Steering Column - Removal and Installation

ASTRO VAN & SAFARI
Removal
If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use a standard steering wheel puller. Do not hammer on end of shaft. Hammering could loosen the plastic tabs which maintain steering column rigidity.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove pinch bolt attaching upper cardan joint to steering column lower shaft.
3. Disconnect all electrical connectors and switches from steering column.
4. Remove cover and seal from front of dash.
5. Remove steering column mounting bracket, then the steering column.

Fig. 1 Steering column installation. Astro Van & Safari:

Fig. 2 Checking cardan joint operating angle. Astro Van & Safari:

Installation

1. Attach bracket (A), Fig. 1, to jacket and install bolt (E) first, bolt (F) second and bolts (G and H) last, torquing all bolts to 30 lb ft
2. Position steering column in body and loosely assemble capsule nuts on studs.
3. Place cover and seal in position on dash and install bolt B, torquing to 7 lb ft
4. Install bolt (C), torquing to 7 lb ft, then bolt (D).
5. Torque capsule nuts to 25 lb ft
6. Install upper cardan joint over steering column lower shaft.
7. Install pinch bolt, torquing to 30 lb ft
8. Ensure that cardan joint operating angle is 34---39°, Fig. 2.