Steering Column Replacement (without JL7)
Steering Column Replacement (without JL7)
Special Tools
J-42640 - Steering Column Anti-rotation Pin
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (Tools and Equipment).
Removal Procedure
1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair).
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.
2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Insert the J-42640 - pin 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 center 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 (Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement).
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.
10. Support the steering column.
11. Use a wrench in order to hold the studs securing the steering column to the instrument panel.
12. Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
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.
13. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
14. Remove the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column.
15. 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. Position the steering column in the vehicle.
4. Install the steering column mounting nuts and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
5. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
6. Install the knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement).
7. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Raise the vehicle.
9. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the center intermediate shaft.
10. Install the retaining bolt that secures the upper intermediate shaft to the center intermediate shaft. Tighten the bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Unlock the steering column by removing the J-42640 - pin from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair).