Many steering wheels have a rubber connector in the steering column. This allows the column to collapse in a collision.
Two metal shafts are bolted to this round donut shaped rubber connector. The metal parts do not touch. However, they do overlap, so if the rubber part fails, you still have some steering.
Well, at least my 1979 Fairmont was like this. I'm sure there is something similar in the Contour.
You might check for this. Perhaps the following will help.
1 Steering wheel
2 Steering column
3 Flexible coupling
From the Ford Service CD:
The steering column is attached, at the lower end, to a flexible coupling by means of a clamp plate and bolt. The flexible coupling is attached to the steering gear pinion shaft with a pinch bolt. The flexible coupling entry into the engine compartment through the bulkhead is protected by a floor seal.
The steering column incorporates a multi - position steering lock with a high security lock barrel. The steering column assembly is fitted to the in - vehicle cross beam with four bolts.
All vehicles have an adjustable tilt steering column which is operated by a lever on the left - hand side of the column.
A worn or damaged steering column cannot be repaired, install a new steering column.
