Tools Required

J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.




1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
2. Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
4. Remove the turn signal switch housing. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Housing Replacement .
5. Remove the tilt spring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
6. Remove the steering wheel position sensor (3). Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement .
7. Remove the steering column tilt head assembly. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .



8. Remove the steering shaft assembly from the steering column support assembly.




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

9. Tilt the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees to the lower shaft assembly and disengage. If necessary, remove and discard the old centering sphere and spring.



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 from J 41688 .
15. If necessary, discard the old centering sphere and the old shaft preload spring.

1. Lubricate the centering sphere (1) with lithium grease.
2. Install the centering sphere (1) and the joint preload spring (2) into J 41688 .



3. Compress the centering sphere and joint preload spring. Rotate the driver 90 degrees in the clockwise direction until the arms lock in place.



4. Install the race and upper shaft assembly (1). Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees.



5. Remove the race and upper shaft assembly with J 41688 . Rotate the race and upper shaft assembly 90 degrees and remove.



6. Apply lithium grease to the exposed shaft engagement areas and then install the steering shaft to the centering sphere.



7. Install the steering shaft assembly to the steering column jacket assembly.
8. Install the steering column tilt head assembly. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .



9. Install the adapter and bearing assembly (4).
10. Install the lower bearing seat (3).
11. Install the lower bearing spring (2).
12. Install the lower spring retainer (1).



13. The upper steering shaft assembly must be rotated to the center position with the block tooth (1) in the 12 o'clock position.



14. Install the steering wheel position sensor (1). Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering .



15. Install the sensor retainer (1). Align the slots of the sensor retainer to the ribs of the adapter and bearing assembly. Push the sensor retainer (1) until it contacts the analog extended range sensor assembly.
16. Install the steering shaft seal (2).
17. Install the steering column tilt head assembly. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement .
18. Install the steering wheel position sensor. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement .
19. Install the tilt spring. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Spring Replacement .
20. Install the turn signal switch housing. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Housing Replacement .
21. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
22. Install the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
23. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.