Steering Column: Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Smear lower part of steering column with petroleum jelly. Carefully slide steering column through rubber grommet in firewall.

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Apply light film of petroleum jelly to lower part of steering column.
2. To install contact reel (if replaced), ensure new contact reel is correctly set. Turn reel to far right. Then, turn it 3 turns to the left. Use lock screw attached to plastic tape to secure contact reel. Ensure cable is not kinked.
3. Install steering wheel. Insert wire from contact to center of steering wheel. Align steering wheel so that pin on contact reel is in center of hole in steering wheel.
   NOTE: No not turn wheel. It will shear contact reel pin.
4. Remove lock screw from contact reel and reinstall to original position. Check steering wheel alignment.
5. Install SRS air bag assembly. Reconnect battery. If SRS warning light stays, turn ignition switch on. Connect jumper wire to test point No. 24 in fuse box. Connect other end to ground (use edge of cigar lighter housing) for 2-5 seconds. Check fault codes.
6. If fault code is not displayed, repeat grounding. To cancel fault code, connect wire to ground 3 times within 1.5-5.0 seconds. Each grounding must be at least 0.25 seconds. The SRS light will go off for 4 seconds, then on for 3 seconds, to confirm cancellation of fault code.

1. Install lock so upper edge is 3.8" (97 mm) from upper edge of column. See Figure . Ensure both plastic guides and spacers are in place. Washers must face downward.
2. Insert column through firewall. Install shear bolts and column clamp finger tight. Adjust column position so lock protrudes 53-.65" (13.5-16.5 mm) from dash, measured at lock position "II".
3. Column must not contact upper attachment plastic guides. Adjust dash beam if needed. Tighten column clamp and bracket bolts. Install defroster duct and firewall seal.
4. Loosely install upper "U" joint on steering shaft. Install lower steering shaft flange to upper "U" joint. Check distance between lower steering shaft shoulder and upper "U" joint.
5. Distance should be .40-.75" (10-19 mm). If distance is incorrect, pull up lower joint cover, loosen "U" joint clamp bolts and move lower shaft up or down as necessary.
6. Check distance between steering wheel and upper column cover. If clearance is not .04-.08" (1-2 mm), pull up lower joint cover. Loosen lower "U" joint bolts. Move lower shaft up or down.
7. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten shear bolts until heads break off. If necessary, place one or 2 flat washers between steering wheel and upper bearing spring to eliminate rattling.