Steering Column: Service and Repair

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. 14 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

Disassembly of the steering column, Fig. 14, involves removal of the steering wheel, combination switch, ignition switch, ignition lock and tilt mechanism, if equipped. Beyond this, the basic steering column consisting of shaft, jacket, bearings and lower hinge bracket is serviced as an assembly.
To disassemble and assemble the tilt mechanism, proceed as follows:
1. Remove lock lever screw and lock lever, then the adjusting nut and tilt clamp bolt.
2. Separate column upper mount bracket from column assembly, Fig. 14.
3. Position upper bracket on column, then install clamp bolt from left side, engaging lands under bolt head with slot in bracket.
4. Install adjusting nut and torque to 7-11 ft. lbs.
5. Install lock lever on adjusting nut, position lever against stop, then torque lever screw to 13-19 ft. lbs.
6. Check tilt mechanism for proper operation.