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Steering Column Mitsubishi Eclipse I

Steering Column 11 illustrations ~1190 words

DESCRIPTION

The steering system consists of solid steering shaft with a lower joint assembly. Stealth and 3000GT models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that includes an air bag and clockspring located in the steering column.

WARNINGOn Stealth and 3000GT, before doing any repairs, disconnect and shield battery ground. Disconnect SRS connector at control unit. Use caution when working around steering column (air bag could deploy).

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

Removal (All Models Except Stealth & 3000GT)

  1. Remove horn pad. On Galant, push horn pad toward top of steering wheel for removal. On Precis, push and turn horn pad assembly to remove and disconnect horn button connector. On all other models, remove screws and/or pry horn pad from steering wheel.
  2. On all models, place reference mark on steering wheel and steering column shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel retaining nut and washer. Using steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel.
CAUTIONDO NOT hammer on steering wheel during removal, as it may damage steering column.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure reference marks are aligned. Tighten steering wheel retaining nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article.

Removal (Stealth & 3000GT)

  1. Set front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Remove ignition key. Disconnect negative battery cable and cover with tape. Wait 30 seconds before continuing. CAUTION: Wait at least 30 seconds after disconnecting battery before servicing SRS components. DO NOT use excessive force when disconnecting clockspring-to-air bag connector.
  2. Remove air bag module mounting nuts from back side of steering wheel. (Scheme 1) Remove air bag module. When disconnecting clockspring, press air bag lock toward outer side to spread open. (Scheme 2) Gently remove connector with a screwdriver.
  3. Place air bag in clean, dry area with pad cover face up. Place reference mark on steering wheel and steering column shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel retaining nut and washer. Using steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel.
CAUTIONDO NOT hammer on steering wheel during removal. Steering column may be damaged.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 2
Scheme 2

Inspection

Check air bag module, pad cover and inflator case for dents, cracks or deformities. Check hooks and connectors for damage, terminal deformities and binding harnesses. Replace air bag module if damaged. Check clockspring connectors and wiring for damage or wear. Replace as necessary.

WARNINGNEVER measure circuit resistance of air bag module. Accidental deployment, which can cause serious injury, may result.
  1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Before installing steering wheel, ensure NEUTRAL mark of clockspring is aligned with mating mark on outer housing.
  2. Reverse removal procedure to install remaining components. Ensure steering wheel reference marks are aligned. Tighten steering wheel retaining nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) table at end of article. Ensure air bag wiring is not pinched or bent during installation.
  3. After installation is complete, turn ignition switch to the ON or START position. SRS warning light on dashboard should come on for about 7 seconds and then go off.

Removal & Installation

  1. Remove the steering wheel and the horn pad. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Remove lower instrument panel cover (if equipped). Remove steering column covers.
  2. On Stealth and 3000GT, disconnect clockspring connectors at SRS diagnosis unit and at body harness. Remove harness clips. Remove clockspring.
  3. On all models, disconnect combination switch electrical connectors. Remove retaining screws and combination switch(s). (Scheme 3) To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

Removal

  1. Remove the steering wheel and the combination switch. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Also, see «COMBINATION SWITCH R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect electrical lead for ignition switch.
  2. On Colt Vista (1991) and Precis, use a hacksaw to cut groove on head of special bracket bolt. Remove bolts with screwdriver. On all other models, use a hacksaw to cut the special bolts at steering lock bracket side. Remove ignition switch, steering lock and bracket.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Use new steering lock bracket and bolts. Temporarily install ignition switch and steering lock cylinder onto steering column. Ensure ignition switch functions normally, then tighten steering cylinder lock bolts until heads twist off.

Note. Before removing, ensure wheels are in straight-ahead position and note steering wheel location for reassembly reference.

Removal (All Models Except Precis)

  1. Remove the steering wheel and the combination switch. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Also, see «COMBINATION SWITCH R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove lower instrument panel covers and air ducts. Disconnect all electrical connections.
  2. On Stealth (A/T) and 3000GT (A/T), remove key interlock cable and slide lever. On all models, remove coupling bolt at steering gear. Remove cover bolts or retaining band. Remove steering column bracket bolts. Remove steering column assembly.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure coupling is installed on steering gear so steering wheel will be centered.

Removal (Precis)

  1. Remove the steering wheel and the combination switch. Refer to «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Also, see «COMBINATION SWITCH R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove lower crash pad, and disconnect rheostat connector. Remove column shroud. Disconnect all electrical connectors to steering column. CAUTION: Note direction and location of installed lower joint assembly before removing. Ensure joint assembly is installed correctly, as joints at ends of shaft are of different length. (Scheme 4)
  2. Remove coupling bolt at bottom of lower joint assembly. Remove steering column support bracket bolts. Remove steering column assembly. Remove lower joint assembly from steering shaft.
  1. Connect lower joint assembly upper joint to steering shaft. Ensure joint is installed in correct direction. (Scheme 4) Align lower joint assembly to steering gear pinion and temporarily tighten lower joint bolt.
  2. Install lower joint assembly on steering gear so steering wheel is centered. Attach steering column brackets to dash. Tighten lower bolt of lower joint assembly. Tighten column bracket bolts. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Disassembly (Eclipse & Galant)
Scheme 5: Disassembly (Eclipse & Galant)
  1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN R & I»(/mitsubishi/eclipse/i-1989-1995/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Remove joint assembly. Remove boot, bearing and cover. Remove snap ring, stopper and spacer. (Scheme 5)
  2. Remove tube clamp bolt, upper column tube, bushing, tube clamp and lower column tube. Using ignition key, unlock steering wheel shaft. Remove steering shaft from column by lightly tapping steering shaft with soft mallet.
  3. If removing steering lock, cut retaining screws with hacksaw. Remove steering lock and bracket.

Check steering shaft for damage. Check for worn or damaged bushings or cover. Check for play or rough movement of joint assembly. Replace damaged components.

CAUTIONIf steering lock is removed, use new steering lock bracket and bolts when reassembling steering lock.

Reassembly

  1. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Align steering lock with column boss. Ensure steering lock is operational. Tighten steering lock bracket bolt until bolt head breaks off.
  2. Apply multipurpose grease to bearing spacer and lower column tube-to-shaft contact areas.
  3. Install tube clamp so edge of clamp is positioned.73-.81" (18.5-20.5 mm) from end of upper column tube, and end of steering shaft is.98-.99" (24.8-25.2 mm) from center of the clevis pin. (Scheme 6)
  4. Install cover on joint assembly. Fill inside of bearing with multipurpose grease. Install bearing on joint assembly. Wrap tape around circumference of bearing approximately 1 1/2 times. Press bearings into cover.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

Disassembly (All Except Eclipse & Galant)

Note. Disassembly procedures are not available. For exploded views of steering column assemblies (Scheme 7), (Scheme 8), (Scheme 9) or (Scheme 10) for appropriate model.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Disassembly (All Except Eclipse & Galant)
Scheme 7: Disassembly (All Except Eclipse & Galant)

Scheme 8

Scheme 8
Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 9
Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 10
Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 11
Scheme 11

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Joint Clamp Bolt11-14 (15-19)
Steering Wheel Nut25-32 (34-43)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Air Bag Module Nuts (Stealth & 3000GT)48 (5.4)
Column Bracket Bolt84-120 (10-14)
Tube Clamp Bolt36-43 (3-4)
Dust Cover Bolt36-50 (4-6)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS