B. Intermediate Shaft Replacement

- Refer to Figures 1 and 2 for component identification.

1. Disconnect battery.

2. Disconnect the slide-on A/C duct under the instrument panel for better working access to the intermediate shaft and move the duct aside.

3. Slide the upper half of the steering column boot down over the lower half to expose the upper intermediate shaft coupling.

4. Turn the steering wheel for best access to the upper coupling clamp bolt.

5. Remove the upper clamp bolt, but leave the coupling connected so that the steering wheel can be turned to position the lower clamp bolt.

6. Disengage the lower boot half flange from the floor pan (flange secured with snap-in retainers) to expose the lower coupling.

7. Turn the steering wheel for best access to the lower coupling clamp bolt and remove the bolt.

8. Disengage the upper coupling from the steering column shaft.

9. Slide both boot halves off the shaft.

10. Disengage the lower coupling from the steering gear and remove the intermediate shaft.

11. Follow the above procedure in reverse to install the new intermediate shaft.

^ Tighten the intermediate shaft coupling clamp bolts to 30 ft.lbs. (40 N-m).





Note:
When installing the two-piece boot, the "X" marked on the lower half should be aligned in the "O" on the upper half, and the flange should be installed in the floor pan with the "notch" mark at the 6 o'clock position (Figure 3).

12. If necessary, correct a slightly off-center steering wheel with the alignment screws located under the horn contact cover, following the "Minor Alignment" procedure in the appropriate service manual.