Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Special Tools
* J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
* J 41352 Modular Column Holding Fixture

Removal Procedure





Note: If the steering column connectors are disconnected with the ignition in the ON position, the BCM will enter a fail enable mode and prevent steering column lock operation. The PCM will also inhibit vehicle motion by disabling fuel. To clear the BCM fail enable mode, disconnect the BCM fuse #25 for 15 seconds.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair).
2. Turn the steering wheel far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling bolt.
3. Remove the upper coupling bolt.
4. Turn the steering wheel back to the right until the wheels are in a straight ahead position. Lock the steering column.

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.




5. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.




6. Remove the trim panel from the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).
7. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument panel (I/P) wiring harness.




9. Remove the nuts from lower steering column support plate (1).




10. Remove the upper steering column bracket nuts from the upper reinforcement assembly (3).
11. Slide the steering column (2) off of the intermediate shaft.

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.

12. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.
Rotate the steering column clockwise as the bottom of the steering column reaches the reinforcement assembly. This will allow the telescoping steering column motor and the steering wheel position sensor room to clear the I/P brace.




13. Install the steering column onto J 41352 .

Installation Procedure




1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .




2. Position the steering column assembly (2) into the vehicle and insert the lower steering shaft assembly into the upper coupling of the intermediate shaft.
3. Install the cross car locating bushing (1) on the right hand mounting stud.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Install the upper steering column bracket nuts to the upper reinforcement assembly (3).

Tighten the nuts to 24 Nm (18 lb ft).




5. Install the nuts to the lower steering column support plate (1).

Tighten the nuts to 24 Nm (18 lb ft).

6. Turn the steering wheel far enough to the left to gain access to the upper coupling of the intermediate shaft.




7. Install the upper coupling bolt.

Tighten the bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).

8. Connect all the electrical connectors to the I/P wiring harness.
9. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.




10. Install the driver knee bolster bracket (1). Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).
11. Install the driver knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement (Service and Repair).
12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling (Service and Repair).