Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1437

19 - 20 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
• Uneven spacing between the corrugations on
the coupling.
• Dings or dents in the corrugations of the cou-
pling or anywhere else on the coupling wall.
• A bend in the corrugated section of the cou-
pling.
Fig. 5 Lower 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 upper coupling to lower coupling (Fig. 3).
Install the coupling 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
PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVES REMOVING THE
AIR BAG. REMOVE AND ISOLATE THE NEGATIVE
(-) BATTERY CABLE (GROUND) FROM THE VEHI-
CLE 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 POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
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 ASSEMBLY
REMOVE
(1) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery and isolate cable.
(2) Before beginning removal of steering col-
umn from vehicle, be sure front wheels of vehi-
cle are in the straight ahead position.
(3) Remove the fuse access panel (Fig. 6) from the
steering column cover.
(4) Remove the 4 screws attaching the steering col-
umn cover, to the lower instrument panel (Fig. 7).
Then remove the steering column cover.
(5) Remove 3 screws (Fig. 8) attaching the steering
column cover liner to the instrument panel. Remove
the liner from the lower instrument panel.
(6) Remove the 2 covers (Fig. 9) from the steering
wheel. Covers need to be removed to access the
mounting bolts for the air bag module.
A NEW FASTENER
IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
A STEERING COLUMN
PL
IS