Assembly
ASSEMBLYColumn Shift:
Note: During assembly of the components, apply a thin coat of multi-purpose, NLGI grade 2 EP (extreme pressure) lubricant (e.g., MOPAR Multimileage Lubricant, or an equivalent lubricant) to all contact (friction) surfaces.
(1) Clamp the steering column in a vise (at the column support bracket) so that both ends of the column are accessible.
WARNING: Never use steel rivets (instead of aluminum) to connect the column tube to the mandrel because this connection must shear upon impact.
(2) Inspect the steering column tube-to-mandrel rivets for tightness. Replace (if necessary) with 1/8-inch diameter by 1/4-inch long (1/8-inch grip) aluminum "blind" rivets.
(3) If applicable, position the crossover load spring and the transmission shift lever in the shift housing and tap the pivot pin into place.
(4) Assemble the key/lock cylinder plunger spring and install it on the lock housing.
(5) Install the shift lever gate on the lock housing.
(6) Place the shift lever in mid-position (if applicable) and "seat" the lock housing on top of the jacket while aligning the keyway in the housing with the slot in the jacket.
- Insert all four screws and slowly tighten each screw alternately, and in steps, to ensure proper "seating" of the lock housing on the jacket.
- Tighten the screws with 10 Nm (90 in/lbs) torque.
(7) To install the dimmer switch as shown, firmly "seat" the push rod into the switch. Compress the switch until two 0.093 inch diameter drill bit shanks can be inserted into the alignment holes.
Fig 8 Wash/Wipe Switch Removal/Installation:
- Re-position the upper end of the push rod in the pocket of the wash/wipe switch as shown. This can be accomplished by touch, or if necessary, by removing the column lower cover. With a light rearward force on the switch, install the two retaining screws.
- Remove the drill bits.
- The switch should "click" when the lever is lifted; and "click" again, as the lever returns, immediately before it reaches the stop in the down position.
(8) Lubricate and assemble the two lock levers, the pin and the lock lever spring.
(9) Install the assembled components in the lock housing. "Seat" the pin firmly in the bottom of the slots. Ensure that the lock lever spring leg is firmly in-place in the casted notch.
(10) Install the ignition switch actuator rod from the bottom of the lock housing via the slotted hole in the housing and attach it to the belicrank. Insert the bellcrank into the lock housing while pulling the ignition switch rod down the column, and then "seat" the bellcrank on the mounting surface as shown previously.
- If applicable, the transmission shift lever should be in the PARK position.
(11) Place the ignition switch on the ignition switch actuator rod and rotate it 90 degrees to lock the rod into position.
(12) To install the ignition lock, turn the key to the "LOCK" position and remove the key.
Note: This will cause the buzzer/chime operating lever to retract into the key/lock cylinder.
- Now insert the key/lock cylinder into the lock housing far enough to contact the switch actuator.
- Insert the key, force it inward and rotate the key/lock cylinder.
Note: When the components are aligned, the key/lock cylinder will move inward and the spring loaded retainers will "snap" into place and "lock" the cylinder in the housing.
(13) With the key/lock cylinder in the "LOCK" position and the ignition switch in the "LOCK" position (the second detent position from the top), tighten the ignition switch retaining screws.
(14) Route the buzzer/chime switch wires behind the wiring post and down through the space between the lock housing and the steering column jacket.
- Remove the ignition switch key, position the switch in the housing and tighten the retaining screws.
SHAFT INSTALLATION
CAUTION: During installation, do not strike the steenng column shaft with a hammer (or other heavy object) because this could damage the collapsible connection.
(1) Install the bearing and the spring on the steering column shaft. Lubricate and install the rubber 0-ring seal in the lower groove on the upper end of the shaft. Insert the shaft completely into the steering column.
(2) Force the upper bearing into the upper bearing housing. The bearing must be fully "seated" in the bearing cavity.
(3) Push upward on the steering column shaft to compress the bearing spring and retain the shaft in this position until the "snap" retaining ring is installed in the shaft groove.
(4) Lubricate the inside of the lock plate (to prevent rattle) and install the lock plate on the steering column shaft.
(5) Install the upper bearing "snap" retaining ring on the steering shaft.
(6) Install the four screws that attach the bearing housing to the lock housing.
KEY LAMP AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSTALLATION
(1) Install the ignition switch key lamp on the bearing housing.
(2) Install the turn signal switch on the bearing housing.
- Route the wires from the turn signal switch and the key lamp through the opening between the bearing housing and the lock housing and down along the bottom of the steering column jacket. Tighten the three attaching screws with 3 Nm (24 in/lbs) torque.
(3) Assemble the wash/wipe switch, the stalk and cover, the multi-function control switch, the cover, and the knob.
(4) Place the wash/wipe switch in the lock housing, route the wires through the lock housing and the shift housing, and attach them to the turn signal switch.
(5) Route the dimmer switch actuator rod up through the housings and insert it into the "pocket" in the wash/wipe switch.
(6) Compress the dimmer switch until two 0.093 inch diameter drill bit shanks can be inserted into the two alignment holes.
- With one end of the rod in the wash/wipe switch and the other end of the rod in the dimmer switch, apply a slight upward force and attach the dimmer switch to the bracket.
- Remove the drill bits.
- The switch should "click" when the lever is lifted and "click" again, as the lever returns and immediately before it reaches the "stop" in the "down" position.
(7) Install the turn signal lever cover.
(8) Install the breakaway capsules.
(9) Position the wiring trough in-place over the wires.
Note: Use care to avoid "pinching" the wires between the trough and the steering column jacket. Install replacement wire retainers, if necessary.
(10) Install the steering column in the vehicle. Refer to the installation procedure.