Steering Column - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED. REFER TO ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.

1. Position the front wheels straight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.




3. Remove the airbag (3), Driver Air Bag - Removal.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector (2) from the air bag.





5. Remove the steering wheel (1) with special tool CJ98-1 (2) or an appropriate steering wheel puller. CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.






6. Remove the steering column opening cover (3)Steering Column Opening Cover - Removal.





7. Remove the steering column opening cover reinforcement (2).

8. Remove the tilt lever.




9. Remove the column shrouds (1AND2).





10. Remove the clock spring, Clockspring - Removal.
11. Disconnect the wiring harness to the column (1,2AND3).










12. Remove the shift cable from the column shift lever actuator (2) .
13. Release the shift cable from the column bracket and remove it from the bracket.
14. Remove the SKIM module in order to disconnect the electrical connector.





15. Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt (2) from the column (1).
16. Separate the shaft from the coupler (7).





17. Remove the brake light switch and discard Stop Lamp Switch - Removal.
18. Remove the four steering column mounting nuts (4).
19. Remove the steering column assembly (3) from the vehicle.