REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
| CAUTION | When 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 in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery. |
Note. Use only specified screws. Using screws that are too long may prevent column from compressing under impact.
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove horn pad. Remove snap ring and steering wheel retaining nut. Disconnect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel.
Note. To prevent damage to canceling cam and switch assembly, turn signal switch must be in neutral position before steering wheel is installed.
Installation
Before installing steering wheel, ensure turn signal switch is in neutral position. Install steering wheel onto steering shaft aligning marks made during removal. DO NOT misalign steering wheel more than .79" (20 mm) from horizontal centerline. Connect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Install snap ring and horn pad. Connect negative battery cable.
Note. Some procedures do not apply to all models.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect transmission shift linkage from column shift tube levers. Mark position of pot joint to steering shaft. Remove upper intermediate shaft bolt and nut from steering shaft.
- Remove steering column support bracket bolts and nuts. Remove support bracket. Remove steering column seal bolts and seal. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-54912-S01532539772001011700000) . Disconnect electrical connectors at column harness.
- Disconnect start/neutral switch and back-up light switch electrical connectors (if equipped). Disconnect transmission indicator cable (if equipped). On column shift models, rotate column so shift lever can clear dash opening. On all models, remove steering column assembly.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and screws to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article.
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Mark pot joint to steering shaft position. Mark rag joint to steering gear worm shaft position. Remove intermediate shaft shield screw (if equipped) and remove shield (if equipped). Remove upper and lower intermediate shaft bolts and nut. Remove intermediate shaft. On Astro and Safari, remove steering gear for removal access of intermediate shaft.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts, nut and screw to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article.