Shaft Bearing, Upper

Removal

1. Remove the steering wheel as outlined.

2. Remove the two trim shroud halves by removing screws.

3. Remove the upper bearing retainer plate.

4. Remove the two nuts retaining steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to the flange on the steering gear input shaft.

5. Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring holding the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.

6. Pull outward on the steering shaft. The shaft will move approximately 6.35mm (1/4 inch), carrying the upper bearing and sleeve with it. This movement of the bearing will allow the blades of two screwdrivers or similar tools to be inserted under the bearing by using the two ramps in the casting provided for this purpose. With the blades of the screwdrivers under the bearing, pry it gently off the knurl on the steering shaft.
   
   
   
   

Installation

1. Prick punch the steering column upper shaft serration diameter sufficiently to ensure an interference fit between the bearing inner race and the steering column upper shaft.

    CAUTION: Be sure pipe only contacts the bearing inner race.

2. Position the bearing and insulator on the steering column upper shaft. Work the bearing and insulator as far down the steering column upper shaft as possible. Place a piece of pipe 19.05mm (0.75 inch) inside diameter by 88.9mm (3.5 inch) long over the end of the steering column upper shaft, and install the steering wheel retaining bolt.

3. Tighten the steering wheel retaining bolt until the bearing is seated on the steering shaft.

4. Remove the steering wheel retaining bolt and the piece of pipe from the steering column upper shaft.

5. Install the snap ring in the groove at the top of the steering column upper shaft above the bearing.

6. Install the upper bearing retainer plate.

7. Engage the safety strap and bolt assembly to the flange on the steering gear input shaft. Install the two nuts retaining steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to the flange on the steering gear input shaft. Tighten the nuts to 29.7-40.3 Nm (22-30 lb-ft). The safety strap must be properly positioned to prevent metal-to-metal contact after tightening nuts. Pry steering shaft up or down with a suitable pry bar to achieve plus or minus 3mm (1/8 inch) coupling insulator flatness.

8. Install trim shroud and tighten retaining screws.

9. Install the steering wheel as outlined, using a new steering wheel retaining bolt.

10. Check the steering column for proper operation.