Tools Required

J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer Tool

1. Remove the steering column jacket. Refer to Steering Column Jacket - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .



2. Remove the lower spring retainer (5) and discard.
3. Remove the lower bearing spring (4).
4. Remove the lower bearing seat (3).
5. Remove the adapter and bearing assembly (2) from steering column jacket assembly (1).



6. Remove the steering shaft assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.



7. Remove the 4 support screws and discard.
8. Remove the steering column support assembly from the steering column jacket assembly.




Important: Mark the upper shaft assembly and the lower steering shaft assembly to ensure proper assembly. Failure to assemble properly will cause the steering wheel to be turned 180 degrees.

9. Tilt the upper shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees to the lower steering shaft assembly (2) and disengage.



10. Insert the race and upper shaft assembly (1) into J 41688 .
11. Insert J 41688 into a vise.
12. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in order to disengage the centering sphere from the race and upper shaft assembly.
13. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly (1) from J 41688 .
14. Remove the shaft preload spring and the centering sphere fromJ 41688 .




Important: Check the centering sphere and preload spring for wear. If wear is present, dispose and replace the centering sphere and preload spring.

15. Remove the joint preload spring from the centering sphere.