Steering Column Replacement (without JL7)
Steering Column Replacement (without JL7)
Special Tools
J 42640 Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).
Caution: 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.
Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft(s)
* The steering gear
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
1. Disable the 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 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 Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
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. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Remove the knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Service and Repair).
Caution: 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.
Note: 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.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
2. Install the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.
Tighten the bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
3. Install the steering column.
4. Install the steering column mounting nuts.
Tighten the nuts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
5. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
6. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement (Service and Repair).
7. Install the knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Service and Repair).
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 Nm (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 (Service and Repair).