Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSGMC1971JIMMY 4.1L ENG VIN N, AUTOMATIC TRANS, TRANS MFR CD THM350REPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)STEERINGSTEERING COLUMNSTEERING COLUMNSOVERHAULALL MODELS W/TILT WHEEL (1971-74)DISASSEMBLY
1971 GMC Jimmy 4.1L Eng VIN N, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD THM350
All Models W/Tilt Wheel (1971-74): Disassembly
1971 GMC Jimmy 4.1L Eng VIN N, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD THM350SECTION Disassembly
- Place column in vise using suitable holding fixture (J-22573). Remove directional signal switch. Remove lower steering shaft and pot joint assembly. Remove lower bearing and adapter assembly from column, then press bearing out from adapter. If column shift model, remove shift lever pivot pin and shift lever.
- Install tilt release lever and place column in full up position. Remove tilt lever spring and retainer using a screwdriver that just fits into slot opening. Insert screwdriver into slot, push in approximately 3/16", then rotate clockwise approximately 1/8 turn until retainer ears align with grooves in housing and remove retainer and spring.
- Remove steering shaft bearing lock nut using suitable socket (J-22599). Remove upper bearing race seat and race. Remove two bearing housing pivot pins using suitable tool (J-21854).
- Pull up on tilt release lever (to disengage lock shoes) and remove bearing housing. If it is necessary to disassemble bearing housing, proceed as follows: Press upper and lower bearings out of housing. Using suitable puller (J-5822) and slide hammer, pull bearing races from housing. Remove tilt release lever. Drive out shoe release lever pivot pin using a punch. Remove lever spring and remove wedge. Drive out lock shoe retaining pin with a punch and remove shoes and shoe springs.
- Remove steering shaft assembly through upper end of column. If it is necessary to disassemble shaft assembly, proceed as follows: Turn upper shaft 90° to lower shaft and slide upper shaft and centering spheres from lower shaft. Rotate centering spheres 90° and remove centering spheres and preload spring from upper shaft.
- Remove four bearing housing support screws and remove support. If shift tube index plate (column shift only) must be removed, remove two retaining screws and remove plate. Remove shift tube retaining ring with screwdriver. Remove thrust washer. Remove neutral start switch or back-up lamp switch retaining screws and remove switch.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.