For 1990-2009 cars

#### Tools Required

J 41688 Centering Sphere Installer

1. Inspect the centering sphere (1) (3) for wear.
2. Inspect the spring (2) for breakage. If either part is damaged, discard and replace with new part.
3. Apply lithium grease to the engagement areas of the centering sphere halves (1) and (3).
4. Place the lower centering sphere half (3), the joint preload spring (2), and the upper centering sphere half (1) into the base of J 41688 .

Position the driver onto the upper centering sphere half.

Important: Ensure that the feet of the driver slide into the grooves of the tool base.

5. Compress the joint preload spring (2) and rotate J 41688 90 degrees clockwise.
6. Install the upper steering shaft assembly (2) onto the centering sphere assembly (1) within the J 41688 .
7. Rotate the upper steering shaft assembly (2) 90 degrees downward.
8. Remove J 41688 from the vise.
9. Separate the base and driver of J 41688 from the upper steering shaft assembly (2).
10. Align the marks (3) made on the upper steering shaft assembly (1) with the marks (5) on lower steering shaft assembly (4) and install the lower steering shaft assembly (4) onto the centering sphere (2) within the upper steering shaft assembly (1).
11. Rotate the upper steering shaft assembly (1) 90 degrees.
12. Install the steering shaft assembly (1) into the steering column housing support (2).
13. Install the bearing assembly (2) if required.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

14. Install the steering column housing support (2) as follows:

14.1. | Position the steering column housing support (2) against the steering column jacket assembly (3).

14.2. | Position the support screws (1) in the steering column housing support (2).

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Tighten
Tighten the support screws to 16 N·m (11 lb ft).

15. Install the steering column jacket. Refer to Steering Column Jacket - Assemble - Off Vehicle .