shaft. Place support ring into column tube. Install steering lock assembly on steering column. Install contact ring, spring and new lock washer.
- Tighten socket head screw. Tighten shear bolt until head snaps off. Install upper and lower column covers. Install column switches and steering wheel.
Scheme 1
- On lower steering shaft, remove clamp bolt attaching lower flange tube to upper flange tube. Separate flange tubes and remove bearing flange, bearing, support ring, spring and washer. (Scheme 1)
- Push upper flange tube toward steering shaft until components can be separated. Remove flange tube bushings with plastic bushings. (Scheme 1) (Scheme 1): Exploded View of Lower Steering Column
- Remove lower flange tube-to-clamp bolts. Separate lower flange tube from clamp. Inspect joint disc, safety strap and lock plates for damage or wear.
- Slide column tube from steering shaft. Inspect steering shaft, support ring, and steering lock assembly for wear or damage. Replace components as necessary.
Assembly
To reassemble steering column, reverse disassembly procedure. Press flange tube and plastic bushings in by hand.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|
| Clamp Bolt | 22 (30) |
| Lock Plate Bolts | 18 (24) |
| Lower Flange Tube Bolt | 22 (30) |
| Socket Head Screw | 14 (19) |
| Steering Wheel Retaining Nut | 29 (39) |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS