Steering Shaft: Service and Repair

Lower Steering Shaft

CAUTION:
^ Before removing any parts of steering linkage, it is imperative that road wheels are positioned straight ahead. Then steering wheel removed to prevent rotary coupler being wound up or damaged.
^ After reing steering linkage parts follow correct procedure to ensure that road wheels, steering box and steering wheel are correctly positioned relative to each other when in straight ahead condition. If steering wheel requires repositioning, ensure that drive pegs on rotary coupler are correctly positioned before steering wheel is replaced.
^ This ensures drive pegs locate in their holes in rear of steering wheel.
^ After final alignment connect rotary coupler, tighten steering wheel securing nut and fit air bag module.

REMOVAL
1. Ensure road wheels are straight ahead.





2. Remove pinch bolt (2) securing top universal joint to steering column.
3. Remove 2 pinch bolts (3) securing lower universal joint.
4. Move lower shaft (4) up to release lower universal joint from steering box splines.
5. Remove lower shaft, then remove universal joint (5) from lower shaft.

NOTE:
^ Do not dismantle upper coupling joint.
^ Steering shaft, rubber coupling and top universal joint is only available as an assembly.

6. Inspect lower universal joint for wear and excessive play, renew if necessary.
7. Inspect top universal joint and rubber coupling, renew lower shaft as an assembly if necessary.
8. Inspect universal joints for stiffness, lubricate if necessary.

NOTE: Prior to installing a replacement steering shaft check the following:

9. Release stud fasteners securing heat shield (if installed).
10. Check that indicator clip colored red is fully inserted under head of compression joint bolt.

NOTE: If clip is displaced, no attempt must be made to drive clip into engagement, a new shaft assembly must be installed.

11. Secure heat shield stud fasteners (if installed).

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Install universal joints so pinch bolt holes line up with flat on shaft.

1. Position lower universal joint on shaft.
2. Position shaft assembly onto steering column.
- Move assembly up spline to enable lower universal joint to fit onto steering box splices.
3. Align bolt holes with grooves in splines.
- Install pinch bolts, then tighten to 25 Nm.