
STEERING COLUMN
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN DESCRIPTION......... 36
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN..................... 38
SERVICE PROCEDURES
STEERING COLUMN SERVICE PROCEDURE
WARNINGS........................... 38REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY............ 38
SPECIFICATIONS
STEERING COLUMN FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS...................... 45
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN DESCRIPTION
The steering column (Fig. 1) has been designed to
be serviced only as a complete assembly, if a compo-
nent of the steering column is defective. The only
replaceable components of the steering columnassembly are the key cylinder, ignition switch, multi-
function switch, clockspring, halo lamp, speed control
switches, driver airbag, trim shrouds and steering
wheel. These replaceable components of the steering
column can be serviced without requiring removal of
the steering column from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Steering Column Assembly Components
19 - 36 STEERINGNS

CAUTION: When installing steering wheel puller
bolts in steering wheel, (Fig. 8) do not thread bolt
into steering wheel more than a half inch. If bolts
are threaded into the steering wheel more than a
half inch they will contact and damage the clock-
spring.
(11) Remove the steering wheel from steering col-
umn shaft using Puller, Special Tool, Snap-On
CJ2001JP or an equivalent (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: The upper and lower steering column
shrouds are held together using retaining clips.
When separating and removing the shrouds from
the steering column be careful not to break the
retaining clips off the shrouds
(12) Remove the 3 screws (Fig. 9) attaching the
upper and lower shrouds to the steering column.
Then remove the upper and lower shrouds (Fig. 9)
from the steering column.(13) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connectors
(Fig. 10) from the clock spring assembly.
CAUTION: Do not rotate the clock spring after it is
removed from the multifunction switch.
(14) Remove the clock spring from the multi-func-
tion switch.
(15) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the top of the multi-function switch (Fig. 11).
(16) Remove the screw (Fig. 12) attaching the
multi-function switch housing to the tilt head of the
steering column assembly.
(17) Remove the multi-function switch (Fig. 12)
from the tilt head of the steering column assembly.
(18) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from the key cylinder halo light (Fig. 13).
(19) Remove the 3 wiring harness connectors from
the ignition switch (Fig. 14).
Fig. 8 Removing Steering Wheel From Steering
Column Shaft
Fig. 9 Steering Column Shrouds
Fig. 10 Wiring Harness Connections To Clock
Spring
Fig. 11 Wiring Harness Connection To Multi-
Function Switch
19 - 40 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(28) Remove steering column assembly from vehi-
cle. Use care to avoid damage to paint or interior
trim.
INSTALL
(1) Ensure the plastic mounting capsules (Fig. 22)
are installed in the upper mounting bracket of the
steering column. Mounting capsules must be
installed as shown in (Fig. 22) with the thicker edge
of the capsule facing the top of the steering column.
(2) Install steering column assembly into its open-
ing in instrument panel. Install the steering column
lower bracket so the bracket is squarely installed on
its mounting studs (Fig. 21). Then align and install
steering column upper bracket on its mounting studs
(Fig. 21). Tighten the 4 steering column assembly
mounting nut/washer assemblies to a torque of 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Assemble the steering column shaft coupler
(Fig. 20) onto the steering gear intermediate coupler.
Install steering column coupler to intermediate shaft
retaining pinch bolt (Fig. 20). Tighten the pinch bolt
nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install safety
pin (Fig. 20) in steering column shaft coupler pinch
bolt.
(4) Install the gear slector cable and its mounting
bracket on the upper mounting bracket of the steer-
ing column (Fig. 17). Install and securely tighten the
mounting bracket attaching bolt.
(5) Install the gear selector cable on the pin of the
gear shifter (Fig. 16).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with a 3 speed non-
electronic transmission, install the PRNDL actuating
cable on the gear shifter pin after the gear selector
cable is installing (Fig. 15).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with a 3 speed non-
electronic transmission, install the attaching clip
(Fig. 15) for the PRNDL actuating cable on the steer-ing column/shift cable bracket. Cable guide tube will
bow toward passenger side of vehicle. Verify that
actuating cable is operating correctly, then slip the
loop on the end of the cable over end of pin on shift
lever and install in groove (Fig. 15).
(8) Install the steering column fixed shroud on the
steering column assembly (Fig. 19). Shroud is
mounted to steering column using 2 attaching screws
accessed from top of fixed shroud.
(9) Install the instrument cluster trim bezel (Fig.
18) on the instrument panel. The trim bezel is
mounted to the instrument panel using 2 attaching
screws (Fig. 18) and retaining clips.
(10) Install the 3 wiring harness connectors on the
ignition switch (Fig. 14).
(11) Install the vehicle wiring harness connector
into the key cylinder halo light (Fig. 13).
(12) Install the multi-function switch (Fig. 12) on
the tilt head of the steering column assembly. Then
install screw (Fig. 12) attaching multi-function
switch to tilt head of steering column.
(13) Install the vehicle wiring harness connector
on the multi-function switch (Fig. 11). Be sure latch
on connector is fully engaged with tab on switch.
(14) Install the clock spring on the multi-function
switch.
(15) Install the vehicle wiring harness connector
(Fig. 10) on the clock spring assembly.
(16) Install the lower steering column shroud on
the tilt head of the steering column (Fig. 23). Install
and securely tighten the screw attaching the lower
shroud to the tilt head.
(17) Install the upper steering column shroud on
the tilt head of the steering column (Fig. 24). Install
and securely tighten the 2 screws attaching the
upper shroud to the lower shroud.
Fig. 22 Mounting Capsules Correctly Installed On
Steering Column
Fig. 23 Lower Steering Column Shroud Installed
NSSTEERING 19 - 43
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: Before installing the steering wheel the
clockspring must be centered. If clockspring is not
centered, the wiring in the clockspring may be over-
extended and break when the steering wheel is
rotated. Use the following procedure to center the
clockspring.
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING PROCEDURE
²Depress the 2 plastic locking pins to disengage
the lock mechanism (Fig. 25).
²With the lock mechanism disengaged, rotate the
clockspring rotor clockwise until the rotor stops.Do
not apply excessive force.
²From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor three turns counterclockwise. The clockspring
wires should be at the top. Engage clockspring lock-
ing pins.
²From the center locked position, rotate the clock-
spring one-half additional turn counterclockwise. The
clockspring wiring should now be at the bottom. The
clockspring is now correctly positioned for installa-
tion of the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not force steering wheel onto steer-
ing column shaft by driving it on. Pull steering
wheel down onto shaft using ONLY the steering
wheel retaining nut.
(18) Align master splines on steering wheel and
steering shaft, and flats on steering wheel with for-
mations on clock spring. Install the steering wheel on
the steering column shaft (Fig. 26). All wiring leads
from the clock springmustbe routed as shown in
(Fig. 26).
NOTE: Before installing the damper on the steering
wheel, inspect the damper to ensure the rubber iso-
lator on the damper is not deteriorated or damaged.If the damper is installed with a damaged isolator a
buzz, squeak or rattle condition may develop.
(19) Install the steering wheel damper on the
steering wheel. When damper is installed, itmustbe
positioned on the steering wheel as shown in (Fig. 7).
(20) Install the steering wheel to steering shaft
retaining nut. Tighten the steering wheel retaining
nut to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install the wiring leads from the clock spring
on the air bag, horn switch wire, and speed control
switches (Fig. 6). Attach the wire routing clip (Fig. 6)
to the studs on the air bag module.
(22) Install the air bag module in the steering
wheel.
Fig. 24 Upper And Lower Steering Column Shroud
Installed
Fig. 25 Clockspring Assembly
Fig. 26 Steering Wheel And Clock Spring Wire
Routing
19 - 44 STEERINGNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

may not be detected. Practically any condition can be
caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or sticking
valves.
Therefore, unless the condition is obvious, the tran-
saxle should never be disassembled until hydraulic
pressure tests have been performed.
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTS
Pressure testing is a very important step in the
diagnostic procedure. These tests usually reveal the
cause of most transaxle problems.
Before performing pressure tests, be certain that
fluid level and condition, and control cable adjust-
ments have been checked and approved. Fluid must
be at operating temperature (150 to 200 degrees F.).
Install an engine tachometer, raise vehicle on hoist
which allows front wheels to turn, and position
tachometer so it can be read.
Disconnect throttle cable and shift cable from tran-
saxle levers so they can be controlled from outside
the vehicle.
Attach 150 psi gauges to ports required for test
being conducted. A 300 psi gauge (C-3293) is required
for reverse pressure test at rear servo.
Test port locations are shown in (Fig. 2) .
TEST ONE (SELECTOR IN 1)
(1) Attach gauges to line and low-reverse ports.
(2) Operate engine at 1000 rpm for test.
(3) Move selector lever on transaxle all the way
rearward (1 position).
(4) Read pressures on both gauges as throttle lever
on transaxle is moved from full clockwise position to
full counterclockwise position.
(5) Line pressure should read 52 to 58 psi with
throttle lever clockwise. Pressure should gradually
increase, as lever is moved counterclockwise, to 80 to
88 psi.(6) Low-reverse pressure should read the same as
line pressure within 3 psi.
(7) This tests pump output, pressure regulation,
and condition of rear clutch and rear servo hydraulic
circuits.
TEST TWO (SELECTOR IN 2)
(1) Attach one gauge to line pressure port and tee
another gauge into lower cooler line fitting. This will
allow lubrication pressure readings to be taken..
(2) Operate engine at 1000 rpm for test.
(3) Move selector lever on transaxle one detent for-
ward from full rearward position. This is selector 2
position.
(4) Read pressures on both gauges as throttle lever
on transaxle is moved from full clockwise position to
full counterclockwise position.
(5) Line pressure should read 52 to 58 psi with
throttle lever clockwise. Pressure should gradually
increase, as lever is moved counterclockwise, to 80 to
88 psi.
(6) Lubrication pressure should be 10 to 25 psi
with lever clockwise and 10 to 35 psi with lever full
counterclockwise.
(7) This tests pump output, pressure regulation,
and condition of rear clutch and lubrication hydraulic
circuits.
TEST THREE (SELECTOR IN D)
(1) Attach gauges to line and kickdown release
ports.
(2) Operate engine at 1600 rpm for test.
(3) Move selector lever on transaxle two detents
forward from full rearward position. This is selector
D position.
(4) Read pressures on both gauges as throttle lever
on transaxle is moved from full clockwise position to
full counterclockwise position.
(5) Line pressure should read 52 to 58 psi with
throttle lever clockwise. Pressure should gradually
ELEMENTS IN USE AT EACH POSITION OF THE SELECTOR LEVER
NSTRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNIT 21 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

increase, as lever is moved counterclockwise to 80 to
88 psi.
(6) Kickdown release is pressurized only in direct
drive and should be same as line pressure within 3
psi, up to kickdown point.
(7) This tests pump output, pressure regulation,
and condition of rear clutch, front clutch, and
hydraulic circuits.
TEST FOUR (SELECTOR IN REVERSE)
(1) Attach 300 psi gauge to low-reverse port.
(2) Operate engine at 1600 rpm for test.
(3) Move selector lever on transaxle four detents
forward from full rearward position. This is selector
R position.
(4) Low-reverse pressure should read 180 to 220
psi with throttle lever clockwise. Pressure should
gradually increase, as lever is moved counterclock-
wise to 260 to 300 psi.
(5) This tests pump output, pressure regulation,
and condition of front clutch and rear servo hydraulic
circuits.
(6) Move selector lever on transaxle to D position
to check that low-reverse pressure drops to zero.
(7) This tests for leakage into rear servo, due to
case porosity, which can cause reverse band burn out.
TEST RESULT INDICATIONS
(1) If proper line pressure, minimum to maximum,
is found in any one test, the pump and pressure reg-
ulator are working properly.
(2) Low pressure in D, 1, and 2 but correct pres-
sure in R indicates rear clutch circuit leakage.
(3) Low pressure in D and R but correct pressure
in 1 indicates front clutch circuit leakage.
Fig. 2 Test Port Locations
Fig. 3 Governor Pressure Tap
21 - 14 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
Reverse position.
(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.
TRANSAXLE AND TORQUE CONVERTER REMOVAL
NOTE: Transaxle removal does NOT require engine
removal.
The transaxle and torque converter must be
removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing, or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the plate during removal.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove air cleaner and hoses.
(3) Disconnect throttle linkage and shift linkage
from transaxle.
(4) Unplug torque converter clutch connector,
located near the dipstick. Unplug the gear position
switch.
(5) Remove transaxle dipstick tube.
(6) Remove the transaxle cooler lines and plug.
(7) Install engine support fixture (Fig. 5) .
(8) Remove bell housing upper bolts.
(9) Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Refer to
Group 2, Suspension to remove or install wheel hub
nut and both drive shafts.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.(10) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(11) Remove torque converter dust cover. Mark
torque converter and drive plate with chalk, for reas-
sembly. Rotate engine clockwise and remove torque
converter mounting bolts.
(12) Remove engine mount bracket from front
crossmember.
(13) Remove front mount insulator through-bolt
and bellhousing bolts.
(14) Position transaxle jack (Fig. 6) .
(15) Remove rear engine mount shield.
(16) Remove rear engine mount bracket bolts and
bracket.
(17) Remove left engine mount thru-bolt.
(18) Remove left engine mount from transaxle.
(19) Remove starter. Remove lower bell housing
bolts.
(20) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels and dis-
engage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach
a small C clamp to edge of bell housing. This
will hold torque converter in place during tran-
saxle removal.Lower transaxle and remove assem-
bly from under the vehicle.
(21) To remove torque converter assembly, remove
C±clamp from edge of bellhousing and slide converter
out of transaxle.
INSTALLATION
(1) When installing transaxle, reverse the above
procedure.
(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with Mopar ATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 7176.
Fig. 5 Engine Support Fixture
Fig. 6 Transaxle Jack
21 - 20 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Back off adjusting screw the number of turns
listed in Specifications. Hold adjusting screw in this
position and tighten locknut to 47 N´m (35ft. lbs.)
LOW/REVERSE BAND (REAR)
To adjust low-reverse band, proceed as follows:
(1) Loosen and back off locknut approximately 5
turns.
(2) Using an inch-pound torque wrench, tighten
adjusting screw to 5 N´m (41 in. lbs.) true torque.
(3) Back off adjusting screw the number of turns
listed under Specifications. This chart is located at
the rear of this section.
(4) Tighten locknut to 14 N´m (10 ft. lbs.).
HYDRAULIC CONTROL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS
LINE PRESSURE
An incorrect throttle pressure setting will cause
incorrect line pressure readings even though line
pressure adjustment is correct. Always inspect and
correct throttle pressure adjustment before adjusting
the line pressure.
The approximate adjustment for line pressure is
1-5/16 inches, measured from valve body to inner
edge of adjusting nut. However, due to manufactur-
ing tolerances, the adjustment can be varied to
obtain specified line pressure.
The adjusting screw may be turned with an Allen
wrench. One complete turn of adjusting screw
changes closed throttle line pressure approximately
1-2/3 psi. Turning adjusting screw counterclockwise
increases pressure, and clockwise decreases pressure.
THROTTLE PRESSURE
Throttle pressures cannot be tested accurately;
therefore, the adjustment should be measured if a
malfunction is evident.
(1) Insert gauge pin of Tool C-3763 between the
throttle lever cam and kickdown valve.
(2) By pushing in on tool, compress kickdown
valve against its spring so throttle valve is com-
pletely bottomed inside the valve body.
(3) While compressing spring, turn throttle lever
stop screw with adapter C-4553. Turn until head of
screw touches throttle lever tang, with throttle lever
cam touching tool and throttle valve bottomed. Be
sure adjustment is made with spring fully com-
pressed and valve bottomed in the valve body.
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
(1) Take extreme care when removing and install-
ing bearing cups and cones.Use only an arbor
press for installation, as a hammer may not
properly align the bearing cup or cone.Burrs or
nicks on the bearing seat will give a false end play
reading, while gauging for proper shims. Improperlyseated bearing cup and cones are subject to low-mile-
age failure.
(2) Bearing cups and cones should be replaced if
they show signs of pitting or heat distress.
(3) If distress is seen on either the cup or bearing
rollers, both cup and cone must be replaced.
NOTE: Bearing end play and drag torque specifica-
tions must be maintained to avoid premature bear-
ing failures.
(4) Used (original) bearing may lose up to 50 per-
cent of the original drag torque after break-in.
NOTE: All bearing adjustments must be made with
no other component interference or gear inter-
mesh, except the transfer gear bearing.
(5) Refer to the conversion chart in specifications
to convert inches to millimeter measurements. Refer
to bearing shim chart for proper shim thicknesses.
OUTPUT SHAFT BEARING
(1) With output shaft gear removed, install a 13.65
mm (.537 inch) and a 1.34 mm (.053 inch) gauging
shims on the planetary rear annulus gear hub using
grease to hold the shims in place. The 13.65 mm
shim has a larger inside diameter and must be
installed over the output shaft first. The 1.34 mm
shim pilots on the output shaft.
(2) Install output shaft gear and bearing assembly,
torque to 271 N´m (200 ft. lbs.).
(3) To measure bearing end play:
(4) Attach Tool L-4432 to the output shaft gear.
(5) Mount a steel ball with grease into the end of
the output shaft.
(6) Push and pull the gear while rotating back and
forth to insure seating of the bearing rollers.
(7) Using a dial indicator, mounted to the tran-
saxle case, measure output shaft end play.
(8) Once bearing end play has been determined,
refer to the output shaft bearing shim chart.
(9) The 12.65 mm (.498 inch), 13.15 mm (.518
inch) or 13.65 mm (.537 inch) shims are always
installed first.These shims have lubrication slots
which are necessary for proper bearing lubrica-
tion.
(10) Shims thinner than 12.65 mm listed in the
chart are common to both the transfer shaft and out-
put shaft bearings.
(11) Use Tool L-4434 to remove the retaining nut
and washer. To remove the output shaft gear use Tool
L-4407.
(12) Remove the two gauging shims and install the
proper shim combination, making sure to install the
12.65, 13.15, or 13.65 mm shim first. Use grease to
21 - 52 TRANSAXLE AND POWER TRANSFER UNITNS
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)