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TSB 19-002-02

Steering Column Vertical Movement

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Date: April 15,2002

Models: 2002 (DR) Ram Truck 1500

Overview:
This bulletin involves involves inspecting the steering column and 'adjusting the tilt actuator cable.

Symptom/Condition:
The steering column may exhibit a slight amount of vertical movement or play which is often described as play or chucking in the column.

Diagnosis:
Hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position and apply pressure to the top and then the bottom of the wheel. A small amount of Movement is normal. The clearance specification for tilt mechanism is .25 mm (.010 in.). If excessive movement is felt, perform the Repair Procedure.

Repair Procedure: 

1.    Remove the knee blocker.

2.    Remove the tilt actuator plastic lever from the column by pulling It off.

3.    Remove the steering column shroud.

4.    Check the steering column mounting nuts. Tighten them to 28 Nm (250 in. lb.)

5.    Inspect the tilt mechanism pivot pin and surrounding area. (Fig. 1). If there is any plastic debris in this area, it must be removed. A yellow plastic alignment pin is used during assembly. Any yellow plastic debris or shavings in this area can cause a bind in the mechanism. Remove any plastic debris with a knife or suitable tool. Operate the tilt mechanism a few times and check for play again. If no excessive play is found, no further repairs are necessary.

6.    Using a pair of pliers, remove the adjuster cable from the retaining loop and move the cable retaining loop from the outside of the casting to the inside as shown (Fig. 2).

 

Fig. 1  Tilt Pivot 1. Plastic Debris

Fig. 2  Cable Retainer Loop 1. Retainer Loop

7.    Install a tie strap around the cable as shown. Tighten the tie strap until a distance of 41 mm (1 5/8 in.) is measured between the two cable sections (Fig. 3). This will assure adequate clearance to the shroud. Remove the excess tie strap material.

8.    Check the Mechanism for play. If no excessive play is present, no further action is required.

9.    Measure the travel of the metal actuator as shown (Fig. 4). The travel should be approx. 6 mm (1/4 in). Any excess or lack of travel can cause excessive play in the mechanism. If the cable adjustment is too loose (More than 6 mm (1/4 in), the play can be eliminated by pushing the adjuster further into the retainer one click at a time until the 6 mm (1/4 in.) travel is obtained (Fig, 5). If the adjustment is too tight (less than 6 mm (1/4 in), carefully pry up on the white plastic retainer tab and release the black cable adjuster. The retainer can be broken if moved too far. Insert the adjuster under the retainer and push the adjuster in to the retainer one click at a time until the 6 mm (1/4 in) travel is obtained.

Fig. 3  Cable Routing

Fig. 4  Tilt Mechanism Adjuster 1. Tilt Actuator Lever

Fig. 5  Steering Column Tilt Mechanism

1. Retainer Tab 2. Adjuster

10.   If the play is still present, the steering column must be replaced. Refer to the Mopar parts system catalog for the correct part number.

11.   Install the shroud.

12.   Install the actuator lever.

13.   Install the knee blocker.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:
Labor Operation No:  19-20-83-99  Inspect and Adjust....................0.3 Hrs.

Failure Code:  AM - Authorized Modification

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004