LOWER STEERING COLUMN RATTLE SPRING KIT

Some 1982 "A" and "X" cars may have a rattle, most pronounced at higher ambient temperature in the lower steering column area. This may be experienced when driving over expansion strips, pot holes, etc. At times, it will be felt through the steering column.

The revisions listed below will correct column rattle.

1. Installing a spring on the slip-section of the intermediate shaft assembly.

2. Replacing the lower steering column bearing seat.

3. Replacing the lower spring retainer.

Intermediate shaft spring kit, P/N 7842865, contains these parts.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the hood. Remove air cleaner assembly, fresh air duct and/or resonator as needed. Position the intermediate shaft boot seal at the steering gear stub shaft for access to the lower coupling pinch bolt. Position the steering wheel such that the pinch bolt can be removed. Remove the pinch bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft from the stub shaft.

2. Remove the left instrument panel sound insulator.

3. Position the intermediate shaft boot seal at the steering column for access to the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt. Remove the pinch bolt. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column. Remove the intermediate shaft assembly from inside the vehicle.

4. Remove two (2) adapter and bearing assembly screws (Figure 1).

5. Remove the steering column bearing retainer (Figure 2). Cut the lower spring retainer with a pair of side cutters. Remove the lower spring retainer, bearing spring and seat.

6. Install the new lower bearing seat from kit, P/N 7842865, and the old lower bearing spring.

7. Install the new lower spring retainer from the kit, on the steering shaft until it is 25.4mm (1") from the adapter and bearing assembly (Figure 2).

8. Wind the spring from the kit onto the slip section of the intermediate shaft assembly. The large diameter end (yellow paint) of the spring must face the steering column end of the intermediate shaft assembly, as shown in Figure 3.

9. Install the bearing retainer and the two (2) adapter and bearing screws (Figure 1). Torque both screws to 15 N.m (10 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Do not over torque the screws as damage to the lower adapter and bearing may occur.

10. Install the intermediate shaft and connect it to the steering column. Install the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt and torque to 47 N.m (35 ft. lbs.). Install boot seal to bearing retainer.

11. Install left instrument panel sound insulator.

12. Connect lower end of the intermediate shaft to the steering gear stub shaft. Position the intermediate shaft coupling with a minimum clearance of 3.0mm (1/8") between the coupling and the steering gear housing (Figure 4). Install and torque the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 62 N.m (45 ft. lbs.). Connect the boot seal to the steering gear housing. Install the air cleaner assembly, fresh air intake duct and/ or resonator assembly if previously removed.

Labor Operation Number: T0100

Labor Time : .6 hours

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.