Steering Column Replacement (Hatchback)

Steering Column Replacement (Hatchback)

Important: Remove the steering column only if:


* The steering column requires replacement.

* The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.

* Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.




Removal Procedure

Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice (Steering Column in Lock Position Notice).

Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.


1. Adjust the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.

Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair).




3. Remove the lower steering column cover panel screws.
4. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screws. Remove the upper steering column cover panel screws.
5. Remove the upper steering column cover panel and the lower steering column cover panel.
6. Remove the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Hatchback) (Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Hatchback))Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Notchback) (Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Notchback)) and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).
7. Remove the screws and the lower instrument trim panel.
8. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Service and Repair).
9. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Hatchback) (Steering Wheel Replacement (Hatchback))Steering Wheel Replacement (Notchback) (Steering Wheel Replacement (Notchback)).
10. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement (Removal and Replacement).
11. Remove the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement (Service and Repair).





Important: Do not drop the key interlock solenoid spring.


12. Remove the key interlock solenoid screws and the key interlock solenoid.




13. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.




14. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.




15. Remove the pinch bolt from the upper steering shaft coupling flange.




16. Remove the nuts holding the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket.




17. Remove the bolts holding the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

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.

18. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.


Installation Procedure





Important: For proper installation of the steering column, ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.


1. Place the alignment bushing onto the end of the steering column shaft.





Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.


2. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the coupling flange.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice).

3. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.

Tighten the pinch bolt to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

4. Slide the alignment bushing into the steering column housing.




5. Install the nuts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.

Tighten the nuts to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).




6. Install the bolts for the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

Tighten the bolts to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).




7. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.




8. Install the key reminder switch and the key reminder switch screws.

Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 lb in).




9. Install the key interlock solenoid and the key interlock solenoid screws.

Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

10. Install the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement (Service and Repair).
11. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement (Removal and Replacement).
12. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Hatchback) (Steering Wheel Replacement (Hatchback))Steering Wheel Replacement (Notchback) (Steering Wheel Replacement (Notchback)).
13. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement (Service and Repair).
14. Install the lower instrument trim panel and the screws.

Tighten the screws to 3 N.m (27 lb in).

15. Install the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Hatchback) (Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Hatchback))Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Notchback) (Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Notchback)) and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).




16. Install the upper steering column cover panel and the lower steering column cover panel.
17. Install the lower steering column cover panel screws.

Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 N.m (27 lb in).

18. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screw holes. Install the upper steering column cover panel screws.

Tighten the upper steering column cover panel screws to 3 N.m (27 lb in).

19. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position. Refer to Straight Ahead Inspection (Removal and Replacement).
20. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair).