PONTIAC FIERO 1988 Service Repair Manual

385-30 STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS
10. Turn si nal to "Right Turn" position
11. Screw 79) and signal switch arm (10)
12. Screws (8)
13. Turn signal switch (11). Allow switch to hang freely if re-
moval is not necessary.
To remove:
A. Wiring protector (54)
B. Hazard knob
C.Gently pull wire harness through column housing
shroud (62), column housing (38), and lock housing
cover (1 8)
Figure 8. Buzzer Switch Removal
17. SCREW, LOCK RETAINING 19. LOCK CYLINDER SET, STRG COLUMN
Figure 10. Wire Harness Through Column
5. Turn signal switch (1 1) wire harness through lock hous-
ing cover
(la), column housing (38), and column hous-
ing shroud (62)
6. Turn
sianal switch (1 1) and screws (9) and torque to 2.8-4.0 %km (24.78-35.4 Lbs.ln.) 7. Signal switch arm (10) and screw (9) and torque to 1.7- 2.8 N-m (1 5.05-24.78 Lbs. In.)
8. Inner race (1 3) 9. Upper bearing seat (1 2)
10. Upper bearing spring (7)
11. Turn signal cancelling cam (6)
12. Shaft lock (5)
13. Shaft lock retaining ring (4) using
J 23653-A to depress
shaft lock (5)
14. Steering wheel
15. Jam nut (2) and retainer (1
) 16. Screws to back of steering wheel, horn pad
17. Wiring protector (54)
SUB SECTION B
INCLUDES: LOCK HOUSING COVER, COVER END CAP,
PIVOT AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY, DIMMER SWITCH
ROD ACTUATOR, AND TILT SPRING ASSEMBLY
Figure 9. Removing Lock Cyilnder Set Tools
Rwuired: J 23653-A Lock
Plate Compressor J 35689-A Terminal Remover
14. Key from lock cylinder set (19)
15. Buzzer switch (1 5) and clip (1 6)
16. Reinsert key
in.lock cylinder set (19)
17. Key in "Lock" position
18. Lock retaining screw (1 7)
19. Lock cylinder set (1 9)
Install or Connect
(Figures
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Remove or Dlsconnect (Figure 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14)
1. Perform steps 1 thru 19, Remove or Disconnect, Sub
Section A
2. Screws (1 4)
3. Lock housing cover (1 8)
4. Tilt release lever
5. Housing cover end cap
(44), and dimmer switch rod
NOTICE: Ensure all fasteners are securely seated before actuator
(20)
applying required torque. Failure to do so may result in
component damage or malfunctioning of steering column.
7 important
Cruise control equipped columns: Unplug cruise
1. Lock cylinder set (1 9) control
connector and remove multifunction lever
2. Lock retaining screw (17) and torque to 2.0-3.0 N.m (1 7.7-26.55 Lbs.ln.) 3. Key in "Run" position
4. Buuer switch (1 5) and clip (16)

STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS 385-31
Figure 11. Lock Housing Cover Screw Positions
F. LEVER ASM, TIS MULTIFUNCTION
Figure 12. Removing Lock Housing Cover
6. Gently pull wire harness through column housing (38)
and column housing shroud (62)
7. Pivot pin
8. Pivot and switch assembly (46)
9. Spring retainer (43)
10. Spring (42) and spring guide
(41)
Install or Connect
(Figures 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15)
NOTICE: Ensure all fasteners are securely seated before
applying required torque. Failure to do so may result in
component damage or malfunctioning of steering column.
1. Spring guide (41) and spring (42) coated with lithium
rease
2. gpring retainer (43)
3. Pivot and switch assembly (46) 4. Pivot pin 5. Pivot and switch assembly (46) wire harness through
column housing shroud (62) and column housing (38)
CRUISE CONTROL WIRE CONNECTORS
6. Dimmer switch rod actuator (20). Bottom edge of
dimmer switch rod actuator (20) should rest on bend in
dimmer switch rod (63)
7. Cover housing end cap (44)
1 43. RETAINER, SPRING REMOVE
RETAINER
INSTALL
RETAINER.
Figure 14. Tlit Sprlng Aswmbly ~emovel
Cruise control equipped columns: Plug cruise
control connectors together and install multifunc-
tion lever (89).
8. Lock housing cover (1
8) 9. Screws (14). Tighten screw in 12 o'clock position first,
screw in 8 o'clock position second, and screw in 4
o'clock position third. Torque in the same order to
7.0- 11 .O N.m (61.95-97.35 Lbs.ln.) 10. Periorrn steps 1 thru 17, Install or Connect, Sub
Section A

3B5-32 STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS
SUB SECTION C
INCLUDES: COLUMN HOUSING, LOCK SHOES, AC-
TUATOR SECTOR ASSEMBLY, SWITCH ACTUATOR
RACK, BEARINGS, AND LOCK BOLT ASSEMBLY
Tools Rsqulrd: J 23653-A Lock Plate Compressor J 35689-A Terminal Remover J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
Remove or Disconn~t (Flgure 2 thru 18)
22,34. BEARING ASM 25. SHOE, STEERING WHEEL LOCK
26. SHOE, STEERING WHEEL LOCK
32. PIN, RELEASE LEVER
1. Perform steps 1 thru 19, Remove or Disconnect, Sub Figure 18. Lock Housing Cover Assembly, Interior Section A 2. Perform steps 1 thru 10, Remove or Disconnect, Sub
Section B 9. Release lever pin (32)
10. Shoe release lever (33)
11. Release lever spring (31)
52. Dowel pin (28)
13. Lock shoes (25,26) 14. Lock shoe springs (30)
15. Bearings (22,34) 16. Hex head bolt (40)
17. Lock bolt spring (24)
18. Lock bolt (23)
install or Connect (Figures 2 thru 19)
NOTICE:
Ensure all fasteners are securely seated before
applying required torque. Failure to do so may result in
component damage or malfunctioning of steering column.
1. Bearings
(22,34) to column housing (38) Figure 16. Removing Pivot Pins 2. Drive shaft (27)
3. Switch actuator sector (39) . , 4. Lock shoes (25,26) 3. Pivot pins (29) using J 21 854-01 5. Dowel pin (28)
4. Reinstall tilt release lever
6. Lock shoe springs (30)
5. Column housing assembly (38). Pull back on tilt release
7. Release lever spring (31)
lever and pull housing (38) down and away from 8. Shoe release lever
(33) \, column
VEERING WHEEL LOCK ATOR ASM, IGNITION SWlT
36. FIACK, SWITCH ACTU 38. HOUSING, STEERING 60. SUPPORT, STEERING
Figure 19. Column Housing to Column Support
9. Release lever pin (32) Figurs 17. Lock Housing Cover Assembly, ExPerior 10. Rack preload spring (37)
11. Switch actuator rack (36) to switch actuator sector (39) . , 12. Lock bolt (23)
6. Drive shaft (27)
13. Lock bolt spring (24)
7. Switch actuator sector (39)
14.
Hex head bolt (4Q)
8. Switch actuator rack (36) and rack preload spring (37)

STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS 385-33
15. Column housing assembly (38) to column. Position col-
umn housing assembly (38) and align switch actuator
rack (36) with pin on end of actuator rod (35). Pull back
on tilt release lever pushing column housing assembly
(38) onto column housing support assembly (60). Release tilt release lever to lock shoes (2526) 16. Remove tilt release lever 17. Pivot pins (29) lubricated with lithium grease 18. Perform steps 1 thru 10, Install or Connect, Sub
Section B 19. Perform steps 1 thru 17, Install or Connect, Sub
Section A
SUB SECTION D
INCLUDES: SHAR ASSEMBLY, COLUMN HOUSING SUPPORT, SHIFT TUBE ASSEMBLY, IGNITION SWITCH, Figure 22. Column Housing Supporl Assembly
DIMMER SWITCH, AND LOWER BEARING ASSEMBLY
OLUMN HOUSING
Tools Required: J 23653-A Lock Plate Compressor J 35689-A Terminal Remover J 21 854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
Remove or Disconnect (Figure 2 thru 23,27)
NOTICE: If car has been in an accident, remove column
from car and inspect for damage (Figure 27).
1. Perform steps 1 thru 19, Remove or Disconnect, Sub
Section A
2. Perform steps 1 thru 10, Remove or Disconnect, Sub
Section B 3. Perform steps 1 thru 18, Remove or Disconnect, Sub
Section C
, LOWER BEARING
BEARING ADAPTER
Figure 20. Lower Bearing Assembly
55. SHAFT ASM, RACE & UPPER 56. SPHERE, CENTERING 57. SPRING JOINT PRELOAD 49
i0
48
ITCH INHIBITOR A 49 50 64 ASM, DIMMER
Figure 23. Ignition and Dimmer Switches
4. Remove column from car
MOTICE: Once steering column is removed from car, the
column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping
column assembly on its end could collapse steering shaft or
loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
Leaning on column assembly could cause jacket to bend or
deform. Any of the above damage could impair column's
collapsible design.
If it is necessary to remove steering
wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under
no conditions should the end of shaft be hammered on as
hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain
column rigidity.
5. Clip, lower bearing adapter (70) 6. Retainer, bearing adapter (69) 7. Bearing ASM (68) 8. Adapter, lower bearing (67)
Figure 21. ShaR Assembly

385.34 STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS
9. Shaft assembly (55-58)
10. Lower shaft 58)
11. Sphere (56)
I rom upper shaft (55) . 12. Preload spring (57) from sphere (56)
13. Screws (59)
14. Housing support assembly (60) and dimmer switch rod
(63) 15. h& nut (65) and hex head bolt
16. Dimmer switch (64)
17. Mounting stud 18. Shroud, column housing (62)
Insbll or Connect (Flgure 2 thru 26)
WTICE: Ensure all fasteners are securely seated before
applying required torque. Failure to do so may result in
component damage or malfunctioning of steering column.
Column housing shroud (62) to jacket (66)
Dimmer switch rod (63) to housing support (60)
Housing support assembly (60) and screws (59) and
torque to 5.5-12.0
N.m (48.68-106.2 Lbs.ln.) Actuator rod assembly (35) to track in housing support
(60)
35. ACTUATOR ASM, IGNITION SWITCH 60. SUPPORT, STRG COL HSG I
Figure 24. Actuator Rod to Housing Supporl
50 SWITCH ASM, IGN & BEAM CHANGE
5. Ignition switch (50) and mounting stud
6. Preload sprin (57) and sphere (56) to upper shaft (55)
7. Lower shaft
a58) to upper shaft (55). block tooth on
shaft end of upper shaft (55) at 12 o'clock position;
notch at end of lower shaft (58) at 4 o'clock position
8. Shaft assembly
(55-58), lubricated with lithium grease,
to column
9. Column housing assembly (38) to column. Position col-
umn housing assemby (38) and align switch actuator
rack (36) with pin on end of actuator rod (35). Pull back
on tilt release lever pushing column housing assembly
(38) onto column housing support assembly (60).
Release tilt release lever to lock shoes
(2526) 10. Remove tilt release lever 11. Lower bearing (71) and screws (72), inner surface lubri-
cated with lithium grease
12. Lower bearing adapter (67)
13. Lower bearing ASM (68)
14. Retainer, bearing adapter
(69) 15. Clip, lower bearing adapter (70)
TOP SURFACE
OF HOUSING
Figure 26. Dimmer Switch Adjustment
17. Dimmer switch
(67), hex nut (68), and hex head bolt
(50). Adjust dimmer switch (67)
18. Column to car dash
19. Tilt release lever
20. Perform
stem 1 thru 17. Install or Connect. Sub
Section C ' 21. Perform steps 1 thru 10, Install or Connect, Sub
Section B 22. .Perform steps 1 thru 17, Install or Connect, Sub
Section A
Flguro 25. lgnltion Switch Adjustment

STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS 385.35
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
APPLICATION N.w - FT-LUS
Steering Wheel to Shaft Nut .................................. .42 ................ .3 1 Ft. Lbs.
Turn Signal Switch Attaching
Screus ...................... .J.O ............... 35 In. Lbs.
.. Ignition Switch Attaching Screws. ................. .4.0.. ............. .35 In. Lbs.
Bracket to Steering Column Support Nuts
................. 3-1 ................ 25 Ft. Lbs.
....... Toe-Pan to Dash Screws .............. 5.0 .............. 45 In. Lbs.
....... .............. Toe-Pan Clamp Screws ..... 7.0 .............. .60 In. Lbs.
Bracket to Steering Column Bolt
............. 4) ................. 30Ft. Lbs.
.... Cover to Housing Screws . ,. . .............. 1. I ................ 100 In. Lbs.
..... Clamp to Steering Shaft Nut. ............. 70 ............... .55 Ft. Lbs.
Support to Lock Plate Screw,.
. . . ..... '.0. .............. ,150 In. Lbs.
......... Flex Coupling Nuts ........... 7 ................. 20~t. ~bs.
... Flex Coupling to Shaft Bolt : .......... .10 30 Ft, ~bs. .............. 52007 1-385
Fig. 385-16 Specifications Chart
BT-61-9 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
J-23072 SHIFT TUBE REMOVER J-21854-01 PIVOT PIN REMOVER J-23073-1-2-3 SHIFT TUBE INSTALLER
J-22635 LOCK SHOE & RELEASE LEVER
J-23131 LOCK PLATE COMPRESSOR
REMOVER & INSTALLER J-23653 & J-23063 LOCK PLATE COMPRESSOR J-23653-4 LOCK PLATE COMPRESSOR
' 520072-385
Fig. 385-17- Special Tools

STEERING LINKAGE 3B6-1
SECTION 3B6
STEERING LINKAGE
The following notice applies to one or more steps in the assembly
procedure of components in this portion of the manual as Notice indicated at
appropriate locations by the terminology "See Caution on Page
1 of this
Section
" .
NOTICE: These fasteners are important attaching parts in that they
could affect the performance of vital components and systems,
andlor could
result in major repair expense. They must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do
not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque
values must be used as specified during reassembly to assure proper retention
of these parts. For prevailing torque
nut(s) and bolt(s), refer to the "Reuse of
Prevailing Torque
Nut(s) and Bolt(s)" chart in Section 10.
CONTENTS
General Description ........................................... 3B6- 1 Relay Rod ............................................................ 3B6-3
Maintenance and Adjustments ............................... 3B6- I Idler Arm ............................................................. 3B6-4
On-Car Service ........................................................ 3B6-2 Pitman Arm ......................................................... 3B6-5
Tie Rods .............................................................. 3B6-2 Specifications ........................................................... 3B6-6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A parallelogram type steering linkage connects both
steering gear. The right end of the relay rod is supported by
front wheels to the steering gear through the
pitman arm,
the idler arm which pivots on a support attached to the
The right and left tie rods are attached to the steering arms
frame rail. The
pitman arm and idler arm remain parallel to
and to the relay rod by ball studs. The left end of the relay
each other while they move through symmetrical arcs. See
rod is supported by the
pitman arm, which is driven by the Fig. 3B6-2.
MAONTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
CHELKlNC STtLRING LINKAGE WEIR A? VltlItD FROhl ABOVL
POSITION DIAL INDICATOR
-TO CHECK MOVEMENT
AT THIS POINT
FRONT
OF
MOVE WHEEL IN AND OUT AT FRONT AND BACK
Fig. 3B6-1--Checking Linkage Wear
SUSPENSION AND STEERING LINKAGE CHECK
1. Raise car on one side at frame torque box located
directly behind the front wheel so that tire is
approximately one inch off the floor.
2. Position dial indicator as shown in Fig.
3B6- I .,
3. Position steering wheel so that it is in the locked
position.
4. Grasp front wheel as shown in Fig.
3B6- I. With wheels
in straight ahead position, move wheel back and forth
without moving steering wheel. Gage reading should
not exceed 2.74 mm
(. 108 ").
5. If gage reading is not within specifications, a check
should be made of all suspension and linkage gears.
RELAY ROD HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The relay rod position can be adjusted at the idler arm
attach men^. It is important for the height adjustment to be
equal from side-to-side. If not adjusted properly, right-hand
turns and left-hand turns could exhibit differell1
characteristics in handling. This is sometimes called
"orbital steer." Refer to Fig.3B6-5 for setting relay rod
height.

386-2 STEERING LINKAGE
LUBRICATION ADJUSTMENTS
The steering linkage should be lubricated with any
water resistant
EP type chassis lubricant at specified Toeein
intervals. Lubrication points and additional information on Adjust
the steering linkage for proper toe-in setting as
chassis lubrication can be found in Section
OB. outlined in Section 3A.
ON-CAR SERVICE 3. To remove outer ball stud, use a tool such as
RELAY ROD
Fig. 3B6-2--Series Linkage Components
TIE RODS
There are two tie rod assemblies. Each assembly is of
five piece construction, consisting of a sleeve, two clamps
and two tie rod ends. The ends are threaded into the sleeve
and locked with the clamps.
Right and left hand threads are
provided to facilitate toe-in adustment and steering gear
centering.
The tie rod ends are self-adjusting for wear and require
no attention in service other than periodic lubrication and
occasional inspection to see that ball studs are tight.
Tie rod adjuster components often become rusted
in
service. In such cases, it is recommended that if the torquc
required to remove the nut from thc bolt after break:iw:~>
exceeds 9 N.m (7 Ib, ft.), discard the nuts and bolth. Appl!
any penetrating oil betwoon thc clamp and tube ;~nd roliitc
the clamps until they movt. frcely. Install nc\4 bolts and nuts
having the same part number to assure proper clamping at
the specified nut torque.
Removal
I. qaise vehicle on hoiht.
2. Remove cotter pins and nuts from ball studs.
5-243 19-01, or 5-6627 as shown in Fig. 3B6-3
NOTICE: Do not attempt to disengage the joint by
driving a wedge between the joint and the knuckle,
because seal damage could result.
4. Remove inner ball stud from relay rod using same
procedure as described in Step 3.
5. To remove tie rod ends from tie rods, loosen clamp bolts
and unscrew end assemblies.
Installation
NOTICE: See NOTICE on page I of this section
regarding the fasteners referred to in step
4.
1. If the tie rod ends were removed, lubricate the tie rod
threads with any
EP type Chassis lube and install ends
on tie rod making sure both ends are threaded an equal
distance from the tie rod.
2. Make sure that the threads on the ball stud and in the
ball stud nuts are clean and smooth. If threads are not
clean and smooth, ball studs may turn in tie rod ends
when attempting to tighten nut. In addition tapered
surfaces should be clean and free from grease. Install
seals on ball studs.
3. Install ball studs in steering arms and relay rod.
4. Torque nuts to 48N.m (35 Ib. ft.). Then tighten nuts
enough to align the slot in the nut with the hole in the
stud. Install cotter pins. Lubricate tie rod
end\.
5. Lower vehicle to floor.
Fig. 3B6-3--Freeing Ball Stud

STEERING LINKAGE 386-3
ADJUSTER SLEEVE SLOT
HORIZONTAL
NOTE Slot Iri adjuster
sleeve must not be
w~th~n th~q area of
clamp laws.
ROTATION NOTE Must have mlnlmum slot
shown after torqulng tie rod
TIE ROD-INNER
RELAY ROD
CAUTION Clamp must be between & clear of d~mples before torqulng
TIE ROD-OUTER
NOTE Equal w~th~n three
threads, must be vis~ble at Inner and outer ends of adjuster sleeve when
assembled to steerlng
Torque Nuts 19 N m (14 Ft Lbs
Fig. 3B6-4--Tie Rod Clamp and Sleeve Orientation
6. Adjust toe-in as described in Section
3A. rod is carefully controlled to assure that the rod is at the
Before tightening the tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp Proper height. Both the left end and the right end of the
bolts, be sure that the following conditions have been met: relay
rod MUST be held at the same height. The side-to-
side height is controlled by adjusting the position of the idler
a. The sleeve clamps must be positioned between the
arm. locating dimples at either end of the sleeve.
Whenever disconnecting the relay rod assembly, it is
b. The
clalnps must be positioned within the angular important to first scribe the position of the idler arm-to- travel indicated in Figure 3B6-4 for the Proper fi.ame. and to rein4tall the idler arm in the same position.
vehicle.
Be w1.e to prevent the idler support hom turning in the
c. The relationship of the clamp slot with the slit in the
bu4hing. since that motion could result in improper relay
sleeve should be maintained as shown in Figure
3B6- rod height.
4. Whenever replacing the relay rod, or the idler arm, or
d. Both inner and outer tie rod ends must rotate for the pitman arm, it is mandatory to establish the correct
their full travel. The position of each tie rod end must height
by following the procedure shown
in Fig. 3B6-5.
be maintained as the clamps are tightened to ensure
free movement of each joint.
Removal
e. All procedures for alignment, adjustment and
assembly
~f tie rods applies to both left and right I. Raise vehicle hoist.
side. 2. Remove inner ends of tie rods from relay rod as
RELAY ROD described under Tie Rod - Removal.
During production, the installed position of the relay
3. Remove nut from relay rod ball stud attachment at