Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1385

CONVOLUTED SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN COU- COUPLING PLING
19 - 38 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(4) Inspect steering column coupling in the follow-
ing areas for signs of damage:
• Inspect the sealing collar on the steering column
coupling (Fig. 5) to ensure the it is not cracked, broken,
or otherwise damaged requiring coupling replacement.
• Inspect the convoluted section (Fig. 5) of the
steering column coupling for the following conditions
or any other visible signs of damage.
• Uneven spacing between the convolutes on the
coupling.
• Dings or dents in the convolutes of the cou-
pling or anywhere else on the coupling wall.
• A bend in the convoluted section of the coupling.
Fig. 5 Steering Column Coupling Inspection
If any of the preceding conditions exist the steering
coupling MUST be replaced.
The steering gear must be removed from the vehi-
cle to allow access for replacement of the steering
coupling. Refer to Steering Gear Service Procedures
in this group of the service manual for the required
steering gear removal procedure.
(5) If steering coupling does not require replace-
ment, install steering column coupling silencer seal
(Fig. 4) back on vehicle.
(6) Ensure front wheels of vehicle are positioned
straight-ahead and then align and attach steering
column to steering coupling (Fig. 3). Install the cou-
pling pinch bolt (Fig. 3). Tighten the pinch bolt nut
to a torque of 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.). Be sure to
install upper to lower steering coupling pinch
bolt safety pin (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING COLUMN SERVICE PROCEDURE
WARNINGS
WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SERVICE PRO-
CEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE AIR BAG.
REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE (-) BATTERY
CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHICLE BATTERY.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIR
BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT
IN ACCIDENTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
SEALING COLLAR
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. FAILURE TO DO SO
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF
THE AIR BAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGI-
NALLY USED FOR THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS,
HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFI-
CALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUB-
STITUTES. ANYTIME
NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTEN-
ERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR
FASTENERS LISTED
BEFORE SERVICING
EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG, REFER TO GROUP
8M, ELECTRICAL FOR PROPER AND SAFE SER-
VICE PROCEDURES.
NOTE: 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 com-
ponent.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins
to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Damage will
occur.
STEERING COLUMN
REMOVE
(1) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery and isolate cable.
(2) Before beginning removal of steering column
assembly from vehicle, be sure front wheels of vehicle
are in the straight ahead position.
(3) Remove the 4 screws attaching steering column
cover, to lower instrument panel. Then remove the
trim panel from the instrument panel (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove 3 screws (Fig. 7) attaching the steering
column cover liner to the instrument panel. Remove
the liner from the lower instrument panel.
(5) If vehicle is equipped with speed control,
remove the speed control switches from the steering
wheel (Fig. 8). If vehicle is not equipped with speed
control, remove the trim covers from the sides of the
steering wheel.
A NEW FASTENER
IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
A STEERING COLUMN
PL
IS