Steering Column - Removal and Installation

NOTICE: The steering column is extremely susceptible to damage once it has been removed from the vehicle. Dropping the column assembly on its end could compress the steering shaft or loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause it to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's compressible 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, as such action could loosen plastic injections, undermining the column's rigidity.

NOTICE: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in the LOCK position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR system repairs.

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.

NOTICE: The steering column should never be supported by only the lower support bracket alone, damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
^ Disable the SIR system.

1. Battery negative (-) cable.
2. SIR inflator module.
3. Knee bolster and I/P steering column reinforcement plate.
4. Ignition wiring connector.
5. PASS Key II(R) wiring connector.
6. 48-way connector.
7. Pinch bolt from intermediate shaft.
8. Lower support bracket from vehicle (2 bolts).
9. Upper column support from I/P (2 bolts) and remove column from vehicle.
^ Inspect column for accident damage.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Steering column into vehicle.
2. Two bolts to upper support bracket. Do not tighten fully at this time.
3. Bolt and nut to lower support bracket. Do not tighten fully at this time.
4. Steering column intermediate shaft to steering rack.
5. Pinch bolt to intermediate shaft.
^ Tighten:
- Pinch bolt and nut to 47 Nm (35 lb ft).
- Align column to instrument panel opening. A small shim (wedge) placed between the instrument panel column support bracket and the column can be used to hold the column stationary while tightening the upper support bolts.
- Upper and lower column support bolts and nuts to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
- Lower bracket-to-column screws to 16 Nm (12 lb ft).
6. 48-way connector.
7. PASS Key II(R) wiring connector.
8. Ignition wiring connector.
9. I/P steering column reinforcement plate and knee bolster.
10. SIR inflator module.
11. Battery negative (-) cable.
^ Enable the SIR system.