Tilt Steering Column - Clicking Noise

90ford01

Article No. 90-1-4

^ STEERING - TILT COLUMN - "CLICK" NOISE

^ NOISE - "CLICK" FROM TILT STEERING COLUMN

FORD: 1986-89 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986-89 SABLE 1988-90 CONTINENTAL

ISSUE: A "clicking" noise from the tilt steering column may be heard whenever a side load is applied to the column or while traveling over rough roads. This is caused by the steering column tilt lock lever pin.

ACTION: Install a new dry-lubricated steering column tilt lock lever pin. Refer to the following procedure for service details.

REMOVAL

1. Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate Car Shop Manual, Section 13-04 for service details.

NOTE: IF THE COLUMN IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, FOLLOW ALL SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.

2. Remove the tilt column lock lever pivot pin and lever assembly from the steering column. Refer to the appropriate Car Shop Manual, Section 13-04 for service details.

Figure 1:

3. Move the tilt lock lever on the intermediate mounting bracket to the full open position and clamp it there, Figure 1.

Figure 2:

4. Remove the tilt release cable end from the tilt release lever, Figure 2.

Figure 3:

5. Remove the tilt release lever and cable from the lock cylinder housing by removing the Torx head screw and self-tapping screw, Figure 3.

Figure 4:

6. Remove the intermediate mounting bracket from the lock cylinder housing by removing the two
(2) Torx head shoulder bolts and spring washers, Figure 4.

Figure 5:

7. Position a spacer between the intermediate mounting bracket and the tilt lock lever, Figure 5.

a. Move the spring as shown.

b. Remove the cable from the slot in the tilt lock lever.

c. Remove the spacer and spring.

Figure 6:

8. Remove the pin retaining the tilt lock lever to the intermediate mounting bracket with a punch and hammer, Figure 6.

NOTE: USE A WOOD BLOCK TO SUPPORT THE BRACKET.

9. Remove the tilt lock lever.

Figure 7:

INSTALLATION

1. Position the tilt lock lever on the intermediate mounting bracket and install a new tilt lock lever pin, Figure 7.

NOTE: USE A WOOD BLOCK TO SUPPORT THE BRACKET.

Figure 8:

2. Install the spring and spacer as shown in Figure 8.

3. Install the tilt lever release cable end into the tilt lock lever slot.

Figure 9:

4. Remove the spacer and position the spring as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10:

5. Move the tilt lock lever to the full open position and clamp it there, Figure 10.

Figure 11:

6. Install the intermediate mounting bracket on the lock cylinder housing with two (2) spring washers and Torx head bolts, Figure 11. Tighten the bolts to a torque of 15-25 lb.ft. (21-33 N-m).

Figure 12:

7. Install the tilt release cable and tilt release lever on the lock cylinder housing with one (1) Torx head bolt and one self-tapping screw, Figure 12.

a. Tighten the bolt to a torque of 15-25 lb.ft. (21-33 N-m).

b. Tighten the screw to a torque of 36-60 lb.in. (4.1-6.8 N-m).

c. Make sure the tilt release lever rotates freely after tightening the bolt.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

N804090-S100 Tilt Lock Lever Pin - Pkg. of 3 S

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
900104A Install Lock Lever Pin - 1.3 Hrs.
Non-Air Bag Units
900104B Install Lock Lever Pin - Air 1.6 Hrs.
Bag Units
DEALER CODING BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
3514 41
OASIS CODES: 3200, 3300, 7100, 7111, 7113