Steering Column - Removal and Installation

Fig. 15 Steering Column Replacement:

REMOVAL
Front wheels must be straight ahead and the ignition switch in the Lock position before disconnecting the steering column assembly or the intermediate steering shaft assembly from the steering gear assembly. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which will case damage to the SIR coil assembly.
1. Remove inflator module as outlined in Air Bag. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags(SRS).
2. Remove stop lamp switch assembly.
3. Remove instrument panel steering column opening filler assembly.
4. Remove instrument panel driver knee bolster assembly and deflector.
5. Disconnect steering wheel rotation sensor electrical connector.
6. Remove upper intermediate steering shaft to steering column attaching bolt and nut from pot joint coupling, Fig. 15.
7. Remove nuts attaching steering column bracket to instrument panel carrier, then lower the steering column assembly.
8. Disconnect shift indicator cable from steering column assembly.
9. Disconnect all electrical connectors, then remove automatic transmission range selector rod assembly.
10. Remove bolts attaching jacket to cowl.
11. Remove steering column assembly from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
If a service replacement steering column assembly is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until the steering column assembly has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before steering column is connected to the steering gear assembly may damage the SIR coil assembly.
1. Place steering column in vehicle and install bolts securing jacket to cowl. Torque bolts to 58 lb in
2. Connect electrical connectors, then remove anti-rotation pin if service replacement steering column assembly is being installed.
3. Connect indicator cable to steering column assembly, then install nuts attaching steering column bracket. Torque nuts to 20 lb ft
4. Install bolt and nut to coupling, attaching upper intermediate steering shaft assembly to steering column assembly. Torque nut to 40 lb ft
5. Connect steering wheel rotation sensor electrical connector.
6. Install automatic transmission range selector rod assembly to steering column assembly.
7. Adjust shift linkage, then install stop lamp switch assembly.
8. Install instrument panel driver knee bolster assembly and deflector.
9. Install instrument panel steering column opening filler assembly.
10. Remove hexagon locking nut, if a service replacement steering column is being installed.
11. Install steering wheel, if removed.