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Squeakingnoise in steering column assembly

SERVICE INFORMATION
Bulletin Nbr: 641-1512 UTG. 4
Date: ........... APRIL 1996
Market: ALL
Squeaking noise in steering column assembly

Cars concerned

Saab 900 M1994-

Background


If the steering column assembly is mounted slightly askew, squeaking or creaking sounds may occur when the steering wheel is turned. This is due to clamping forces arising between the steering column assembly and the steering column, which subject the felt bearing (4) to a concentrated load. This can also give rise to stiff steering wheel adjustment or heavy steering.

In the event of customer complaints, the following steps can be taken to minimize the clamping forces:

Procedure


1. Make sure that the steering wheel is in the position where the squeaking noise occurs.

2. Remove the lower section of the dashboard.

3. Remove the knee shield.

4. Slacken the steering column assembly's lower retaining bolt (1) and the upper retaining nuts (2) a few turns.


5. Release the steering wheel adjustment lever and pull the steering wheel back and forth a few times. Lock the adjustment lever and tighten the upper retaining nuts (2).


Tightening torque: 24 Nm (17.8 lbf ft)

Adjust the steering column assembly to a position where the squeaking noise diminishes or disappears (press the felt bearing lightly up or down in the direction of the arrows in the illustration on the previous page). Tighten the lower retaining bolt (1).

Tightening torque: 24 Nm (17.8 lbf ft)

6. If the squeaking noise persists, it may be necessary to angle the upper retaining bolts (3) a few millimetres forwards or rearwards to a position where the squeaking noise no longer occurs.


7. First slacken the steering column assembly's upper retaining nuts (2) a few turns and then undo the lower retaining bolt (1). Use a 13 mm hex socket with flexible extension bar to angle the bolts.


8. Tighten the two upper retaining nuts (2) by hand until the steering column assembly bracket abuts against the steering column "basket".

9. Release the steering wheel adjustment lever and pull the steering wheel back and forth a few times. Lock the adjustment lever and tighten the upper retaining nuts (2).

Tightening torque: 24 Nm (17.8 lbf ft)

Adjust the steering column assembly to a position where the squeaking noise diminishes or disappears (press the felt bearing lightly up or down in the direction of the arrows in the illustration on the previous page). Tighten the lower retaining bolt (1).

Tightening torque: 24 Nm (17.8 lbf ft)

10. Check that the squeaking noise has been eliminated. If it persists, try to adjust the steering column assembly to a new position as described in points 6- 8.

11. Fit the knee shield.

12. Fit the lower dashboard section.


Standard time information

Object code: 64131

Fault code: 27

Localization: 09

Procedure: 05

Time: 0.3 hours

Warranty information

Regular warranty rules apply.