Service

Fixed Jacket Tube

NOTE: On air bag equipped vehicles, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts, Service Precautions. Also refer to the Arming and Disarming procedure under Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems).

Never attempt to replace lower steering shaft with jacket tube installed. upper steering shaft could move within jacket tube, causing steering shaft axial play within jacket tube.
1. Remove lower steering shaft bolt, then lower steering shaft. Check lower steering shaft runout. Runout should not exceed 1.6 inches.
2. Remove upper steering shaft circlip, spring washer and thrust ring.
3. Push upper steering shaft slightly out of top, then slide thrust ring down upper steering shaft and remove circlip.
4. Remove thrust ring from upper steering shaft.
5. Insert thrust piece in jacket tube and knock upper ball bearing and upper steering shaft out of jacket tube.
6. Remove upper steering shaft from jacket tube, then use thrust piece to knock lower ball bearing and upper steering shaft out of jacket tube.
7. Reverse procedure to install, noting following:
a. Inspect ball bearings for signs of wear or possible indentations. Replace as necessary.
b. Use installation sleeve to press lower ball bearing into jacket tube.
c. Insert upper steering shaft upward into jacket tube and press in upper ball bearing.
d. Lubricate ball bearings with suitable multi-purpose grease.
e. Push thrust ring onto upper steering shaft, along with circlip. Lug in thrust ring must engage in upper steering shaft groove. Ensure circlip engages correctly in upper steering shaft groove.
f. To install thrust spring and spring washer to upper steering shaft, place circlip on upper steering shaft, then use suitable drift punch to press it onto upper steering shaft until spring washer is fully tensioned. Chamfered side of circlip must be toward spring washer.
g. Press lower steering shaft on as far as circlip on upper steering shaft.
h. Torque lower steering shaft to upper steering shaft to 18 ft. lbs.