Disassembly/Assembly

DISASSEMBLY

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove steering wheel and column, refer to Removal/Installation.

Fig. 54 Shroud Pod Rear Covers Removal:

Fig. 55 Shroud Upper & Lower Cover Removal:

Fig. 56 Pod Control Modules Removal:

Fig. 57 Shroud Removal:

3. Remove steering column shroud as follows:
a. Remove three screws attaching rear cover to left shroud pod.
b. Remove two screws attaching rear cover to right shroud pod.
c. Remove rear covers from both shroud pods.
d. Remove lower cover to shroud bracket screw, then carefully separate lower cover from upper cover by detaching upper cover tab fasteners from lower cover notches.
e. Remove two shroud bracket to upper cover screws, then the upper shroud cover. Slide shroud upper cover off gearshift lever.
f. Remove shroud to control module screws, then remove both control modules from pods. This will provide access to four shroud to bracket internal screws.
g. Remove key/lock cylinder bezel from shroud.
h. Cover tilt lever stalk with a shop towel and remove by unthreading from tilt lever using locking pliers.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage stalk with plier teeth.
i. Remove four shroud to bracket internal screws, then the shroud from bracket.

Fig. 58 Exploded View Of Steering Column Assembly W/Standard Column:

Fig. 59 Exploded View Of Steering Column Assembly W/Tilt Column:

4. Remove cancelling cam, wave washer and turn signal switch.
5. Remove shroud bracket, then the two ignition switch retaining screws and switch from key/lock cylinder housing. Turn ignition key to unmarked position, push the cylinder lock tab inward and remove.
6. Remove turn signal adapter screws and the adapter.

Fig. 60 Steering Shaft Spring Compressor:

Fig. 61 Positioning Adapter Tool:

7. Remove steering shaft snap ring, bearing retainer, retainer spring and thrust washer as follows:
a. Install adapter tool No. J-35899 or equivalent on spring retainer.
NOTE: Use caution as snap ring and retainer are under spring pressure. Do not attempt to remove steering shaft without proper tools. Adapter tool must be positioned at a 45° angle from key/lock cylinder housing as shown, to avoid damaging steering column housing.
b. Thread compressor tool No. J-23653-A or equivalent on steering column shaft.
c. Tighten compressor tool nut to compress retainer spring, then unseat and remove snap ring. Discard the snap ring.
d. Loosen compressor tool nut, unthread tool and remove compressor and adapter.
e. Remove spring, washer and retainer.
8. Remove shift cable from housing by pressing the retaining tab.
9. On tilt steering column models, temporarily remove the tilt lever, then remove lock cylinder housing on all models as follows:
a. Center punch the tamper proof bolts, then drill them out with a 1/4 inch drill bit. Drill down until bit contacts hardened washer.
b. Remove lock cylinder housing, then the drilled out bolts with pliers.

Fig. 62 Tilt Spring Retainer Removal:

Fig. 63 Pivot Pin Removal:

10. On tilt steering column models, proceed as follows:
a. Reinstall tilt lever and adjust to full upward tilt position.
b. Remove tilt spring retainer using a large Phillips screwdriver. Press retainer in and turn clockwise to unlock, then remove retainer and spring.
c. Place column in center position and remove pivot pins using pin removal tool No. J-21854-1 or equivalent.
d. Thread tool into each pin, then tighten tool nut to pull pin from housing.
e. Move tilt lever to disengage lock shoes and slide housing off column jacket.
11. On all models, pull steering shaft straight out of column to remove.
CAUTION: Do not strike the shaft as shear pins could be damaged.
12. On tilt models, remove support screws and support from column jacket, then disassemble steering shaft by separating at flex joint.
13. On standard column models, remove upper bearing from housing. Remove snap ring, and press bearing out of housing using two suitable size sockets or lengths of steel tube as driver and receiver.

INSPECTION

1. Inspect all column components for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
2. If standard column lower bearing, or either upper or lower tilt column bearing needs replacement, the entire column jacket assembly must be replaced.

Fig. 64 Lock Shoe Retracting Lever:

ASSEMBLY

1. Press upper bearing into housing using two suitable size sockets as press tool and support.
2. On tilt column models, proceed as follows:
a. Install support and assemble steering shafts.
b. Insert steering shaft into support and column jacket, then install housing over steering shaft onto support.
c. Align pivot pin and support holes. Housing lock shoes must be retracted with lever, in order to align holes.
d. Insert and seat pivot pins with a punch and hammer, then stake each pin in two places.
e. Install tilt spring in column and position retainer on spring.
f. Using a large Phillips screwdriver, push retainer in and turn counterclockwise to lock.
3. On standard column models, lubricate column bearings with chassis grease, then insert steering shaft into column jacket and secure with four Torx bolts.
4. On all models, position lock cylinder housing on column housing and secure with replacement tamper proof bolts and torque until bolt head shears off.
5. Press tab and install shift cable on housing.
6. Position washer, spring and retainer for standard columns, or race, seat and spring for tilt columns, on steering shaft.
7. On all models, position a new snap ring, then using adapter tool No. J-35899 and compressor tool No. J-23653-A or equivalents, compress retainer spring as outlined under "Disassembly."
8. Seat snap ring in the bottom groove of steering shaft and remove tools and adapter.
9. Install ignition switch, then the shroud mount on column.
10. Install turn signal switch adapter and turn signal switch.
11. Install wave washer, cancelling cam and ignition lock cylinder in housing.
12. Reverse disassembly procedure to install remaining components.