Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1436

PL
Fig. 2 Steering Column Coupling
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.
(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).
column coupling must
(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
upper coupling from the lower coupling.
Fig. 3 Steering Column To Coupling Attachment
(3) Remove the silencer seal (Fig. 4) enclosing the
steering column coupling.
be
Fig. 4 Lower Coupling Seal
(4) Inspect steering column coupling in the follow-
ing areas for signs of damage:
• Inspect the sealing collar on the lower coupling
(Fig. 5) to ensure that it is not cracked, broken, or
otherwise damaged requiring coupling replacement.
• Inspect the corrugated section (Fig. 5) of the
lower coupling for the following conditions or any
other visible signs of damage.
STEERING 19 - 19