Ford Upper Column Rebuild Instructions
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DISASSEMBLY
Set the wheels in the straight-ahead position before beginning.
Then disconnect the battery.
The example vehicle has an airbag. If your design does not, simply remove the horn pad for access to the steering wheel.
2) Remove the airbag by removing the
plastic covers on each side and removing
the 2 bolts securing it to the steering wheel.
Remove the horn wire and airbag connector.
3) Remove the steering wheel bolt. Using a
suitable puller, remove the steering wheel.
4) Remove the lower panel(s) to gain access.
Often an instrument face panel needs to be removed
also.
5) Remove the lower cover. To accomplish
this, you will need to remove the screws securing
the two covers together
6) Remove the ignition lock cylinder. To accomplish this, turn the lock to the “on” position. Under the column housing where the lock cylinder is, is an access hole. Depress the pin inside this hole and slide the lock cylinder out.
7) Remove the upper cover.
8) If equipped, CAREFULLY remove the anti-theft transponder and set it in a safe place.
9) Carefully remove the key warning buzzer contact
10) Remove the clockspring. This unit is attached with plastic tabs on the backside securing it to the housing. When re-installing , it should be locked and retain the exact same position requiring no adjustment. If some adjustment is needed, DO NOT move the position of the clockspring more than 1/4 turn.
11) Remove the turn signal cancel cam, by simply prying it off the shaft. NOTE: This plastic cam has a top and bottom that are different. Make sure you note the difference for re-assembly.
12) Remove the turn signal switch—2 20
torx screws secure it to the column housing.
You do not need to remove the wires, just
let it hang
13) Remove the upper snap ring, spring, spring guide and bearing retainer from the shaft. If your column has bad bearings, these may be damaged and require replacement.
14) Remove the plastic gear retainer, inner thrust washer and pinion gear from inside the lock housing where the lock cylinder was. The retainer snaps out, the inner washer rotates and comes out and the gear simply pulls out. Installing these requires correct positioning that will be discussed later
15) Move the tilt to the highest position and CAREFULLY remove the tilt spring
16) Lower the column to gain access ot the 2 gold colored torx bolts on each side of the housing. If your vehicle is a column shift, you MUST REMOVE THE SHIFT INDICTOR STRING 1ST- Otherwise IT WILL BREAK!
17) Remove the 2—30 torx bolts securing the upper housing to the main column.
18) Remove the housing by pulling the tilt release the tilt lever and sliding it of the shaft.
19) At this point, you can replace the plastic rack actuator, damaged bearings, and/or upper shaft and housing. If the rack gear has broken, BE SURE TO REMOVE THE PIN LAYING INSIDE THE MAIN HOUSING
RE-ASSEMBLY
The following photos show the proper installation of the bearings in the upper housing. It is critical they are installed with the inner race exposed and the ball bearings facing the housing.
1) To install a new rack actuator, you may need to file the edge slightly to rotate it into position into the lower actuator.
2) Once the actuator is in place and the bearings
or housing have been replaced, you can install
the housing on the shaft / column. To
do this, you will need to manually pull the
locking arms on the bottom of the column
out of the way to allow the upper housing to
begin to seat.3) Seating the housing on the inner bearing is critical. If it does not seat completely, you may break the lower column housing when tightening it to the upper housing.
4) Once seated, install the 2 bolts on each side
5) Install the bearing retainer, spring guide, spring and snap ring.
6) The upper snap ring needs to be seated into
the lower groove on the upper shaft. To accomplish
this, you may use a socket and bolt to gently
draw it down evenly on the shaft, while compressing
the spring.
7) Secure the column back to the dashboard
8) Insert the tilt spring. This can be done with a screwdriver or pry bar, but be very careful not to slip or allow the spring to jump out at you!!
9) Move the rack actuator to the “ON” position. Now, insert the ignition pinion gear aligning the 2 notches on the top edge of the housing with the slot in the gear. This aligns the lock cylinder locking mechanism so the release pin will allow the lock to come out in the “on” position.
10) Insert the thrust washer (tab facing down and in securing the gear in place) and rotate it into the aligned position matching the gear behind it.
11) Snap on the green plastic reatiner
12) Install the remaining components as they were disassembled.
Turn signal switch.
Cancel Cam
Clockspring with key warning buzzer contact
Transponder
Column Covers
Steering wheel & airbag
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