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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 >> Removal >> Steering Column Lower Coupling
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Steering Column Lower Coupling

NOTE: Before proceeding, see WARNING .
Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Holder
GC0021693Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  1. Place the steering wheel in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the proper orientation.
    Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Coupling Attachment
    GC0042945Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  2. At the base of the steering column, remove the coupling retainer clip (4), back off the pinch bolt nut, and remove the steering column coupling pinch bolt (1) (the pinch bolt nut is caged to the coupling and is not removable). Separate the upper (2) from the lower (3) steering column coupling.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
    Fig 3: 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
  4. Release the locking tab on the wiring harness connector (1) at the power steering fluid pressure switch (3), then disconnect the wiring harness connector.
    Fig 4: Tire & Wheel Mounting Method
    GC0041085Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  5. Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the right front tire and wheel assembly (1).
    Fig 5: Removing/Installing Splash Shield
    GC0042966Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  6. Remove the one fastener (2) securing the wheel house splash shield (1) to the drive belt splash shield (3).
    Fig 6: Removing/Installing Drive Belt Splash Shield
    GC0042967Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    NOTE: Depending on application, it may be necessary to remove some fasteners securing the front fascia (1) to the body lower reinforcement in order to access drive belt splash shield forward fastener.
  7. Remove the fastener (5) securing the drive belt splash shield (3) to the front suspension crossmember (6).
  8. Remove the fasteners (4) securing the splash shield (3) to the body (2).
  9. Remove the drive belt splash shield (3).
    Fig 7: View Of Pencil Strut Mounting
    GC0019531Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - NUT
    2 - PENCIL STRUT
    3 - NUT
    4 - FLAT WASHER
    5 - LOWER TORQUE STRUT
  10. Remove the mounting nuts (1, 3), then the pencil strut (2) from the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle. Remove the washer (4) behind the strut from the torque strut (5) bolt.
    Fig 8: Identifying Lower Engine Torque Strut Mounting
    GC0042968Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  11. Remove the bolt (5) mounting the engine torque strut (2) to the crossmember (1).
    NOTE: Before removing the front suspension crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the crossmember must be scribed on the body of the vehicle. Do this so the crossmember can be relocated, upon reinstallation, against the body of vehicle in the same location as before removal. If the front suspension crossmember is not reinstalled in exactly the same location as before removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
    Fig 9: Marking Crossmember Location
    GC0042969Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  12. Using an appropriate marker (2), draw a line (1) as necessary marking the location of the front suspension crossmember (3) where mounted against the body of the vehicle.
  13. Position a transmission jack under the center of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to support the bottom of the crossmember.
  14. Loosen all six bolts attaching the front suspension crossmember to the frame rails of the vehicle. Do not completely remove the two mounting bolts going through the lower control arm rear isolator bushings. They are designed to disengage from the body threads yet stay within the lower control arm rear isolator bushing. Back the two bolts out just enough to disengage the threaded tapping plates in the body of the vehicle. Completely remove the other four bolts.
    Fig 10: Lowering/Raising Crossmember
    GC0019529Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
    2 - POWER STEERING GEAR
    3 - FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
    4 - TRANSMISSION JACK
    CAUTION: Lower the steering gear slowly, paying special attention to the power steering fluid hoses. Do not strain or overextend the hoses because damage to the hoses or connecting hardware may occur.
  15. Lower the front suspension crossmember (3) using the transmission jack (4) just enough to allow access to the steering column lower coupling (1). When lowering front suspension crossmember, do not let crossmember hang from lower control arms. The weight should be supported by the transmission jack.
    Fig 11: 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
  16. Remove the roll pin (3) securing the steering column coupling (1) to the power steering gear pinion shaft (2) using a roll pin punch (4). Push the steering column lower coupling up and off of the power steering gear pinion shaft.
  17. Remove the coupling (1) from the vehicle.
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