B3000 4WD V6-3.0L OHV (1995)
Technical Service Bulletin # N00397
Date: 970716
Steering Column Bearings - Clicking Noise
Bulletin No.: 003/97
Issued: 07/16/97
Revised
Category
N
Applicable Model/s
95-96 MY
B-Series
Subject:
CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL
APPLICABLE MODELS
'95 -'96 B-Series
DESCRIPTION
A clicking noise may be heard when turning the steering wheel. This condition may be caused by minor surface variations in the original stamped,
non-silver plated upper steering column bearings.
Customers complaining of the clicking noise should have the diagnostic procedure below performed. If noise occurs, the Upper Steering Column
Bearing Service Kit should be installed to resolve the concern.
NOTE:
The clicking noise does not affect steering operation.
A complete installation procedure is shown for your reference. These instructions will also be supplied with the Bearing Kit
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
Before replacing the bearings, the following checks should be made with the steering wheel centered.
1.
Hold the steering wheel in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock the wheel (without rotating it), checking for the clicking noise.
2.
Repeat while holding the wheel in the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.
^
If the noise occurs, go to the repair procedure below.
^
If the noise does not occur, the noise may be due to another component such as the clockspring, refer to the troubleshooting section of the
Workshop Manual.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
CAUTION:
Before performing any work on the steering column or air bag module, remove the positive battery cable and wait one (1) minute. This is necessary
for the back-up power supply in the air bag module to deplete its stored energy.
1.
Center front wheels to the straight ahead position.
2.
Remove the air bag module according to the procedure in the Body Electrical Troubleshooting Manual.
3.
Remove the steering column according to the procedure in the Workshop Manual.
4.
Use the instruction sheets provided in the Upper Steering Column Bearing Service Kit to install new silver plated, upper bearings.
5.
Install the steering column according to the procedure in the Workshop Manual.
6.
Install the air bag module according to the procedure in the Body Electrical Troubleshooting Manual.
7.
Verify repair using the diagnostic procedure in this bulletin.