Removing and Installing

Steering column, removing and installing

Removing
The steering column is only supplied complete as a replacement part. Servicing is not possible.
The steering lock housing can be transferred, Refer to Starting and Charging.

^ Remove airbag steering wheel and steering column switch, Refer to Starting and Charging.

Note: Pay attention to the safety precautions for working on airbags, Refer to Restraint Systems.

WARNING! Before removing the steering wheel the requirements must be met:
^ Ground (GND) strap disconnected from battery.
^ Wheels must be in straight ahead position.

If these instructions are not observed it is possible that the airbag system may fail later!





^ Pry off trim at bottom -arrows-.





^ Remove trim -arrows-.





^ Remove bolts -1- (2x).
^ Remove trim -3-.





^ Remove cable ties and connectors on steering column.
^ On vehicles with automatic transmission, disengage locking mechanism at cable for selector lever lock (arrow). Turn ignition key and pull off cable.





^ Pull connector off servo motors in the case of electrically adjustable steering column.

^ Securing steering column before removal. The illustration shows a mechanically adjustable steering column.





^ Pull wire through hole in lower part of steering column -arrow- and spring.
An assembly aid is required so that the upper and lower parts of the steering column do not pull apart when pulling off power steering gear.

If the upper and lower parts of the steering column are pulled too far apart or pushed too close together the splines separate.

It is possible that rattling noises are created later if the splines are not in their original installation position.





The steering column can also be secured with a transport device:
-1- Safety clip
-2- Plastic rod
-3- Steering column

New steering columns supplied as replacement parts are secured with a transport device.

This transport device must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.

We recommend that this part is retained as it can be reused when removing steering columns.





^ Remove nut -1- on universal joint.
^ Turn tensioning bolt in clockwise direction to loosen eccentric and remove bolt.

Note: Fastener -2- is being phased out (to facilitate assembly in production).





^ Swing universal joint away downward.





^ On vehicles with automatic transmission, remove retainer (steel wire clip) for cable of selector lever lock.
^ Remove hex socket-head bolts arrows- of steering column and remove steering column.

Installing
When installing, note the points in particular





New steering columns supplied as replacement parts are secured with a transport device.
This transport device must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.
-1- Safety clip
-2- Plastic rod
-3- Steering column

We recommend that this part is retained as it can be reused when removing steering columns.
Aligning steering column with power steering gear pinion so as to be stress-free.





^ Attach steering column to cross member with 4 hex socket head bolts -1. (do not tighten).
^ Slide universal joint onto power steering gear pinion.
^ Insert clamping screw through lower section and pretension in counterclockwise direction.
^ Install hex nut -2- and tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
^ Remove wire/transport device between upper and lower parts of steering column.
^ On vehicles with automatic transmission, engage cable for selector lever lock in ignition lock.
^ Attach wiring for servo motors in the case of electrically adjustable steering column.
^ Fasten wiring to steering column with tie band.
^ Install top trim.
^ Install steering column switch and trim for steering column at bottom.
^ Center steering column and bottom steering column trim with respect to trim.





^ Tighten hex socket head bolts of steering column to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
^ Install driver's side storage compartment.

Note: Before installing steering wheel, position wheels straight ahead.

^ Install steering wheel and tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).

Notes: From m.y. 1998 with multi-point hex socket head bolt.
^ Size 12 multi-point insert
^ Tighten to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.)
^ Always replace bolt





^ Set steering column switch such that gap between steering wheel and steering column trim is 3 - 4.5 mm.

Notes:
^ If steering wheel is not straight when vehicle is moving in a straight line and if re-positioning on the splines does not remedy the situation, vehicle alignment must be performed, Refer to Alignment, Description and Operation.
^ Observe the safety precautions for working on airbags, Refer to Restraint Systems.

^ Installing airbag unit, Refer to Restraint Systems.