Assembly - Steering Column

Fig 1: View Of Steering Column Disassembly/Assembly

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - OUTER COLUMN TUBE

2 - PLASTIC BEARING

3 - STEERING SHAFT NUT

4 - DISK SPRING

5 - THRUST RING

6 - RETAINING RING

7 - PLASTIC BEARING

8 - INNER COLUMN TUBE

9 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT

10 - THRUST RING

11 - LOCKING RING

12 - DISK SPRING

13 - LOCKING RING

14 - COUPLER FLANGE SEAL

15 - CUP SEAL

16 - PINCH BOLT

17 - FLANGE

18 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NUT

19 - ADJUSTING LEVER

20 - STEERING WHEEL

Using a suitable tool, press the new bearing (7) in up to the stop in the steering column.
Slide the intermediate shaft in and press the second bearing in.
NOTE: Insure that the locking ring locks in position correctly in the groove of the upper steering shaft. Two locking rings are fitted on vehicles with contact spirals.
Push the thrust ring and locking ring (13) together onto the intermediate shaft (9).
Slide on the thrust ring (5) and the disk spring (4).
NOTE: The disk spring must be preloaded fully; preload fully using the lower steering shaft, if necessary.

NOTE: If the preload is too high, the upper steering shaft can only be turned very unevenly or it sticks. The ball bearings are pressed into the bearing shells excessively.

NOTE: If the preload is too low, play is detectable at the steering wheel when the jacket tube is installed.
Mount the retaining ring (6) on the intermediate shaft (9) and, using a suitable tool, push on until the disk spring (4) is fully preloaded.
Attach the lower tube (1) to the upper tube by screwing in the countersunk screw to protect the splines.
Slide the lower intermediate shaft onto the upper intermediate shaft and install bolt and nut.
Use a suitable tool to protect the lower intermediate shaft.
Using a press, slide the lower intermediate shaft onto the upper intermediate shaft until the disc spring is fully preloaded. Check the steering column for ease of movement by turning it at the same time, tighten the nut and bolt in this position.