Steering Column - Noise

90buick11 Bulletin 90-3-19

Date Sept. '90

Ref. No. 90-175-3

Corp. Ref. No. 013204

SUBJECT: NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN NEAR INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (INSTALL A RETAINING WASHER)

MODELS AFFECTED: 1990 RIVIERA AND REATTA


Some 1990 Rivieras and Reattas may experience a condition of road noise at the lower end of the steering column. This condition may be improved by using the following procedure:

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Section 9J in the Service Information Manual.

2. Make sure the wheels are in the straight ahead position and the ignition switch is in the locked position.

NOTICE:

THE COIL ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME UNCENTERED IF THE COLUMN IS SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR AND IS ALLOWED TO ROTATE. IF A COIL BECOMES UNCENTERED, REFER TO SECTION 3F4A OF THE SERVICE INFORMATION MANUAL TO CENTER THE COIL. IMPROPER CENTERING OF THE SIR COIL WILL CAUSE UNNECESSARY SIR SYSTEM REPAIR.

Figure 1:

3. Push shaft boot cover away from bearing and seal retainer giving clearance to the intermediate shaft pinch bolt. Refer to Figure 1.

Figure 2:

4. Disconnect the steering column from the intermediate shaft by removing the pinch bolt. Use a large flat-tip screwdriver or chisel to pry open the intermediate shaft to allow for easy removal and replacement. Refer to Figure 2.

5. Slide intermediate shaft off column shaft.

Figure 3:

6. Slide foam seal and plastic bushing onto steering column until flush to retainer lip. The flanged end of the bushing should be toward the bottom of the column. Refer to Figure 3.

7. Install retaining washer.

NOTE: The crowns on the washer must be pointing toward the bottom of the column.
8. Place intermediate shaft over steering column. (Make sure intermediate shaft is properly aligned with chamfer in column shaft.)

NOTICE:

THE COIL ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME UNCENTERED IF THE COLUMN IS SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR AND IS ALLOWED TO ROTATE. IF A COIL BECOMES UNCENTERED, REFER TO SECTION 3F4A OF THE SERVICE INFORMATION MANUAL TO CENTER THE COIL. IMPROPER CENTERING OF THE SIR COIL WILL CAUSE UNNECESSARY SIR SYSTEM REPAIR.

9. Tighten bolt on intermediate shaft to 47 N-m (35 lbs.ft.).

10. Place boot cover securely around the bearing and seal retainer. Failure to completely seal the retainer with the boot cover will result in noise penetration.

11. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Section 9J in the Service Information Manual.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Labor Operation No.: T6451
Labor Time: .4 hr.