How do you replace the steering column shaft coupler on a 1998 Dakota?

Answer 1

1. Position the front wheels straight ahead. Place a steering wheel holder, SNAP-ON TOOL, p/n WA96A, or equivalent, between the steering wheel and the driver's seat to secure the wheel. 2. Remove the toe plate nuts (Figure 1). 3. Remove the pinch bolt and nut securing the upper intermediate shaft to steering column. 4. Open the hood of the vehicle and remove the pinch bolt securing the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear. 5. Compress the intermediate shaft and remove it from the vehicle. 6. Feed the new intermediate shaft, p/n 55351171AA, through the cowl panel and install it onto the shaft splines of the steering gear. Then, compress and/or lengthen the intermediate shaft enough to be able to install the shaft onto the lower end of the steering column. 7. Secure the intermediate shaft to the lower end of the steering column with a new pinch bolt, p/n 06504926AA, and nut, p/n 06101510, and tighten the nut to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.). 8. Secure the intermediate shaft to the steering gear with a new pinch bolt, p/n 06504926AA, and tighten the bolt to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.). 9. Install the toe plate onto the cowl panel studs. Tighten the toe plate nuts to 10 Nm (90 in. lbs.). 10. Remove the steering wheel holder from the steering wheel. Information removed from www.alldatapro.com