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Home >> Chrysler >> 2007 >> PT Cruiser Base, 2D Convertible, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Column >> Steering System >> Column >> Coupling-Steering - Lower >> Installation >> Steering Column Lower Coupling
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Steering Column Lower Coupling

Fig 1: Identifying Coupling Roll Pin
GC0019530Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
2 - POWER STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT
3 - ROLL PIN
4 - ROLL PIN PUNCH
  1. Push the column end of the steering column lower coupling (1) partway up through the hole in the dash panel, then match the flat on the inside of the coupling to the flat on the power steering gear pinion shaft and slide the coupling onto the shaft.
  2. Align the roll pin hole in the coupling to the notch in the gear pinion shaft and install the roll pin (3) through the coupling until it is centered.
  3. Center the power steering gear rack in its travel.
    Fig 2: Lowering/Raising Crossmember
    GC0019529Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
    2 - POWER STEERING GEAR
    3 - FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
    4 - TRANSMISSION JACK
  4. Using the transmission jack (4), raise the front suspension crossmember and power steering gear until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the steering column lower coupling (1) up through its hole in the dash panel.
  5. Start the two crossmember mounting bolts through the lower control arm rear isolator bushings into the tapping plates mounted in the body. Next, install the two front and the two rear mounting bolts attaching front suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle. Lightly tighten all six mounting bolts to approximately 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspension crossmember in position at this time.
    NOTE: When installing the front suspension crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very important that the crossmember be attached to the body in exactly the same spot as when it was removed. Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
    Fig 3: Marking Crossmember Location
    GC0042969Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  6. Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspension crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until it is aligned with the previously made positioning marks (3) on the body of the vehicle. Once the front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned, tighten the two crossmember mounting bolts through the lower control arm rear isolator bushings to a torque of 250 N.m (185 ft. lbs.), then tighten the four remaining crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of 153 N.m (113 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 4: Identifying Lower Engine Torque Strut Mounting
    GC0042968Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. Install the engine torque strut (2) to the crossmember (1). To properly align and tighten the torque strut, refer to ADJUSTMENTS .
    Fig 5: View Of Pencil Strut Mounting
    GC0019531Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - NUT
    2 - PENCIL STRUT
    3 - NUT
    4 - FLAT WASHER
    5 - LOWER TORQUE STRUT
  8. Install the washer (4) on the end of the stud extending from the torque strut bolt at the crossmember.
  9. Position the pencil strut (2) on the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle and install the mounting nuts (1, 3). Tighten the nuts to 52 N.m (38 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 6: Removing/Installing Drive Belt Splash Shield
    GC0042967Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  10. Position the drive-belt splash shield (3) and install the fasteners (4) securing it to the body (2).
  11. Install the fastener (5) securing the drive belt splash shield (3) to the front suspension crossmember (6).
  12. If previously removed, install the fasteners securing the front fascia (1) to the body lower reinforcement.
    Fig 7: Removing/Installing Splash Shield
    GC0042966Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  13. Install the one fastener (2) securing the wheel house splash shield (1) to the drive belt splash shield (3).
    Fig 8: Tire & Wheel Mounting Method
    GC0041085Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly (1). Refer to INSTALLATION . Install and tighten wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 9: Locating Power Steering Fluid Pressure Switch
    GC0019526Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
    2 - POWER STEERING GEAR
    3 - POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
    4 - REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
  15. Connect the wiring harness connector (1) to the power steering fluid pressure switch (3). Be sure the locking tab on the wiring harness connector is securely latched following installation.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Position the dash-to-lower coupling seal in place over the lower coupling's plastic collar.
    NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of the dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the coupling's plastic collar.
    Fig 10: Identifying Steering Column Coupling Attachment
    GC0042945Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  18. Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    NOTE: Do not tighten the coupling pinch bolt anytime the vehicle is not at curb riding height. It may cause unwanted conditions within the steering column if the vehicle is suspended in any manner when the pinch bolt is tightened.
  19. If necessary, rotate the steering column shaft until the upper coupling (2) lines up with the rounded side of the lower coupling (3).
  20. Slide the upper coupling (2) over the end of the lower coupling (3) and install the pinch bolt (1). Tighten the pinch bolt nut to 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.).
  21. Install the pinch bolt retainer clip (4).
  22. Remove the steering wheel holder.
  23. While looking under the instrument panel at the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
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