Questions and Answers

Mercury Marquis Steering Column Q. I have a 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis. I have to take out the steering tube out of the steering column and put the new one in. I am worried that there will be things that will pop up at me and that I will not be able to put it back the way it was. I have no money for garage so I would like to do the job myself.

All I know is that I have tilt steering and cruise control. I don't know is this matters or not. What kind of tools will I need before I start the job so I am not stuck and not be able to go get what I need because the car steering is apart. Basically what I need to know is how to do the job. I have no clue. But I learn fast. I am, I think, very talented.

Thank you, I appreciate this.
Carina

A. This can be a complicated job for a DIY. Not something I would normally suggest except to a DIY with advanced skills. You will need the normal tools, screwdrivers, wrenches, socket set, along with a steering wheel puller. You can rent one from a tool rental store. To replace the shift tube, you will need to remove the steering column. before you start ensure the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Wait five minutes. This is the time required for the backup power supply in the diagnostic monitor to deplete its stored energy.
2. Remove four airbag retaining nuts, then lift module from steering wheel assembly.
3. Disconnect airbag wiring harness from airbag module, then remove airbag from vehicle. Place airbag module on bench with pad facing upward.
4. Disconnect speed control wiring harness from steering wheel, then remove steering wheel retaining bolt.
5. Install Steering Wheel Puller tool No. T67L-3600-A or equivalent, then remove steering wheel. Route wiring harness through steering wheel as wheel is lifted off shaft.
6. Remove the right hand and left hand lower mouldings from instrument panel by pulling up and snapping out of retainers.
7. Remove instrument panel lower trim cover, then remove airbag clockspring as follows:
8. Place two strips of tape horizontally across the contact assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation.
9. Remove three contact assembly retaining screws, then pull contact assembly off steering column shaft.
10. Remove tilt lever by unscrewing it from the column.
11. Rotate ignition lock cylinder to the Run position, then using a 1/8 inch pin punch, depress lock cylinder retaining pin through access hole and remove lock cylinder.
12. Remove four lower shroud retaining screws, then column shrouds.
13. Remove two instrument panel reinforcement brace retaining bolts, then reinforcement.
14. Remove steering column to parking brake control shake brace.
15. Disconnect gear position indicator cable from actuator housing.
16. Remove two multi-function switch retaining screws, then position switch aside.
17. Remove pinch bolt from steering column to extension shaft, then compress extension shaft toward engine and separate from column shaft U-joint.
18. Disconnect shift cable from selector lever pivot.
19. Remove shift cable and bracket from lower column mounting.
20. Support steering column assembly, then remove four column retaining nuts. Lower column, then disconnect vacuum hoses.
21. Remove steering column from vehicle.
22. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
    1. Torque airbag clockspring assembly retaining screws to 18 to 26 inch pounds.
    2. Torque U-joint pinch bolt to 26 to 41 foot pounds.
    3. Torque airbag module retaining nuts to 3 to 4 foot pounds.
    4. Verify airbag warning indicator operation.