OEM Chrysler Aspen Steering Column

Chrysler Aspen Steering Column Parts and Q&A

• Steering Column
  5057569AA
  Q: How to Ensure Safety and Proper Operation Before Servicing a Steering Column on Chrysler Aspen?

  A:

  Before working on the steering column, make certain the air bag system is turned off to avoid accidental firing and hurt yourself. All parts that use fasteners should be torqued as directed by the instructions. Put the front wheels straight ahead, then disconnect the negative cable from your battery. Pull out the air bag so that the puller bolts are tightened into the Steering Wheel and not the Clock Spring. You can use tool CJ98-1 or any handy steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. After that, open up the lower side of the dash and take out both the cover and the actual steering column opening reinforcement component. Take the upper and lower columns out and then withdraw the clock spring from under the dash. Separate the wiring harness from the column and take out the Shift Cable from the column shift lever actuator, allowing it to drop from the column bracket. Take out the SKIM unit and as a result, the electrical connector will come loose. Then remove the bolt on top of the steering shaft coupler and pull the shaft down. Take the Brake Light Switch out and throw it away, then unscrew the four bolts on the steering column mounting. When you're done, raise the vehicle into the air with the wheels still on the floor and replace the steering column with the mounting studs.
• Steering Column
  5057477AA
  Q: How to Safely Service and Operate a Steering Column on a Chrysler Aspen?

  A:

  Be sure the air bag system is disarmed prior to servicing the steering column so it cannot deploy by mistake and hurt someone. Proper operation of any fastener depends on torquing it to the correct specification. Support the steering column and place the fasteners on the dash panel so they are there, but are still free to move. Against the studs visible in the dashboard, push the steering column upward and tighten the nuts by hand. Screw on the steering shaft coupler and insert a new bolt loosely into it. The order is to torque the upper left nut first then the lower right nut, after that the lower left nut and finally the upper right nut. Set the steering column in the dash opening and use a strong new bolt to ensure the mounting nuts are tightened to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.). Tighten the coupler bolt to a force of 38 Nm (28 ft. lbs.). Replace the Brake Light Switch, the shifter cable and attach the wiring harness to the column. Make sure to install both the Skim module and Clock Spring. Installing the shrouds, the opening reinforcement for the steering column and the cover for the steering opening is next. Put the spline in line with the shaft, connect the Steering Wheel and secure it with a new bolt as you tighten it to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Assemble the air bag, tilt lever handle and install the vehicle's negative battery terminal. In addition, check that the horn, Electronic Prndl Indicator, lights and all other controls on the steering column are working properly.