Ignition Lock Cylinder & Upper Column Components

Fig. 32 Steering column exploded view. 1985---88 Chevrolet Nova:

Refer to Fig. 32 for steering column component identification.
Disassembly
1. Remove combination switch and steering wheel as outlined in ``Steering Column, Replace.''
2. Remove tilt tension springs and spring grommets.
3. Remove bolt securing tilt lever and the lever. Tilt lever retaining bolt has lefthand threads.
4. Remove tension adjuster nut and washer.
5. Pull out lock bolt, then remove column upper and lower supports.
6. Remove 3 screws and retainer from upper bracket.
7. Remove steering lock snap ring, insert key to release steering lock, then tap out tapered head bolt with suitable drift and hammer.
8. Remove bolts securing upper bracket to column, upper bearing snap ring and the upper bracket assembly.
9. Remove stopper bolts from side of column tube securing mainshaft, then withdraw shaft assembly.
10. Remove bearing from upper bracket assembly using suitable drift.

Fig. 33 Steering shaft stopper alignment. 1985---88 Chevrolet Nova:

Fig. 34 Lower support installation. 1985---88 Chevrolet Nova:

Fig. 35 Upper support and column adjuster installation. 1985---87 Chevrolet Nova:

Assembly
1. Pack upper bearing with multi-purpose grease, then install bearing in upper bracket using suitable drift.
2. Inspect lower stopper and replace as needed.
3. Install stopper and snap ring on shaft, install new O-ring, coat thrust stopper with molybdenum disulfide grease and insert shaft assembly into column tube.
4. Align stopper with hole in column tube, Fig. 33, install stopper bolts and torque bolts to 9 lb ft
5. Rotate lock cylinder to unlock position, mount upper bracket assembly on column and install new tapered head bolt and remaining attaching bolts.
6. Tighten tapered head bolt until head twists off and torque remaining bolts to 14 lb ft
7. Install new upper bearing snap ring, then the upper bearing retainer.
8. Lubricate lower support bushings and O-rings, then install lower support, ensure that O-rings are properly positioned, Fig. 34, then torque nuts to 9 ft.lbs.
9. Lubricate inner and outer contact surfaces of upper support, install support, through bolt, washer and adjusting nut, Fig. 35, then tighten adjusting nut until no play exists between support and column.
10. Install tilt lever over adjusting nut, Loosen adjusting nut, reposition column and tighten nut, then check installation position of lever.
11. Reposition adjusting nut and lever, as needed, to ensure that lever handle is parallel with column tube when supper bracket assembly is locked, then install lever retaining screw and torque screw to 25 lb ft
12. Install tension springs and grommets, then check column operation.