Steering Column - With Key Release - Disassemble

Fig. 31 Key release tilt steering column exploded view (Typical):

This column incorporates a key release inhibitor which must be depressed for ignition key removal, and has no shift tube or back drive system. Refer to Fig. 31 for steering column component identification.
Disassembly
1. Remove column mounting bracket and wire protector and strip wires from protector. Do not damage wires. Unsnap connector from bracket and tape wires to prevent snagging when removing switch.
2. Remove steering wheel, then loosen the three cover screws and lift cover from housing.
3. Remove tilt release lever and turn signal lever, then depress hazard warning knob and remove knob.
4. Using tool J-23653, depress lock plate and remove wire snap ring from groove shaft, then remove shaft lock, cancelling cam and upper bearing spring.
5. Remove the three turn signal retaining screws and pull switch straight out while guiding wires through shroud.
6. Place ignition lock in ``run'' position.
7. To remove buzzer switch, insert a hooked wire through exposed loop of wedge spring and pull straight out. Remove lock retaining screw from housing and remove lock cylinder. If lock cylinder is not removed before buzzer switch, buzzer switch must be in the ``on'' position. If wedge spring is dropped into column during removal, it may require complete disassembly of column to remove it.
8. Remove cover retaining screws and cover, then remove race and seat from shaft.
9. Reinstall tilt release lever and place column in full ``up'' position, then remove tilt spring retainer using a screwdriver and depressing retainer about 3/16 inch and turning about 1/8 turn counterclockwise until gears align with grooves in housing and remove spring and guide.
10. With ignition switch in ``off-unlock'' position, remove ignition switch.
11. Using tool J-21854-1, disengage lock shoe by depressing tilt housing upward to free shoes and moving housing to the left to separate rack from actuator.
12. Remove spacer from lower end of shaft and remove shaft from column.
13. Disconnect end of actuator rod from rack and remove from column, then remove the four support screws and remove support.
14. Slightly rotate lockplate counterclockwise and remove, then remove shroud retaining screws and shroud.
15. Should bearing need replacement, slide dash bracket off jacket and tap around adapter using a flat punch.
16. To disassemble bearing housing:
a. Remove tilt lever shield from housing, then remove lock bolt spring by removing spring retaining screw and turning spring clockwise to remove it from screw.
b. If used, remove sector shaft snap ring, then using a punch, drive shaft from sector and remove rack, spring, shim (if used) and sector bolt.
c. Remove tilt release lever pin, release lever and spring. To relieve tension on release lever, hold shoes inward and wedge block between top of shoes and bearing housing.
d. Remove lock shoe pin, lock shoes and springs.
e. If necessary, remove separator and balls from bearing, then using a punch, carefully drive race out of housing until bearing puller can be used. Repeat step for other race and do not reuse bearing.
17. To disassemble shroud housing:
a. Remove key release lever, then tip release lever forward and lift up. Spring on lever may be removed, if necessary.