Steering Column - Removal and Installation
NOTICE:
^ The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil to become uncentered, which will cause damage to the coil.
^ The steering column should never be supported by only the lower or upper support bracket alone, damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.
Important: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect the coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil has been damaged, replace it.
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Battery ground (negative) cable.
2. Disable SIR.
3. Inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
4. Steering wheel.
5. Left hand instrument panel insulator.
6. Trim panel below steering column.
7. Push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper intermediate steering shaft bolt.
8. Upper intermediate steering shaft bolt.
9. Transaxle shift cable from ball stud on steering column and transaxle shift cable casing from steering column bracket by depressing two tabs. If equipped with floor shift remove park lock cable.
10. Lower steering column bolts.
11. Upper steering column bolts. Lower column to the seat.
^ With column in this position, some unit repair operation may be performed.
12. Electrical connector. Loosen screw and separate the two halves.
13. Withdraw lower end of steering column shaft from upper intermediate steering shaft coupling. Remove column.
^ It may be necessary to spread coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool to withdraw steering shaft.
Important: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the energy-absorbing feature becomes vulnerable. Special care must be taken when handling the steering column. Dropping the column or hammering on the shaft would collapse the shaft or shear the plastic injections. This would impair the column's collapsible design.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and the joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.
1. Column back into vehicle and insert lower end of column shaft into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
2. Column electrical connector. Tighten screw that draws the two halves together.
3. Transaxle shift cable and transaxle shift cable casing to shift cam ball stud and column bracket or park lock cable, if equipped with floor shift.
4. Install upper and lower steering column bolts.
^ Tighten upper and lower steering column bolts 24 Nm (18 lb ft).
Important: When installing the steering column to intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.
5. Upper intermediate steering shaft bolt into upper intermediate steering shaft coupling.
^ Tighten pinch bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
6. Pull up intermediate shaft seal over lower column until it locks in place.
7. Trim panel below steering column.
8. Left hand instrument panel sound insulator.
9. Steering wheel.
10. Inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
11. Enable SIR.
12. Battery ground (negative) cable.