STEERING WHEEL RETURNABILITY U-JOINT OPERATION INFORMATION

MODELS AFFECIED: 1983 CENTURYS AND SKYLARKS

There may be instances where the steering wheel is slow to return to center after making a turn on a 1983 Century or Skylark model. This condition my be caused by a stiff U-Joint in the intermediate shaft assembly between the rack and pinion assembly and the steering column.

To check for a stiff joint, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft and the rear stub shaft by removing the pinch bolts. The joint halves should swing free of their own weight. If the joints are stiff, replace with a new intermediate shaft assembly, checking the new joints for freeness. This condition can also be caused by a pinch bolt that has been overtightened. It is important to torque the pinch bolt to the specified 40-54 N.m (30-40 lbs. ft.) torque range. Poor returnability caused by an overtightened pinch bolt will also necessitate replacement of the intermediate shaft, as the overtightening may distort the yokes.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.