Standard Column: Notes

If column is removed from vehicle, attach a column supporting fixture. See Fig 1 . If column is in vehicle, disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering wheel. Refer to the appropriate STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL article. Remove lock plate cover. Lock plate is retained by a very strong spring force. DO NOT attempt to remove steering shaft snap ring without using appropriate lock plate compressor tool.
NOTE: If repairs are performed while in vehicle, DO NOT allow shaft to slip out of column.
Compress lock plate, remove snap ring and discard. Remove lock plate, cancel cam, upper bearing preload spring and washer. Remove hazard warning switch knob, press knob inward then turn counterclockwise, remove from column.

Fig 1: Steering Column Support Fixture
Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS
Remove turn signal/wiper/cruise control stalk, pull straight out from column. Disconnect turn signal wiring harness at lower end of column.
Remove turn signal/dimmer retaining screws and remove switch. Guide harness and switch up and out of column. Remove all other wire harnesses in steering column.
NOTE: Wrap tape around turn signal wire harness to prevent entanglement during removal.
Turn ignition to ON position. Remove key warning buzzer and contacts as one with needle nose pliers. Remove ignition lock cylinder retaining screw and pull cylinder out of column.
On models equipped with console shift, go to step 10). Remove gear selector lever upper pivot pin, selector lever and upper bearing thrust washer. Remove four screws attaching key/lock cylinder housing to steering column, remove key/lock cylinder housing.
Remove thrust cap and ignition switch actuating rod and rack. Remove rack preload spring, shaft lock bolt and spring from housing. Remove shift lever detent plate from housing. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Key/Lock Cylinder Housing
Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS
Use punch to exert force on block tooth to disengage and remove lock sector. Remove gear selector lever housing and shroud from steering shaft. Remove gear selector lever spring from housing.
NOTE: Steering column must be removed from vehicle for further disassembly.
Remove steering shaft, if not removed earlier. Remove spring clip from lower bearing retainer, remove retainer, lower bearing, and adapter. Slide out shift tube.
On models equipped with console shift, remove screws attaching key/lock cylinder and shroud to column jacket. Remove dimmer switch arm, disengage remote rod from lock rack.
Remove key/lock cylinder housing to shroud screws and separate. Remove and separate wave washer from key release lever pivot. Remove lock rack, lock bolt and preload spring (use punch to exert force on block tooth to disengage and remove lock sector). Remove gear selector lever housing and shroud from steering shaft.
Remove steering shaft, if not removed earlier. Remove spring clip from lower bearing retainer, remove retainer, lower bearing and adapter. Slide out shift tube.