Steering Column: Service Precautions

When the steering column is installed in the vehicle it is not susceptible to damage through ordinary use; however, when it is removed, care must be taken during handling. Such actions as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft or shift levers, leaning on the column assembly or dropping of the assembly could loosen or shear the plastic shear joints or rivets used to maintain column rigidity. Hammering, jolting or bumping on the steering shaft and gearshift tube must be avoided during all service operations. If the shear pins are broken, the controlled length of the telescoping design will be altered making these components unfit for further service. When removing the steering wheel, only a steering wheel puller designed for this purpose must be used.
It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the assembly procedure and torqued to specifications to insure proper breakaway action of the column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts or fasteners as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing. When replacing fasteners, replace with ones of the same part number or equivalent.
When removing or installing the steering wheel, ignition switch, lock cylinder, turn signal switch, neutral start switch, back-up light switch or adjusting column shift manual transmission linkage refer to the appropriate vehicle chapter.