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 assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
^ Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
^ The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.
Tools Required:
^ J-42620 Steering Column Lock Pin
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Negative battery cable.
2. Disable SIR system.
3. Insert J-42620 into the steering column access hole to lock the steering column to maintain correct orientation.
4. If column is to be disassembled, remove the inflator module.
5. If column is to be disassembled, remove the steering wheel.
6. Push hazard button in to reduce risk of damage.
7. Knee bolster and bracket or reinforcement.
8. With column shift, remove shift lever cable.
9. With console shift, unlock ignition and remove park lock cable and lock ignition.
10. Steering column wiring harness connector from main body wiring harness.
11. Steering column shaft from intermediate shaft, positioning seal as needed and loosening or removing upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
12. Loosen but do not remove two nuts at lower steering, column support.
NOTICE: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.
13. Support column and remove two nuts at upper steering column support.
Important: Discard clips at upper steering column support, if present. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.
14. Steering column from vehicle. If there is a possibility that the steering column may be partially collapsed, refer to "ACCIDENT DAMAGE."
NOTICE: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin, until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing thy anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.
Important:
^ When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation, but DO NOT tighten them until the procedure tells you to do so.
^ To ensure the columns energy-absorption action it is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used, and that they are tightened to the specified torque.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Loosely install nuts on lower support bracket studs.
NOTICE: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.
2. Position steering column into vehicle and slide the lower support onto nuts installed in step 1.
3. Support column and install two nuts on upper support bracket studs.
4. Position intermediate steering shaft through seal and onto column shaft.
^ Tighten:
- Pinch bolt to 47 Nm (35 lb ft).
- Upper and lower support nuts to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
5. Move intermediate steering shaft seal into position.
6. Steering column wiring harness connector to main body wiring harness.
^ Tighten bolt to 8 Nm (71 lb in).
7. With column shift, shift lever cable.
8. With console shift, unlock ignition and install park lock cable. Lock ignition.
9. Knee bolster and bracket or reinforcement.
10. Steering wheel, if previously removed.
11. Inflator module, if previously removed, refer to "INFLATOR MODULE - SIR."
12. Enable SIR system.
13. Remove J-42640 from the steering column.
14. Negative battery cable.
15. Check steering for proper operation.