Lower Steering Column Noise and/or Movement
NO: 19-13-97GROUP: Steering
DATE: Nov. 28, 1997
SUBJECT:
Lower Steering Column Noise
And/Or Minor Lower Steering
Column Movement
MODELS:
1994 - 1997 (BR) Ram Truck
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE DEC. 31, 1996 (MDH 1231XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Lower steering column noise and/or minor lower steering column movement.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Remove the five screws securing the knee blocker to the lower instrument panel (Figure 1) and remove the knee blocker from the instrument panel.
2. While sitting in the driver's seat, firmly grab the steering wheel. Apply a vertical up and down force and note any slight vertical movement at the lower end of the steering column. If more than 2 mm (0.079 in.) of travel is identified, inspect the part number of the toe plate. The part number of the toe plate is stamped into the steel portion of the toe plate and is located on the side of the toe plate.
3. If the part number of the toe plate is 52078177 and there is more than 2 mm (0.079 in.) of travel at the lower end of the column when the column is pushed vertically up and down, perform the following Repair Procedure. If the toe plate part number is different and/or the lower end of the column has no movement, further diagnosis is required. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 19, for information regarding steering column service.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 05012029AA Plate, Toe
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves installing a toe plate over the steering column's existing toe plate.
1. Record the radio station presets.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. On vehicles equipped with the 5.9L Cummins Diesel, disconnect both battery negative cables.
3. Remove the steering column upper mounting bracket nuts and lower the steering column down until the steering wheel rests on the driver's seat.
CAUTION:
PROTECT THE STEERING COLUMN WIRING HARNESS BY WRAPPING THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE COLUMN IN A CLEAN SHOP TOWEL.
4. Pull the steering column gently rearward about one inch to give additional clearance to the existing toe plate assembly.
NOTE:
THE STEERING COLUMN WILL SLIDE INSIDE THE TOE PLATE BRACKET WITH THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS STILL ATTACHED.
5. Remove the nuts retaining lower steering column toe plate.
6. Slide toe plate, p/n 05012029AA, over the existing toe plate studs. To do this, orient the service toe plate such that the cutout portion of the toe plate faces to the right. Then, slide the plate over the steering column lower tube section. Turn the plate 900 until the profiles of the new plate match that of the existing plate and slide the new plate over the studs.
NOTE:
THE ORIGINAL TOE PLATE WILL REMAIN ON THE VEHICLE.
7. Install the lower steering column toe plate retaining nuts and tighten the nuts to 19.2 N.m (170 in. lbs.).
8. Lift the steering column back onto the upper mounts. Install the retaining nuts and torque the nuts to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
9. Install the knee blocker.
10. Connect the battery negative cable(s).
11. Set the radio station presets to the values recorded in step one and reset the clock.
12. Verify proper PRNDL operation and adjust the shift linkage as required using the procedure identified in the 1996 Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-6108), page 21-360.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 19-21-05-90 0.3 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part