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TSB 19-003-05

In And Out Movement In Steering Column

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

Date: May 03, 2005

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 19–012–04, DATED DECEMBER 13,
2004, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES.

Models: 2003-2005 (DR) Ram Truck

2003 - 2005 (DR) Ram Truck
2004 - 2005 (HB) Durango
2005             (ND) Dakota

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built after December 1, 2003 (MDH 1201XX)

Overview:
This bulletin involves replacing the steering column upper bearing retainer.

Symptom/Condition:
The vehicle operator may describe a small amount of movement in the steering column when
pulling the steering wheel toward you while seated in the driver’s seat.

Diagnosis:
While seated in the driver’s seat, attempt to push and pull the steering wheel in and out. If the
steering column exhibits any in and out movement, perform the Repair Procedure.

Parts Required:

Qty.	Part No.	Description
1	05166528AA	Bearing Retainer Kit

Repair Procedure: 

WARNING: The steering column bearing retainer is spring loaded and could fly off the shaft during this repair. Safety glasses should be worn at all times.
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 DISCHARGE. 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 COATINGS 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.
1.	Disconnect and isolate the negative battery terminal. Wait at least two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge prior to disassembling the steering column.
NOTE: If you are not familiar with steering column and air bag repair procedures, refer section 19 of the appropriate Service Manual for detailed procedures and safety precautions.
2.	Remove the drivers air bag, steering wheel, steering column shroud, clock spring and multifunction switch.
3.	Inspect the wave spring under existing retainer (Fig. 1). If spring is fully compressed, stop this procedure and replace column. If the spring is not fully compressed, proceed to step 4.
4.	With the ignition key removed, rotate steering wheel until it locks (you may have to reinstall wheel in order to rotate shaft)
5.	Remove bearing retainer from shaft if possible by hand, with pliers, or by placing a screwdriver underneath retainer and prying upward (Fig. 2). If the retainer can be removed, proceed to step 7. If the retainer will not come off the shaft, continue with step 6.
6.	Use a sharp ¼" chisel to score the retainer as shown (Fig. 3). Be careful not to damage any of the surrounding components with chisel. Only apply enough force to score the retainer. Do not attempt to break completely through the retainer with the chisel, this excessive force will damage the bearings. Remove any material particles that might fall into the bearing pocket.
7.	Insert a screwdriver under retainer (near score mark) and pry the retainer upward until it breaks. If unsuccessful, re-score the retainer again and try again.
8.	Discard old retainer and wave spring. Make sure shaft is pulled upward (toward driver) as far as possible and the bearing race and wedge are sitting tightly inside of bearing.
9.	Install the new wave spring and retainer on wedge on shaft.
10.	Check steering column shaft threads by hand tightening installation tool bolt provided in the kit into shaft approximately ½9 and removing. If bolt threads easily into shaft proceed to step 9. If bolt does not thread easily into shaft, re-tap the hole using an M10 x 1.5 tap.
11.	Place bearing installation tool onto shaft until it contacts retainer (Fig. 4).
12.	Insert the bolt into steering column shaft. Hand tighten until threads are fully engaged. Tighten bolt down with 15 mm socket wrench until the tool bottoms out on bearing. You may hear a clicking noise as the retainer is being pressed down onto the shaft, this is normal.
13.	Remove bolt and tool. Inspect retainer and spring (Fig. 1). The spring should be centered under the retainer and compressed as shown. If the spring is not centered under retainer it may be pushed towards the shaft using a screwdriver (do not damage spring). If spring needs adjusting, repeat step 12 to ensure the retainer is in the correct position.
14.	Install the multifunction switch, clock spring, steering column shroud, steering wheel and drivers air bag.
15.	Connect the negative battery cable.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004