Steering Column Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
1. Position wheels straight forward.
2. On models less air bag, disconnect battery ground cable, remove steering wheel pad, then disconnect electrical connectors.
3. On models with air bag, remove air bag module and store carefully aside.
4. On models equipped with column shift, disconnect transmission shift control link rod by prying from shift lever grommet, then remove and discard grommet.
5. On all models, note routing of clock spring wiring through steering wheel for later assembly, then remove steering wheel retaining nut.
6. Place match marks on steering wheel and column for later assembly, then using puller tool No. C-3428-B, or equivalent, remove steering wheel. Do not attempt to jar loose steering wheel by striking steering shaft, damage to internal components may result.

Fig 2 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

7. Place match marks at steering column shaft to steering coupler shaft, then remove upper coupler shaft pinch bolt.
8. On all models, remove instrument panel covers and diagnostic test connectors below column.
9. Disconnect floor plate to floor pan attaching screws.
10. On models equipped with column shift, place shift lever in Park, disconnect shift indicator cable, then push up tab and squeeze sides of cable retainer and remove retainer.
11. On models with tilt steering column, remove tilt lever.
12. On all models, remove upper and lower lock housing shrouds, then remove lower fixed shroud.
13. Using suitable 7 mm socket through access hole in back of connector plug, remove connector from multi-function switch.
14. Loosen upper column support bracket nuts to allow clearance, then remove upper fixed shroud.
15. Disconnect remaining steering column electrical connectors and dismount wiring harness from steering column.
16. Remove support bracket nuts, then lower steering column.
17. Carefully remove steering column through passenger compartment.

INSTALLATION
1. If a new steering column is to be installed, ensure removal of shipping lockpin
2. On models equipped with column shift, install new shift lever grommet.

Fig. 3 Shift Link Rod Grommet Installation:

3. On all models, install ground clip on left capsule slot. Ensure plastic capsules are correctly positioned.
4. Install steering column through floor pan opening.
5. Position column bracket slots on attaching studs, then loosely install upper bracket and washer nuts.
6. Align steering column shaft to coupler, then install pinch bolt and torque to 36 ft. lbs.
7. On all models, clip steering column wiring harness to column, then connect electrical connectors to column components.
8. Install upper fixed shroud.
9. Ensure breakaway capsules are fully seated, then torque upper steering column support bracket nuts to 105 inch lbs. Do not overtighten steering column mounting nuts. If these nuts are overtightened steering column may not perform properly during a collision.
10. Install floor plate attaching bolts.
11. Install lower fixed shroud.
12. On models equipped with column shift, place shift lever in Park position, then reconnect shift cable.
13. On all models, install lock housing shrouds.
14. On models with tilt steering column, install tilt lever.
15. On all models, install lower instrument panel covers, then attach diagnostic test connector.
16. On models equipped with air bags, ensure clock spring unit is centered as outlined under "Air Bag Systems," route clock spring unit wiring through steering wheel.
17. On all models, install steering wheel with match marks aligned, then torque attaching nut to 45 ft. lbs. Do not force steering wheel on with heavy object, as damage may result.
18. On models equipped with column shift, connect transmission shift control link rod to shift lever. Ensure new grommet is installed on shift lever.
19. On models less air bag, install steering wheel center pad.
20. On models equipped with air bag, install air bag module.
21. On all models, adjust transmission shift linkage as outlined under Automatic Transmission/Transaxle.
22. Slowly move gear shift selector from low to park, ensuring indicator pointer alignment and smooth operation.
23. Connect battery ground cable, then test light and horn operation.