(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.
(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut
attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 11).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 14).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 13).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
14).
Fig. 10 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
Fig. 11 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
13 - 10 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 14).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.
(4) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(5) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(6) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 11).
(8) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(10) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(11) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(12) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(13) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(14) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(15) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(16) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(17) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(18) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
(19) Install steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(20) Connect battery negative cable.
Fig. 12 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 13 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-11
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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(6) Start engine and let idle just long enough to
circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer
and hoses. Shut off engine.
(7) Check power steering fluid level and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle until the
air is out of the fluid.
(8) Gauge should read below 300 psi (2068 kPa). If
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range
of 100-275 psi (689-1896 kPa) depending on fluid
temperature. The flow meter should read above 1.5
GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than four seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
NOTE:
Power steering pump maximum pressure for
2.4L engines is 1,200 ± 1,350 psi (8,274 ± 9,308 kPa).
Power steering pump maximum pressure for all other
engines is 1,400 ± 1,500 psi (9,653 ± 10,342 kPa).
(9) Close analyzer valve fully three times and
record highest pressure indicated each time. All three
readings must be within specifications. If any of the
three power steering pump pressures are above orbelow specifications, replace pump. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not force the steering to operate
against the stops for more than 4 seconds at a time
because pump damage can result.
(10) Once the pump has been verified as working
correctly, completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the
extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then release it.
Now turn the steering wheel to the right until the
right stop is met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then
release it. Record the stabilized pressure at each
position. Compare the recorded readings to the spec-
ifications. If the output pressures are not within 100
psi (689 kPa) of one another against either stop or
are below specifications, the steering gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.1. Reposition or replace steering column
shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.2. Replace power steering gear.
3. Mis-routed power steering hose. 3. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other components
and objects.
RATTLE OR EXCESSIVE
CLUNK**1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.1. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to
the specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication causing binding
in front lower control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm ball joint.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mispositioned or
unlubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding mount bearing in front
strut assembly.7. Replace mount bearing in front strut
assembly.
8. Binding shaft bearing in steering
column.8. Replace the steering column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Power steering gear loose on
cradle/crossmember.2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft worn, broken or
loose.3. Replace steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft.
4. Free play in steering column. 4. Check all components of the steering
column and repair or replace as required.
5. Worn lower control arm ball joints. 5. Replace lower control arm ball joints as
required.
6. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint
stud pinch bolt.6. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary,
and tighten to specified torque.
7.
Front wheel bearing loose or worn.7. Replace hub and bearing as necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod end. 8. Replace outer tie rod end that has
excessive free play.
9. Loose inner tie rod. 9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace power steering gear.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)
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WARNING: THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL
COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER
BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME
A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH
THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN
THE PARTS BOOKS.
WARNING: SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN
AT ALL TIMES WHEN WORKING ON STEERING
COLUMNS.
CAUTION: Disconnect negative (ground) cable from
the battery before servicing any column compo-
nent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN - WARNING).
(1) Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are
in the STRAIGHT AHEAD position before beginning
the column removal procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate cable from battery terminal.
(3) Remove the lower shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - REMOV-
AL).
(4) Remove the traction off switch.
(5) Remove the upper shroud.
(6) Remove the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the parking brake handle link.
(9) Remove the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut.
(12) Remove the vibration damper weight.
(13) Remove the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
REMOVAL). (Fig. 3)
(14) Disconnect the wiring harness connectors
from the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo
lamp, SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI sole-
noid.
(15) Disconnect the shift cable at the lever. (Fig. 4)
(16) Remove the pinch side clip, then remove the
cable from the bracket on the column.
(17) Remove the pinch bolt coupling. (Fig. 5)
(18) Loosen the two lower mounting nuts.
(19) Remove the two upper mounting nuts
(20) Remove the steering column.
1 - CLOCKSPRING WIRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - FIXED SHROUD
5 - SCREW
6 - STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING PLATE
7 - NUT
8 - DASH PANEL STEERING COLUMN MOUNTING BRACKET
9 - STUDS (4)
10 - STEERING COLUMN LOCKING PIN
11 - NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLY
12 - STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
13 - LOWER SHROUD
14 - SCREWS
15 - STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT16 - STEERING WHEEL DAMPER
17 - CLOCKSPRING
18 - SCREW
19 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
20 - PINCH BOLT
21 - STEERING COLUMN COUPLER
22 - PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN
23 - DASH PANEL
24 - SILENCER SHELL
25 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SHIELD AND SEAL
26 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
27 - ROLL PIN
28 - POWER STEERING GEAR
29 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE/CROSSMEMBER
19 - 12 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(10) Install the coupling onto the intermediate
shaft and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch
bolt to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Install the cable from the bracket on the col-
umn, then install the pinch side clips.
(12) Reconnect the shift cable at the lever.
(13) Reconnect the wiring harness connectors to
the clockspring, multi-function switch, halo lamp,
SKIM module, ignition switch and BTSI solenoid.
(14) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Install the vibration damper weight.
(16) Install the steering wheel retaining nut.
Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
(17) Install the airbag (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install the knee blocker reinforcement (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/KNEE
BLOCKER - INSTALLATION).
(19) Install the parking brake handle link.
(20) Install the knee blocker (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN
OPENING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(21) Install the cluster trim bezel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL -
INSTALLATION).
(22) Install the upper shroud (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - INSTAL-
LATION).
(23) Install the traction off switch.
(24) Install the lower shroud.
SPECIFICATIONS
COLUMN TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Driver Airbag Attaching Bolts 10 Ð 90
Steering Column Coupling
Pinch Bolt28 Ð 250
Steering Column Mounting
Nuts12 Ð 105
Steering Wheel Retaining
Nut61 45 Ð
IGNITION SWITCH
REMOVAL
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig. 7).
For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifica-
tion, refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove steering column cover retaining screws
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below Column
1 - IGNITION SWITCH
2 - LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 - RETAINING TABS
Fig. 8 Steering Column Cover
1 - SCREWS
2 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
19 - 14 COLUMNRS
COLUMN (Continued)
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SHROUD - UPPER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the two shroud-to-shroud mounting
screws from the lower shroud (Fig. 32).
(2) Unsnap the upper shroud from the lower on
the left side as follows:
(a) Hook a finger on the left hand around the
rear of the shrouds at the seam (Fig. 33), near the
snap points.
(b) Grasp the upper shroud at the rear using the
right hand (Fig. 33).
(c) As the left hand's hooked finger is pulled out-
ward against the seam, pull the upper shroud
upward using the right hand, disconnecting the
shroud snaps.
(3) Unsnap the upper shroud from the lower on
the right side as follows:
(a) Hook a finger on the right hand around the
rear of the shrouds at the seam (Fig. 34), near the
snap points.
(b) Grasp the upper shroud at the rear using the
left hand (Fig. 34).
(c) As the right hand's hooked finger is pulled
outward against the seam, pull the upper shroud
upward using the left hand, disconnecting the
shroud snaps.
(4) Lift the upper shroud straight up off the steer-
ing column. If vehicle is equipped with traction con-
trol, disconnect wiring connector at traction control
switch pig tail. If vehicle is equipped with power fold-
away mirrors (Export), disconnect wiring connector
at mirror switch pig tail. Remove upper shroud.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with traction control,
remove traction control switch from shroud.
(6) If vehicle is equipped with power foldaway mir-
rors (Export), remove power fold-away switch from
upper shroud.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the vehicle is equipped with power foldaway
mirrors (Export), install the power fold-away switch
in the upper shroud.
(2) If vehicle is equipped with traction control,
install the traction control switch in the upper
shroud.
(3) Place the upper shroud over the lower shroud,
aligning the snap clips and alignment tabs. If the
vehicle is equipped with traction control, connect the
wiring connector at the traction control switch pig
tail before lining the shrouds up to one another.
(4) Snap the upper shroud to the lower shroud.
Once snapped into place, verify there are no gaps
between the two mating surfaces of the shrouds.(5) Install the two shroud-to-shroud mounting
screws (Fig. 32). Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.) torque.
(6) Ensure that the shrouds are snug and fit is
acceptable.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN - WARNING)(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS - WARNING).
(1) Adjust the steering wheel so that the tires are
in thestraight-aheadposition.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the two bolts from the rear of the
steering wheel attaching the driver airbag. Lift the
airbag from the steering wheel.
(4) Disconnect airbag squib wiring connectors from
the airbag and the horn/speed control switch pigtail
connector from the clockspring (Fig. 35). If the steer-
ing wheel is equipped with remote radio controls, dis-
connect the connector from the clockspring (Fig. 36).
Properly store the driver airbag out of the way.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - WARN-
ING)
(5) Remove the steering wheel retaining nut from
the steering column shaft (Fig. 36).
(6) Remove the steering wheel damper from the
steering wheel (Fig. 36).
Fig. 35 Airbag Wiring Connections
1 - AIRBAG FEED SQUIB CONNECTORS
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG
3 - HORN/SPEED CONTROL CONNECTOR
4 - CLOCKSPRING
RSCOLUMN19-23
ProCarManuals.com
CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on steering col-
umn or steering column shaft when removing steer-
ing wheel from steering column shaft.
CAUTION: When installing steering wheel puller
bolts in steering wheel, 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 clockspring.
(7) While holding steering wheel firmly in the
straight-aheadposition, remove the steering wheel
from steering column shaft using a steering wheel
puller (Fig. 37).
(8) Remove the puller from the steering wheel.
(9) If the remote radio switches need removed
from the steering wheel, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
(1) If the remote radio switches need to be
installed on the steering wheel, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/AUDIO/REMOTE SWITCHES - INSTALLA-
TION).
CAUTION: Do not force steering wheel onto steer-
ing column shaft by driving it on. Pull steeringwheel down onto shaft using only the steering
wheel retaining nut.
(2) Feed and route wiring from clockspring
through upper access hole in steering wheel.
(3) Align master serrations in steering wheel with
omitted spline on steering column shaft (at 12 o'clock
position). Align pin on lower half of clockspring with
slot in rear of steering wheel (Fig. 36) and slide the
Fig. 36 Steering Wheel Mounting
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - REMOTE RADIO CONTROL CONNECTOR
4 - DAMPER5 - REAR VIEW OF STEERING WHEEL
6 - SLOT
7 - AIRBAG FEED SQUIB CONNECTORS
8 - CLOCKSPRING ALIGNING PIN
Fig. 37 Steering Wheel Removal
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - PULLER
19 - 24 COLUMNRS
STEERING WHEEL (Continued)
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