Models Less Airbag

When servicing collapsible steering columns, care should be exercised since they are extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping of or leaning on column or striking sharp blows on end of steering shaft or shift levers could loosen or shear plastic fasteners which maintain column rigidity. It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the mandatory reassembly sequence and torqued to specifications to insure proper breakaway action of column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing under impact. When removing or installing, steering wheel, ignition switch or lock, turn signal switch, adjusting transmission linkage, or installing and adjusting neutral-start or back-up light switch, refer to appropriate car chapter. If a shift tube shows a sheared plastic injection, a new shift tube must be installed. If a steering shaft shows a sheared plastic, or if the steering column has been collapsed a complete new column must be installed. On some models, the attaching brackets will shear under impact and must also be replaced.

Fig. 7 Exploded View Of Fixed Steering Column (Part 1 Of 2):

Fig. 7 Exploded View Of Fixed Steering Column (Part 2 Of 2):

Fig. 8 Exploded View Of Tilt Steering Column (Part 1 Of 2):

Fig. 8 Exploded View Of Tilt Steering Column (Part 2 Of 2):

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove steering wheel from steering shaft.
3. Remove two flexible coupling to steering gear input shaft attaching nuts, then disengage safety strap and bolt assembly from flexible coupling.
4. Remove steering column trim shrouds.
5. Remove steering column cover and hood release mechanism located under steering column.
6. Disconnect wire connectors from turn signal, windshield wiper/washer and ignition switches and key warning buzzer.
7. Remove four screws attaching dust boot to dash panel.
8. Remove four nuts attaching steering column to brake pedal support, then lower column assembly to clear four mounting bolts and remove column assembly from vehicle.

Installation

1. Insert U-joint assembly through opening in dash panel.
2. Align four bolts on brake pedal support with bolt holes on column collar and bracket, then install and torque four attaching nuts to 20 to 37 ft. lbs.
3. Connect wire connectors to ignition, turn signal and windshield wiper/washer switches and key warning buzzer.
4. Engage safety strap and bolt assembly to steering gear input shaft flange, then install two steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to input shaft flange attaching nuts. Torque nuts to 20 to 37 ft. lbs. The safety strap must be properly positioned to prevent metal to metal contact. Also, the flexible coupling must not be distorted when nuts are torqued. Pry steering shaft upward or downward to obtain 1/8 inch coupling insulator flatness.
5. Engage dust boot at end of steering column to dash panel opening, then install four dust boot attaching screws.
6. Install steering wheel on steering shaft.
7. Install steering column trim shrouds.
8. Install hood release mechanism and steering column cover.
9. Connect battery ground cable and check steering column for proper operation.