Steering: Service Precautions

WARNING: Whenever service procedures are required on or near the steering wheel and/or instrument panel, disabling of the airbag system is required to prevent accidental deployment.

When servicing collapsible steering columns, use care as they are easily to damaged. Dropping column, leaning on column or striking the end of steering shaft or shift levers could loosen or shear plastic fasteners, which maintain column rigidity.

It is important that only specified screws, bolts and nuts be used, in steering column reassembly. Follow the proper assembly sequence and torque specifications to insure proper breakaway action of column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts, as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing under impact.

When removing or installing steering wheel, ignition switch or lock, turn signal switch, adjusting transmission linkage, or installing and adjusting neutral-start or back-up light switch, refer to appropriate service procedure.

If a shift tube plastic injection is sheared, a new shift tube must be installed. On Chrysler vehicles, if a steering shaft plastic injection is sheared, but the column is not bent, it can be repaired by using a Service Steering Shaft Repair Kit part number 3514996. The kit contains instructions and dimensions for all steering columns. On some models, the attaching brackets will shear under impact and must also be replaced.