Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1384

COUPLING CONVO- COUPLING (ATTACHMENT TO STEER- LUTED TUBE FLEX ING GEAR) JOINT STEERING COLUMN COU- PLING SEALING COLLAR
PL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
STEERING GEAR TO STEERING COLUMN
COUPLING
This vehicle uses a differently designed coupling
for connecting the steering column to the steering
gear (Fig. 2).
This coupling (Fig. 2) is different in its appearance
and in the way it functions than the previous cou-
pling used on this vehicle and couplings used on
other Chrysler vehicles. This coupling functions by
bending at the bellows section (Fig. 2) of the coupling
on impact, where as the previous coupling separated
at its detachable joint on an impact.
This coupling incorporates a hollow convoluted
tube (Fig. 2) which allows the coupling to bend as
required when a vehicle is involved in a collision. The
previous coupling used on this vehicle incorporated 2
release washers which allowed the coupling to sepa-
rate into 2 pieces, if necessary, when a vehicle was
involved in a collision.
Fig. 2 Steering Column Coupler
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column, refer to the steering system diagnosis charts,
in the diagnosis and testing section at the beginning
of this group.
STEERING COLUMN TO STEERING GEAR
COUPLING
STEERING COLUMN COUPLING INSPECTION
The steering column coupling MUST be inspected
whenever a vehicle is involved in an impact or when-
ever any of the following conditions exist.
(1) The steering
inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in a colli-
sion which deploys the air bag, regardless of the
extent of damage done to the vehicle.
FLOOR PAN SEAL TO COU- PLING SEALING SURFACE TO STEERING
column coupling must
COLUMN SILENCER SEAL BRAKE P EDAL PINCH B OLT BRAKE PEDAL LOWER STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT SAFETY PIN
(2) If a vehicle is involved in an impact of the vehi-
cles front suspension or under carriage, which results
in any type of damage to the front suspension cross-
member.
(3) Under any conditions which result in the steer-
ing column assembly or steering column shaft receiv-
ing a force great enough to move the steering column
or shaft forward or rearward in a vehicle.
STEERING COUPLING INSPECTION
PROCEDURE
(1) Remove the pinch bolt safety pin from the
steering column shaft coupling pinch bolt (Fig. 3).
(2) Loosen the coupling pinch bolt retaining nut
and remove pinch bolt (Fig. 3) from steering coupler.
(Pinch bolt nut is caged to coupler and is not
removable.) Then separate the steering column
shaft coupling from the steering column to steering
gear coupling.
Fig. 3 Steering Column To Coupling Attachment
(3) Remove the silencer seal (Fig. 4) enclosing the
steering column coupling.
be
Fig. 4 Steering Column Coupling Seal
STEERING COUPLING COUPLER PINCH BOLT NUT
STEERING
UPPER STEERING COL- STEERING UMN SHAFT COUPLER ING UMN TO STEER- STEERING COL- SHAFT COUPLING COUPLING GEAR COLUMN
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