Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

CAUTION:
- All SRS wire harnesses are covered with yellow insulation. Before you disconnect any part of an SRS wire harness, disconnect the airbag connectors.
- Whenever the ignition switch is ON (II), or has been turned OFF for less than three minutes, be careful not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.

1. Remove the airbag assembly and steering wheel.
2. Remove the lower cover.





3. Remove the driver's knee bolster.





4. Remove the column covers by removing the screws.
5. Remove the SRS wire harness connector from the connector holder.





6. Disconnect the cable reel connector and SRS main wire harness connector.
7. Disconnect the cruse control switch connector from the cable reel, and remove the cable reel from the combination switch.
8. Remove the turn signal canceling sleeve.





9. Remove the combination switch from the steering column by disconnecting the connectors.





10. Remove the steering joint cover.





11. Remove the steering joint bolts, and move the joint toward the column.
12. Disconnect the ignition switch connectors from the under-dash fuse/relay box.





13. Remove the steering column by removing the attaching nuts and bolts.





INSPECTION
- Check the steering column ball bearing and the steering joint bearings for play and proper movement. If there is noise or if there is excessive play, replace the joint or column assembly.
- Check the retaining collar for damage. If it is damaged, replace the retaining collar.
- Check the absorbing plates, absorbing plate guides and sliding capsules for distortion and breakage.
Replace them as an assembly if they are distorted or broken.

1. Move the tilt lever from the loose position to lock position 3 to 5 times; then measure the tilt lever preload 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the end of the tilt lever.

Preload: 70 - 90 N (15 - 20 lbs.)





2. If the measurement is out of the specification, adjust the preload using the following procedures.
a. Loosen the tilt lever, and set the steering column in the neutral position.
b. Remove the 6 mm lock bolt and remove the stop.
c. Adjust the preload by turning the tilt lock bolt left or right.
d. Pull up the tilt lever to the uppermost position and install the stop. Check the preload again. If the measurement is still out of specification, repeat the above procedures (a) through (c) to adjust.

CAUTION: Be careful not to loosen the tilt lever when installing the stop or tightening the 6 mm lock bolt.





INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
- All SRS wire harnesses are covered with yellow insulation. Before you disconnect any part of an SRS wire harness, disconnect the airbag connectors.
- Whenever the ignition switch is ON (II), or has been turned OFF for less than three minutes, be careful not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.





1. Slip the upper end of the steering joint onto the column shaft (line up the bolt hole with the flat on the shaft), and loosely install the upper steering joint





2. Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft. Line up the bolt hole with the groove around the shaft) and loosely install the lower bolt.

NOTE:
- Be sure that the lower steering joint bolt, is securely in the groove in the steering gearbox pinion.
- Before tightening the steering joint bolts, pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated.

3. Install the steering column with the flange nuts, then install the column holder and flange bolts.





4. Tighten the upper and lower steering joint bolts loosely installed in steps 1 and 2.





5. Install the steering joint cover with the clamps and clip.
6. Connect the ignition switch wire connectors to the under-dash fuse/relay box.
7. Install the combination switch and connect the connectors. Be sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts when installing the combination switch.
8. Carefully install the wire harness with the harness bands and clamps.





9. Install the spring and turn signal canceling sleeve onto the combination switch.
10. Install the cable reel, and connect the cruise control switch connector.





11. Connect the cable reel connector and SRS main wire harness connector.

NOTE: Align the slot in the cable reel with the projection on the canceling sleeve.





12. Install the column covers.
13. Install the driver's knee bolster.
14. Install the lower cover.





15. Install the steering wheel.