Steering Column

Steering Column Replacement

- Tools Required
- J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.

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 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.

1. Disable the SIR system.





2. Insert the J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
4. Remove the left front tire from the vehicle.





5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
6. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear stub shaft.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the IP trim panel.





9. Disconnect the shift lever cable from the linear shift assembly.





10. Remove the shift cable retaining clip.





11. Pinch the retaining clips together and remove the shift cable from the steering column.





12. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector (1) from the main body wiring harness.

Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.





13. Remove the lower steering column support retaining nuts (1).

Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.





14. Support the steering column.





15. Remove the upper steering column support retaining nuts (1).

Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

16. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
17. Transfer any necessary components.

Installation Procedure

Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:
- Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
- Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

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 the 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. DO NOT tighten the fasteners until the procedure tells you to do so.
- In order to ensure that the column absorbs energy correctly, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten the components to the specified torque.

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.





2. Install the lower support bracket studs mounting nuts (1).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Support the column. Install the upper support bracket studs mounting nuts (1).
Tighten the upper and lower steering column support mounting nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).





4. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector (1) to the main body wiring harness.





5. Install the shift lever cable to the steering column.
6. Install the shift cable to the linear shift assembly.





7. Install the retaining clip the shift cable.
8. Install the IP trim panel.
9. Raise the vehicle.





10. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear stub shaft.
11. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Tighten the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the left front tire.
13. Lower the vehicle.





14. Remove the J42640 from the steering column.
15. Enable the SIR system.
16. Inspect the steering for proper operation.