Jeep Cherokee 2000, Service Manual

Page: 906 / 1528

STEERING COLUMN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STEERING COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
The standard non-tilt and tilt steering column has
been designed to be serviced as an assembly. The key
cylinder, switches, clock spring, trim shrouds and
steering wheel are serviced separately. On the non-
tilt column the upper mounting bracket is also ser-
viced separately.
The column is mounted to the column support
bracket studs and secured by four nuts. The column
is connected to the steering gear by a one piece col-
lapsible shaft with a coupler at each end. The cou-
plers secure the shaft to the steering column and
steering gear.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when
working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag,
refer to Group 8M and follow all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS,
SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR
THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COAT-
INGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
AIRBAG
SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE
CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS
BOOKS.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING COLUMN
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING
COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DIS-
ARMED. REFER TO GROUP 8M RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO
DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOY-
MENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
CAUTION: Keep clock spring from turning during
removal and installation. Failure to do so may dam-
age the clock spring.
REMOVAL
(1) Position front wheels straight ahead.
(2) Remove
and isolate the negative battery
ground cable.
(3) Remove the airbag, refer to Group 8M
Restraint Systems for service procedures.
NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, disconnect
clock spring harness from cruise switch harness on
the steering wheel.
(4) Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate
puller (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged
into the steering wheel and not into the clock-
spring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Fail-
ure to do so may damage the steering wheel.
(5) Turn ignition cylinder to the on position and
remove cylinder by pressing release through lower
shroud access hole (Fig. 2).
19 - 26 STEERING
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