Steering Column Replacement (with JL7)

Steering Column Replacement (with 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.

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 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 (Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement).




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.





Note: 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.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

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

2. Install the steering column nuts.

Tighten the nuts to 25 Nm (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 Nm (35 lb ft).

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