Steering Wheel - Slow to Return After Making a Turn
Model Year 1983Bulletin No. 83-209
File in Group 70
Number 41
Date Nov. '83
SUBJECT: STEERING WHEEL RETURNABILITY
MODELS AFFECTED: 1983 CENTURYS AND SKYLARKS
There may be instances where the steering wheel is slow to return to center after making a turn on a 1983 Century or Skylark model. This condition may be caused by a stiff U-Joint in the intermediate shaft assembly between the rack and pinion assembly and the steering column.
To check for a stiff joint, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft and the rear stub shaft by removing the pinch bolts. The joint halves should swing free of their own weight. If the joints are stiff, replace with a new intermediate shaft assembly, checking the new joints for freeness. This condition can also be caused by a pinch bolt that has been overtightened. It is important to torque the pinch bolt to the specified 40-54 N-m (30-40 ft.lbs.) torque range. Poor returnability caused by an overtightened pinch bolt will also necessitate replacement of the intermediate shaft, as the overtightening may distort the yokes.