Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1166

PT
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Fig. 2 Steering Column Lower Coupling
1 – LOWER COUPLING
2 – SEAL
3 – STEERING GEAR
4 – ROLL PIN
lower coupling allow for the misalignment of the
steering column and the steering gear.
There is a collapsible sliding joint located in the
center of the lower coupling allows the shaft to col-
lapse (shorten) between the universal joints (Fig. 2).
It is there so if the vehicle is involved in a front end
collision resulting in rearward movement of the
steering gear, the lower coupling shaft will collapse.
The collar mounted near the center of the shaft is
there to provide a clean surface for the dash seal to
ride upon sealing the gap between the shaft and the
dash panel.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
STEERING COLUMN
For diagnosis of conditions relating to the steering
column, refer to the STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNO-
SIS CHARTS in DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in the
POWER STEERING section of this service manual
group.
STEERING COLUMN LOWER COUPLING
The steering column lower coupling and its flexible
joint must be inspected whenever any of the follow-
ing conditions exist:
• After the vehicle has been involved in a collision
which deploys the airbag, regardless of the extent of
damage to the vehicle.
• After the vehicle has been involved in an under-
carriage impact which results in any type of damage
or bending of front suspension components or the
frame of the vehicle.
• Under any conditions which result in the steer-
ing gear, steering column or steering column shaft
receiving a force great enough to move the steering
column or shaft forward or rearward in the vehicle.
Inspect the lower coupling shaft and its flexible
joint for any of the following conditions:
• seized or binding bearings
• loose bearing stakes
• bearings not fully seated
• shaft bent
Upon inspection, if any of the above conditions
exist, replacement of the entire steering column
lower coupling is necessary.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: BEFORE
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.
STEERING
BEGINNING ANY SERVICE
A NEW FASTENER
IN THE PARTS BOOKS.
A STEERING COLUMN
19 - 35
IS