1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Column: Disassembly

  1. Remove clamp bolt, column tube and joint cover. Using a hacksaw, make a slit in steering lock bracket bolt and column support bolt. Remove lock and support.
  2. Remove snap ring from upper shaft (upper and lower shaft snap rings on Montero and 4WD Pickup). Remove shaft, with dust seal and bushing, from column tube.
  3. On Starion, slide joint cover from socket assembly. Remove retaining rings and joint pin collar. With shaft set upright, use a magnet to pull joint pins out from both sides of socket.
  4. Separate column tube sections. On Pickup, remove yoke and rubber coupling from steering shaft lower end. Remove rubber band from dust seal.
  5. Move seal to expose retainer caulking. Drill caulking. Using a drift, remove retainer. Remove rubber band, dust cover, dust seal and bushing from shaft.
    NOTE: Do not remove pin from steering shaft. Do not disassemble socket.
  6. On Montero and 4WD Pickup, slide dust cover to lower shaft side. Separate lower and upper shafts. Remove pipe, spring and upper boot from upper shaft. Remove dust cover and lower boot from lower shaft.
Fig 1: Exploded View of Pickup Tilt Steering Column. RWD is shown; 4WD is similar.
G51176
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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.