Steering Column - Squeaks and Rattles

19.6-07

DATE
5/97

Sedan Range

MODEL
1995 MY Sedan Range

VIN
720001-743506

Squeaks & Rattles - Noise From Fascia - Movement of Steering Column Upper Bracket

ISSUE:





Some 1995 MY Sedan Range vehicles within the above VIN range may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the instrument area. The noise may be caused by movement of the steering column upper bracket against the plenum stiffener, Illustration 1, and the surface of the plenum.

The upper mounting bracket can move if it is not in full contact with the surface of the plenum. Blanking plugs or excess hardened sealer can prevent full contact thereby allowing movement.

ACTION:

In case of a complaint of noise from the instrument area, on 1995 MY Sedan Range vehicles within the above VIN range, check if the noise occurs when applying upward and downward pressure to the steering column. If so, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the negative cable of the battery.

2. After removing the left side dash liner, remove the instrument panel.

3. Detach the draft welting from the body flange in the area of the left side fascia closing panel. Remove the panel.

4. Remove any broken plastic fasteners from the closing panel and plastic retainers from the fascia bracket.

5. Remove the left side fascia a/c duct and the plastic fasteners.

6. Unclip the harness connectors from the upper mounting bracket of the steering column.

7. Position a suitable support under the steering wheel.

8. Remove and discard the two bolts that retain the upper mounting bracket of the steering column and the plenum stiffener to the plenum.

NOTE:
The two mounting bolts must be discarded and replaced with new bolts.

9. Lower the steering column and wheel onto the support.

10. Mark around the washers under the heads of the bolts that secure the plenum stiffener to the A pillar to aid reassembly.

11. Remove the retaining bolts and move the stiffener to obtain access to the plenum, Illustration 1.

12. Remove and discard the blanking plugs from the unused holes in the plenum (Illustration 1). Cover the holes with lengths of insulating tape to keep them airtight.

13. Clean any excess sealer from the surface of the plenum around the area of the mounting bolt weld nuts. This area should be flat without any projections.

14. If the paint surface around the holes has been damaged, paint the surface with a zinc-based paint.

15. Place the plenum stiffener, Illustration 1, into position against the A pillar and start the retaining bolts without final tightening.

16. Lift the steering column assembly from the temporary support and loosely attach the upper mounting bracket and the plenum stiffener to the plenum using new bolts. Do not final tighten the bolts.

17. Remove the support and align the plenum stiffener with the A pillar using the markings around the washers. Then, tighten the bolts securing the plenum stiffener to the A pillar.

18. Center the steering column with the instrument cluster and tighten the new bolts that secure the upper mounting bracket to the plenum to 17-23 Nm.

19. Clip the wiring harness connectors to the steering column bracket.

20. Reinstall the left side fascia a/c duct, align it with the fascia bracket and secure it in position with the fasteners. Reinstall the a/c outlet.

21. Install new retainers on the fascia bracket and new fasteners on the closing panel.

22. Reinstall the fascia closing panel.

23. Reinstall the draft welting on the body flange.

24. Reinstall the instrument panel.

25. Reinstall the dash liner.

26. Reconnect the battery negative cable and reset the clock.





PARTS INFORMATION:





WARRANTY INFORMATION: