Steering Column Replacement (with JL7)

Steering Column Replacement (with JL7)

Special Tools

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin


Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution (SIR Caution) .

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 supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair) .
2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Insert anti-rotation pin J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column.
4. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Service and Repair) .




5. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt (1) and nut (2).
6. Separate the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.
7. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.





Important: Stabilize the steering column studs before attempting to remove the steering column nuts.


8. Support the steering column.




9. Remove the steering column nuts.
10. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
11. Transfer any parts as needed.



Installation Procedure





1. Position the steering column in the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .


Important: Tighten all the steering column nuts evenly before finalizing any torques.


2. Install the steering column nuts.

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

3. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.




4. Connect the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
5. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt (1) and nut (2).

Tighten the nut to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).

6. Install the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Service and Repair) .
7. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 from the steering column.