Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL





Note: Disconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Disarm radio coded theft protection as outlined in Technician Safety Information.
2. Remove air bag module.
3. Mark steering column and steering wheel for proper alignment during reassembly.

Steering Wheel Play





1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and right and verify that the play is within specification.

Play: 3O mm (0-1.18 in)

2. If the play exceeds specification, check the steering joints for wear and check the steering gear for excessive back-lash. Correct as necessary.

Looseness or Play of Steering Wheel





1. Move the steering wheel in the directions of the arrows to check for column bearing wear, steering shaft joint play, steering wheel looseness, and column looseness.
2. If looseness is noted, inspect for the cause and repair as necessary.

Steering Wheel Effort






1. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Start the engine and warm the power steering fluid to 5O deg. C (122-140 deg F).





3. With the engine running at idle, attach a pull scale to the outermost point of the steering wheel spoke. Then, starting with the wheels in the straight-ahead position, measure the effort required to turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right.

Steering Wheel Effort: 3O-38 N (3.0-3.9 kgf, 6.6-8.5 ft lb) [during one turn of the steering wheel]

4. If not within specification, check the following: fluid level, air in system, fluid leakage in piping or connections, function of oil pump and gear box, and tire pressures.





4. Remove horn cap and steering wheel locknut.

Caution: Do not strike steering column shaft end with a hammer. Striking shaft will damage steering bearing or collapsible steering shaft.

5. Using a suitable puller, remove steering wheel.

Intermediate Shaft

Note: Bolt A can be loosened but not removed from the intermediate shaft.

INSTALLATION

Steering Shaft, Steering Joint, and Intermediate Shaft





Assemble the steering shaft, steering joint, and intermediate shaft, then tighten the bolts. Tighten bolt A last.

Steering Wheel





Install the steering wheel with the wheels in the straight-ahead position.

DISASSEMBLY

Steering Lock Mounting Bolts and Bracket









1. Secure the steering shaft in a vise.
2. Use a chisel to make a groove in the heads of the steering lock mounting bolts.
3. Remove the bolts by using a screwdriver.
4. Remove the steering lock assembly.

INSPECTION

Steering Shaft Assembly





Check for the following and replace the steering shaft assembly if necessary.
1. Column bearing for damage
2. Column bushing for damage
3. Steering Shaft Length





Length: 779.5-781.5 mm (3O.6-3O.76 in)

Steering Lock Assembly





1. Insert the ignition key in the key cylinder. Apply battery positive voltage between terminals B and C.
2. Verify that the solenoid operates.
3. If not as specified replace the key interlock solenoid.

ASSEMBLY

Steering Lock Mounting Bolts and Bracket





1. Install the steering lock assembly on the jacket.
2. Verify that the lock operates correctly.
3. Install new steering lock mounting bolts.
4. Tighten each bolt until its head breaks oft.