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Steering Columns: Overhaul Lincoln LS I

Steering Column 1 illustration ~569 words

CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)

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 2)

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 2

Scheme 2: CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)
Scheme 2: 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.
CAUTIONSee Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 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 column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-137461-S11809368572002030600000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. Mount steering column in vise. For vehicles equipped with manual transmission, using 3/8" drill, remove heads of shear bolts. Remove steering wheel lock actuator. see scheme 2 Using locking pliers, remove shear bolts from upper shaft.
  3. Remove electronic steering sensor. Disconnect steering column release motor electrical connector. Using 12 volt battery charger, connected to release motor terminals, telescope steering column to its fully extended position. Connect steering column release motor electrical terminals.
  4. Remove steering column release motor. Remove steering column outer housing cover plate, outer housing and steering column track. Remove steering column connector link.
  5. Install Column Spring Compressor (T97P-3D655-A) hand tight onto column spring. Remove bolts. Release steering column spring tension.
  6. Separate front and rear halves of steering column upper shaft and steering column inner housing. Remove rear half of steering column upper shaft. Remove steering column actuator. Remove steering column track from column support.
  7. Remove steering column potentiometer assembly. Remove steering column release pin. Place inner column housing in vise. Remove steering column actuator. Remove steering column inner track bearing retainers and steering column tracks.
  8. Remove steering column tube flange. Remove steering column upper bearing retainer, spring and sleeve. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, spread upper bearing tolerance ring. Slide upper bearing tolerance ring from upper shaft assembly.
  9. Remove front half of steering column upper shaft. Using brass drift and hammer, drive out small steering column tube bearing assembly. Drive out large steering column tube bearing assembly.

Reassembly

  1. Using bearing installer, install large and small steering column tube bearing assemblies. see scheme 2 Slide steering shaft into tilt housing. Install upper bearing tolerance ring, sleeve and spring. Install upper bearing retainer.
  2. Install steering column tube flange. Place steering column actuator in position and install bolts. Install steering column release pin. Install steering column potentiometer. Ensure pin on actuator assembly lines up with slot on potentiometer.
  3. Install steering column actuator. Install steering column track. Lubricate bearing surface of track with Bearing Grease (XG-1-C). Attach steering column tracks and inner track bearings onto steering column inner housing.
  4. Install rear half of steering column upper shaft into support assembly. Position steering column spring. Using Column Spring Compressor (T97P-3D655-A), compress steering column position spring until actuator assembly bolt holes align. Install bolts. Remove spring compressor.
  5. Install steering column connector link. Install steering column track onto steering column outer housing. Lubricate bearing surface with Bearing Grease (XG-1-C).
  6. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-137461-S27353845082002030600000).

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