Neon L4-2.0L VIN C (1998)
Steering Shaft Coupler: Testing and Inspection
GENERAL INFORMATION
The steering column coupling MUST be inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in an impact or whenever any of the following conditions exist.
1. The steering column coupling must be inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in a collision which deploys the air bag, regardless of the
extent of damage done to the vehicle.
2. If a vehicle is involved in an impact of the vehicles front suspension or under carriage, which results in any type of damage to the front
suspension crossmember.
3. Under any conditions which result in the steering column assembly or steering column shaft receiving a force great enough to move the
steering column or shaft forward or rearward in a vehicle.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Steering Column To Coupling Attachment
1. Remove the pinch bolt safety pin from the steering column shaft coupling pinch bolt.
2. Loosen the coupling pinch bolt retaining nut and remove pinch bolt from steering coupler. (Pinch bolt nut is caged to coupler and is not
removable.) Then separate the steering column shaft coupling from the steering column to steering gear coupling.
3. Remove the silencer seal enclosing the steering column coupling.