Steering Column: Service and Repair

Removal

Disarm airbag before servicing steering column. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG DEACTIVATION for disarming procedures.

Fig. 6 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Steering Column Exploded View:

Before removing the SIR steering column, Fig. 6, the wheels of the car must be straight and the column in the Lock position. Care must be taken when handling column with a live inflator module. Never point bag deploy surface toward you, and never stand column on steering wheel. Accidental deployment in these positions may cause injury. Always face bag deploy surface toward open space to allow for unrestricted expansion.
1. Remove the inflator module as follows:
a. Remove left side sound insulator.
b. Remove the Torx screws from the back of the steering wheel, then remove the inflator module from steering wheel.
c. Remove the horn contact by pushing lightly and twisting counterclockwise.
d. Disconnect the coil assembly connector from inflator module.
2. Remove knee bolster and steering column reinforcement plate.
3. Disconnect ignition wiring and multi-function switch connectors.

Fig. 9 Intermediate Shaft & Boot Installation:

4. Remove pinch bolt from intermediate shaft, Fig. 9.
5. Remove lower support bracket from vehicle.
6. Remove upper column support from instrument panel and remove column from vehicle.

Installation

Fig. 13 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) Steering Column Installation.:

1. Install column in vehicle and support at upper bracket with two bolts, Fig. 13, do not tighten at this time.
2. Install column lower support bracket in vehicle, do not tighten at this time.
3. Connect column intermediate shaft to steering rack, install pinch bolt and torque to 35 lb ft
4. Torque upper and lower column support bolts to 20 lb ft and lower bracket to column screws to 12 lb ft
5. Connect ignition wiring and multi-function switch connectors.
6. Install knee bolster and column reinforcement plate.
7. Install steering wheel inflator module as follows:
a. With ignition off, install horn contact, then connect coil assembly connector to inflator module.
b. Install inflator module in steering wheel and torque screws to 27 lb in
c. Connect battery ground cable.
d. When all service procedures have been completed, rearm airbag as outlined in MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ACTIVATION.