Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Restraint System Service Precautions.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.




2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.




4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
5. Remove the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Remove the knee bolster.
8. Remove the knee bolster bracket.

Notice: Avoid damaging the steering column electronic lock harness by gently removing the plugs installed in the I/P beam. Do NOT twist, pull, bend, cut, or incorrectly route the harness. Damage to the harness will require replacement of the entire electronic lock.

9. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.





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

10. Support the steering column.





11. Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
12. Remove the steering column.





13. Remove the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.
14. Remove the upper intermediate shaft from the steering column.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

2. Install the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.

Tighten the bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).





3. Install the steering column.
4. Install the steering column mounting nuts.

Tighten the nuts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

5. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
6. Install the knee bolster.
7. Install the knee bolster bracket.
8. Raise the vehicle.
9. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.
10. Install the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.

Tighten the bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).

11. Lower the vehicle.





12. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.