Steering Column Removal/Installation
Steering Column Removal and Installation
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations Locations and the precautions and procedures Service and Repair before doing repairs or service.
Removal
Be careful not to pull the bracket (A) on the front side of steering column out of its normal position.
If the bracket accidentally comes out, replace the steering column as an assembly.
1. Adjust the steering column to the full tilt down position, and to the full telescopic out position.
2. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure Procedures.
3. Remove the driver's airbag Driver's Airbag Replacement, and the steering wheel Steering Wheel Removal.
4. Remove the driver's dashboard undercover Driver's Dashboard Undercover Removal/Installation.
5. Remove the column covers Service and Repair.
6. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
7. Release the tilt/telescopic lock lever, and adjust the steering column to the full tilt up position, and to the full telescopic in position.
8. Tighten the tilt/telescopic lock lever.
9. Hold the steering column lower slide shaft (A) together with a piece wire (B) between the upper yoke (C) and the lower yoke (D).
10. Release the tilt/telescopic lock lever, and adjust the steering column to the full telescopic out position, then tighten the tilt/telescopic lock lever.
NOTE: Do not release the tilt/telescopic lock lever when removing the steering column from the frame.
11. Remove the steering joint bolt (A). Disconnect the steering joint (B) by sliding the steering joint into the column. Do not disconnect the steering joint from the column shaft (C).
NOTE:
- If the center guide (D) is in place and has not moved, leave it in place.
- If the center guide has come off, discard it.
12. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the combination switch assembly/cable reel (A).
13. Remove the combination switch assembly/cable reel from the steering column shaft by removing the three screws (B).
14. Disconnect the connectors from the ignition switch, and release the wire harness clips from the steering column.
15. Make sure that the lock lever (C) is in the locked position. Remove the steering column (D) by removing the attaching nuts and bolts, and carefully guide it out of the dashboard. If the lower slide shaft (E) is removed, slip it into the upper shaft (F) by aligning the paint or stamped marks (G).
NOTE: Do not release the lock lever until the steering column is installed. If the lock lever is released before installation, adjust the steering column Testing and Inspection after installation.
Installation
1. Install the steering column in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.
- Tighten the three screws (A) in the sequence shown.
2. Center the steering rack within its stroke.
3. Remove the wire (A) holding the steering column lower slide shaft together, then slip the lower end of the steering joint (B) on to the pinion shaft (C).
NOTE:
- Pinion shaft with center guide: install steering joint by aligning the center guide (D).
- Pinion shaft without center guide: Position the steering column by aligning the gap (E) with the angle.
4. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, then loosely install the steering joint bolt (C). Be sure that the joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft.
5. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated, then tighten the steering joint bolt to the specified torque.
6. Install the steering joint cover (A).
7. Install the column covers Service and Repair.
8. Install the driver's dashboard undercover Driver's Dashboard Undercover Removal/Installation.
9. Install the steering wheel Steering Wheel Installation, and the driver's airbag Driver's Airbag Replacement.
10. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure Procedures, and check these items:
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds and then goes off.
- Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly.
- Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.
11. After installation, check these items:
- Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If the steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft serrations.
- Set the steering column to the center tilt position, and to the center telescopic position, then do the front toe inspection/adjustment Service and Repair.