Steering Column: Service and Repair
Replacing steering column or lockFor a description of the different steering columns used: Description and Operation
I1
Disconnect battery negative lead
I2
Remove upper joint and steering shaft flange from lower and upper steering shafts
Use a screwdriver to open the flange so that it comes free from the upper shaft.
I3
Remove steering wheel
Pry off steering wheel impact pad (cover plate from 1979 onward) with a screwdriver. Remove steering wheel using puller C2263. Do not strike steering wheel or puller as this may deform upper steering shaft collapsible coupling.
Note!
Models from 1979 onward require no steering wheel puller. A special socket is required for steering wheel nut.
I4
Remove upper and lower steering column covers
I5
Remove holder for wiper and indicator controls
Remove connector for wiper control, unscrew holder's two fixing bolts and lift holder over steering shaft.
I6
Remove panel below fascia and side panel by center console
I7
Remove connector from steering wheel lock
I8
Drill and remove steering lock bolts
Mark centres of bolts and drill holes of right diameter for a suitable bolt extractor.
I9
Remove defroster hose
I10
Remove steering column lower retaining bracket
I11
Remove steering column
Push forward through bulkhead to free rubber seal. Then guide column down past fascia and lift out.
I12
Remove lock
Unlock with key and unscrew retaining bolts.
I13
Check steering column
Check that upper steering shaft collapsible coupling is intact.
Its upper end (A) should not be able to move axially in relation to its lower end (B).
Check also total length of column.
Earlier versions, up to and including 1978: 689 ±1 mm (27.13 ± 0.04 in.).
Later versions, 1979 onward: 704 ± 1 mm (27.72 ± 0.04in.). If measurement is out, replace whole steering column.
I14
Install steering lock
Position lock so that the distance between upper edge of lock and upper end of tube is 97 mm (3.82 in.).
I15
Ensure both plastic guides are in place
They have spacers and must be turned so that washers are underneath.
I16
Put steering column in place and screw in shearing bolts but do not tighten
I17
Install lower retaining bracket without tightening bolts
First install rubber spacer, then bracket.
I18
Adjust steering column position
Lock must protrude 15 ± 1.5 mm (O.59 ± 0.06 in.) from fascia.
Measure at position 3 on lock cylinder.
I19
Check and if necessary adjust position of steering column against upper attachment
Steering column must not be tightened so it contacts plastic guides in the upper attachment, as this can cause noise.
If steering column is not correctly installed, fascia member will need adjustment. Loosen member's retaining bolts, turn member to correct position and tighten bolts.
I20
Tighten upper attachment, taking care not to shear shearing bolts
I21
Tighten lower retaining bracket
Torque: 20 ± 5 Nm (14.7 ± 3.7 Ft. lbs.).
I22
Position defroster hose
I23
Put rubber seal in place in bulkhead and position upper joint loosely on upper steering shaft
I24
Attach lower steering shaft flange to upper joint
Torque: 23 ± 5 Nm (16.9 ± 3.6 Ft. lbs.).
I25
Checking and adjusting steering shaft
This applies to models from 1979 onward, and 1978 models with ZF power steering.
This check should be carried out after any work on steering shaft.
Distance A between upper steering shaft joint and shoulder on lower steering shaft should be:
when checking 10 - 19mm (.39 - .75 in.)
when adjusting 15 mm (.59 in.)
If check shows that distance is incorrect, adjust according to I26 to I29:
I26
Remove protective cover of lower steering shaft joint
This does not apply to vehicles with power steering.
I27
Loosen:
- Upper bolted joint B of lower steering shaft universal joint.
- Lower bolted joint C of upper steering shaft universal joint.
Loosen bolts only enough for head to come free from universal joint.
I28
Adjust distance A by moving lower steering shaft D up or down
Ensure position of upper steering shaft does not change, as this affects distance between steering wheel and steering column cover.
I29
Tighten bolted joints B and C
Torque: 23 ± 5 Nm (16.9 ± 3.6 Ft. lbs.).
Replace cover for lower steering shaft joint. (Does not apply to vehicles with power steering).
I30
Adjust distance between steering wheel and steering column cover
Before adjustment is made, the lower steering shaft setting must be adjusted and checked. See I25 - I29.
I31
Remove cover from lower steering shaft universal joint
(Does not apply to vehicles with power steering).
I32
Loosen lower steering shaft universal joint's upper bolted joint B
Loosen bolt just enough for head to come free of universal joint.
I33
Adjust distance E between steering wheel and steering column cover
Carefully press lower steering shaft so that whole shaft comes free from steering column cover.
Recommended play: 1 - 2 mm (0.04 - 0.08 in.).
I34
Tighten bolted joint B at steering shaft universal joint
Torque: 23 ± 5 Nm (16.9 ± 3.6 Ft. lbs.).
Replace cover for lower steering shaft joint.
I35
Install holder for wiper and indicator controls and connect leads
Earth lead is connected to one of retaining bolts.
I36
Press steering lock connector into position
I37
Install upper and lower steering column covers
I38
Install spring seat and spring, and install steering wheel
Ensure steering wheel is straight.
Torque: 6O ± 15 Nm (44.2 ± 11 Ft. lbs.).
Note!
Models from 1979 onward require a long socket for tightening steering wheel nut.
I39
Shear shearing bolts on steering column upper attachment
I40
Install side panel and panel below fascia
I41
Tighten clamping bolt for upper universal joint flange
Torque: 25 ± 5 Nm (18.4 ± 3.6 Ft. lbs.).
I42
Connect battery negative lead and test operation
I43
Dealing with rattle in steering shaft bearings
Increase pre-tension of bearings by placing one, or if necessary, two flat washers between steering wheel and spring. Remove steering wheel using puller 2263.
Note!
From 1979 onward no steering wheel puller is required However a special socket is needed for steering wheel nut.