Steering Column - Removal and Installation

G & P MODELS
REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. On column shift models, disconnect transmission shifter rods from lower end of steering column.
3. On G models, remove intermediate shaft flange to flexible coupling bolts.
4. On P models, remove intermediate steering shaft upper universal yoke to steering shaft pinch bolt. Mark coupling and shaft for installation.
5. Remove steering column clamp screw(s) from engine side of firewall, if equipped, then remove or slide clamp down steering column.
6. Working from inside of vehicle, remove screws from toe pan cover, then slide cover and seal assembly up steering column.
7. Remove steering wheel.
8. Disconnect turn signal wiring harness electrical connector.
9. On non-tilt column with automatic transmission, disconnect conductor tube (for transmission shift indicator) from instrument panel assembly.
10. On tilt column with automatic transmission, disconnect the single wire from fuse panel and parking brake retaining bracket.
11. Remove cap screws from steering column support bracket at the dash panel.
12. Carefully lower, then remove steering column assembly from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

G Models

1. Adjust steering column lower bearing preload as described further on.
2. Install plastic spacers onto flexible coupling alignment pins.
3. Working from inside of vehicle, carefully insert lower end of steering column through the toe pan opening, guiding the steering shaft flange onto the flexible coupling. Install and torque flange to coupling bolts to 30 lb ft
4. Locate index slot in the steering column jacket with the protrusion on the clutch and brake pedal support.
5. Loosely install the steering column dash bracket and mounting screws.
6. Push steering column downward until steering shaft flange contacts the plastic spacers on the flexible coupling. Torque dash bracket screws to 30 lb ft
7. Using a suitable tool, remove plastic spacer from alignment pins. Check rag joint to steering shaft flange clearance. Clearance should be .25---.325 inch. If not to specification, loosen dash bracket mounting screws, then lower or raise steering column as required. Retorque bracket mounting screws as required.
8. Push the toe pan seal onto the toe pan, install and torque mounting screws to 60 lb in
9. Connect turn signal switch wiring harness electrical connector.
10. On non-tilt column with automatic transmission, install conductor tube onto instrument panel.
11. Install steering wheel. Torque retaining nut to 30 lb ft
12. Connect transmission linkage assembly.
13. Connect battery ground cable.

P Models

1. Adjust steering column lower bearing preload as described further on.
2. Working from the passenger side of the dash panel, carefully insert the lower end of the steering column through the toe plate opening. Guide steering shaft into universal yoke. Align mark made during removal. Install yoke pinch bolts and tighten. The pinch bolt must pass through the shaft undercut.
3. Position and connect the lower clamp mounting bracket onto the firewall. Locate steering column protrusions against the toe pan bracket while at the same time aligning protrusion in brake and clutch pedal support with index slot on steering column. Install column to bracket clamp and torque clamp bolts to 60 lb in
4. Position steering column onto dash panel bracket, install attaching bolts and torque to 30 lb ft
5. If plastic spacers were used on the flexible coupling alignment pins, remove spacers after all the bolts have been correctly torqued.
6. Install dash panel trim plate, if equipped.
7. On column shift models, connect transmission shift linkage.
8. Connect turn signal switch wiring harness electrical connector.
9. On non-tilt column with automatic transmission, connect conductor tube onto instrument panel.
10. Install steering wheel. Torque retaining nut to 30 lb ft
11. Connect battery ground cable.

Fig. 5 Steering column lower bearing preload adjustment. G models:

STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING PRELOAD, ADJUST

G Models

1. Place a 50 lb. weight onto steering wheel end of shaft (A), Fig. 5.
2. Lower clamp nut (B) must be torqued to 55 lb ft, to obtain a compressed spring dimension (C) of .50 inch after assembly.
3. Flexible coupling (D) dimension (E) must be .250---.375 inch. This dimension must be held to prevent flexible coupling distortion.
4. All steering column jacket clamps must be torqued to 30 lb ft Threaded portion of steering shaft (J) must be completely free of lubricant, after steering column jacket (K) is installed to maintain steering wheel clamping load and hub clearance.

Fig. 6 Steering column lower bearing preload adjustment. P models:

P Models

1. Place a 50 lb. weight onto steering wheel end of shaft (A), Fig. 6.
2. Lower clamp nut (B) must be torqued to 55 lb ft to obtain a compressed spring dimension (C) of 1.24---1.28 inch after assembly.
3. All steering column jacket clamps must be tightened to specification. Threaded portion of steering shaft (F) must be completely free of lubricant, after steering column jacket (G) is installed, to maintain steering wheel clamping load and hub clearance.