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Steering Colum: Overhaul Ford Taurus IV

Steering Column 1 illustration ~682 words

CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)

The air bag contact assembly contains a clockspring, providing a constant path for electrical current between air bag module and air bag system control devices. Clockspring function is similar to horn slip ring and brush assembly.

Clockspring will be damaged if steering shaft is allowed to rotate after steering shaft has been disconnected from intermediate shaft. When disconnecting steering shaft from intermediate shaft, wire steering shaft to column to prevent clockspring damage. If reusing original contact assembly, tape clockspring rotor in stationary position before removing contact assembly from steering column. (Scheme 4)

A locking insert is installed in replacement contact assembly to prevent rotation of clockspring. DO NOT remove locking insert until contact assembly is installed on steering column. For more information on air bag system, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)
Scheme 4: CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)
CAUTIONBefore servicing any air bag component, see SAFETY PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

OVERHAUL

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
CAUTIONOn models with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), observe SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Air bag system is powered directly from battery through a fused circuit. A backup power supply is incorporated into the diagnostic monitor. Air bag system must be disabled before servicing any steering column component. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

Disassembly

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-95008-S32781373412001033100000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. Remove contact assembly (clockspring). See «CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)»(ref-95008-S15891448142001033100000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-95008-S19440951832001033100000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  3. Remove "U" joint, upper coil spring, sensor ring and tolerance ring from lower end of steering shaft. see scheme 2and see scheme 3. Note installation position of turn signal cancel cam. Remove from steering shaft by pushing using a flat-blade screwdriver.
  4. Remove ignition switch. Remove upper snap ring. Remove upper bearing sleeve and upper tolerance ring. On vehicles with column shift, remove shift control assembly. Remove shift cable bracket.
  5. On all models, use a punch to tap loose pivot pin securing lock actuator cam to lock actuator housing. Remove pivot pin with diagonal pliers. Remove bearing retainer from lock cylinder bore. Remove ignition lock gear. Remove 2 tilt pivot bolts. Remove lock cylinder housing from lock actuator housing.
  6. Remove steering shaft from column housing. Remove column lock actuator. Using a punch, remove pivot pin from tilt position levers. Remove tilt position lock arms and springs.

Reassembly

  1. Install steering shaft into lock actuator housing. Install lower column mounting bracket and lower bearing retainer to lock actuator housing. Install lower tolerance ring, sensor ring, lower coil spring and "U" joint to lower end of steering shaft.
  2. Position lock actuator assembly into lock actuator housing. Position lock actuator cam into lock actuator housing, and install cam pivot pin with small hammer until flush with lock actuator housing.
  3. Using a punch to hold lever in place, install tilt position lever and spring into lock actuator housing. Install other tilt position lever and spring into lock actuator housing. Tap pivot pin into place while driving out drift.
  4. Support area of lock actuator housing where tilt position levers are attached by placing lock actuator housing over a partially open vise. Drive in pivot pin until even with housing. Place 2 nuts or spacers between tilt position levers and lock actuator housing so levers are held partially open.
  5. Place tilt position spring on lock cylinder housing. Apply multipurpose lubricant to shoulders of tilt pivot bolts. Install lock cylinder housing to lock actuator housing using tilt pivot bolts.
  6. Install upper tolerance ring, upper coil spring and a NEW snap ring onto steering shaft. To ease installation of snap ring, place a piece of 3/4" x 2 1/4" (19 mm x 57 mm) pipe over steering shaft.
  7. Insert steering wheel bolt through large washer. Thread steering wheel bolt into steering shaft, and tighten until snap ring snaps into groove on steering shaft. Remove bolt and pipe.
  8. Install turn signal cancel cam. Align ignition switch pin with slot in lock cylinder housing, and install ignition switch. Apply multipurpose grease to lock cylinder gear and washer. Install lock cylinder gear, washer and retainer into bore of lock cylinder housing.
  9. On vehicles with column shift, coat shift control assembly bushings with multipurpose grease, and install shift control assembly. Install shift cable bracket onto lower bearing retainer.
  10. On all models, install slip ring brush assembly. Install steering column. Install contact assembly (clockspring) and steering wheel. Connect battery cables. Check AIR BAG light for system faults.

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