Steering Column Shaft

Removal

CAUTION: Make sure the steering column is in the locked position, or pin the lower end of the steering column center shaft to prevent the steering wheel from being turned. Turning the steering wheel with the intermediate shaft removed can cause damage to the air bag sliding contact.

1. Center the front wheels to the straight-ahead position.
2. Set the parking brake control.
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. On Commercial Chassis only, remove the steering column position control cover, if so equipped.
5. Remove the bolt retaining the upper shaft assembly to lower shaft assembly.
6. Collapse the lower shaft approximately 51 mm (2 inches) to allow separation of the upper and lower shafts.
7. On Commercial Chassis only, remove the bolt retaining the upper shaft assembly U-joint to the steering column center shaft.
8. On Commercial Chassis only, slide the shaft off the end of the steering column.
9. On Commercial Chassis only, unsnap the dash panel seal from the dash panel.
10. On Commercial Chassis only, slide the seal assembly up and off the lower shaft assembly.
11. Remove the bolt retaining the lower shaft assembly U-joint to the steering gear input shaft.
12. Remove the lower shaft assembly from the steering gear.

Installation
1. Position the steering gear and front wheels in the straight-ahead position.





2. Align the flat on the U-joint of the lower shaft assembly with the flat on the steering gear input shaft, and install the shaft on the steering gear. Install the retaining bolt and tighten.
3. On Commercial Chassis only, swing the lower shaft through the hole in the dash panel.
4. On Commercial Chassis only, slide the dash panel seal down over the lower shaft and snap into the dash panel.








5. On Commercial Chassis only, align the upper shaft to the steering column center shaft and slide into position. Install the retaining bolt N803942-S 100, and tighten.
- On all except Commercial Chassis, extend the lower shaft and insert a new bolt into the double Cardan joint.





6. On Commercial Chassis only, align the upper and lower shaft.
7. On Commercial Chassis only, extend the end of the lower shaft up and into the upper shaft. Install the retaining bolt and tighten.
8. On Commercial Chassis only, install the steering column position control cover, if so equipped.
9. Check the steering column for proper operation.
10. Reconnect the battery ground cable.