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Steering Column: Reassembly

  1. On Challenger and Sapporo models, install column tube bushings onto upper and lower column tubes until bushing stop seats in column tube end. Tighten column tube clamp bolt.
  2. Align column tube hole with wheel lock guide dowel. Install steering wheel lock. Insert key and check for proper operation of steering lock. Tighten shear bolts until bolts heads twist off.
  3. Coat inside of steering shaft bearing with grease. Install bearing onto steering shaft lower end with flanged surface facing upward. Insert big joint retaining pin and press into place using a hand press.
    CAUTION: Make sure that bearing is installed in correct position. Check joint pin for correct installation and check to see that bearing rotates freely.
  4. Apply grease to joint socket. Insert spring seats and spring. Hold steering shaft upright. Press down on shaft and insert small joint retaining pin by hand.
    NOTE: Check for free play when steering shaft and socket are turned in direction of rotation.
  5. Position joint pin retainer on joint socket. Install the stoppers. Install joint cover. Insert steering shaft into column tube.
  6. Wipe off grease from outer surface of bearing retainer (rubber) and inner surface of column. Install bearing. Apply a thin coat of adhesive to end of column.
    NOTE: Do not allow adhesive to contaminate bearing journal.
  7. Position spacer and stopper on steering shaft and insert snap ring. Insert tilt lever screw into tilt lever. Turn tilt lever screw until there is a distance of 1.9-2.1" (50-53 mm) between tilt lever and tilt screw. See  Fig 1 . 
    Fig 1: Setting Distance Between Tilt Lever Screw And Tilt Lever
    G09358235Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    Fig 2: Installing Tilt Bolt And Lock Tilt Lever Into Tilt Bracket
    G09358236Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  8. Mount tilt bracket on column tube. Insert tilt bolt and lock tilt lever into position as shown in Fig 2 .  Place block onto tilt bolt in order to lock the bolt. Insert washer and nut on tilt bolt and tighten. Weld nut to tilt bolt.
  9. On Pickup models, apply grease to shaft bearing, sliding surface of dust seal and bushing. Attach coupling and yoke to lower end of steering shaft.
  10. Align tab on dust seal with groove on column tube. Insert steering shaft into column tube. Install snap ring into groove on steering shaft.
  11. Position tilt bracket on column tube. Insert spacers between column tube and tilt bracket. Insert bolt through tilt bracket and spacer. Install plain washer, spring washer, plain washer and tilt lock knob. Tighten tilt lock knob.
    TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Ft.Lbs. (N.m)
    Steering Shaft Clamp  
      Pickup 11-14 (15-19)
      All Others 15-18 (20-24)
    Steering Wheel Nut 25-33 (34-45)
      INCH (N.m) 
    Column Tube Clamp Bolt 48-72 (5-8)
    Tilt Bracket Mounting Bolt  
      Pickups 72-108 (8-12)
      All Others 48-72 (5-8)
  12. Align column tube with lock guide dowel. Install steering wheel lock temporarily. Insert ignition key and check for proper operation of steering lock.
    CAUTION: Securely tighten steering lock retaining bolts after steering shaft is installed.
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