Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 1197

9-44 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
12. Install tilt release lever and place column in full
"UP" position. Remove tilt spring retainer using
screwdriver blade that just fits into slot opening. In-
sert screwdriver in slit, press in approximately 3/16",
turn approximately 1/8 turn counterclockwise until
ears align with grooves in housing and remove spring
and guide (Fig. 9-54).
WARNING: CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN
RELEASING TILT SPRING DUE TO HIGH COM-
PRESSION RATE OF SPRING.
Push upper steering shaft in sufficiently to remove
steering shaft inner race seat and inner race.
Remove two pivot pins with tool J 21854-1 (Fig.
9-55).
Install tilt release lever and disengage lock shoes.
Remove bearing housing assembly by pulling upward
to extend rack full down and moving housing assem-
bly to the left to disengage rack from actuator.
Remove actuator rod assembly:
Remove lower steering shaft with pot joint.
Remove retaining clip, spacer, spring, and bearing
adapter assembly at lower end of the mast jacket.
Remove steering shaft assembly from upper end.
Disassemble steering shaft assembly by removing
center spheres and anti-lash spring (Fig. 9-36).
Remove four screws securing the support assembly to
the lock plate and mast jacket and take off support
assembly.
NOTE: Use 1/4" 6-point deep socket to remove
star drive type screws.
Fig. 9 - 5 5 Removing Pivot Pin
22. Remove shift tube retaining ring with screwdriver
and remove thrust washer.
23. Remove shift tube from bowl using tool J 23072, (Fig.
9-56). Pilot sleeve in upper end of shift tube and force
tube out of bowl.
CAUTION: Care should be taken not to jam
lower shift lever into "T " slot on lower end of
mast jacket while forcing out shift tube.
CAUTION: Donot hammer orpullon loweror
upper shift tube because plastic joint may be
sheared.
24. Remove shift tube assembly from mast jacket lower
end.
25. Remove lock plate by sliding out of jacket notches
and tipping down toward bowl hub and "12 o'clock"
position and under jacket opening. Remove wave
washer.
Fig. 9-54 Removing or Installing Tilt Spring Retainer
Fig. 9-56 Installation of Shift Tube Remover J 23072