Steering Column - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: When an undeployed airbag module is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect the battery ground cable and isolate it. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before starting any removal.

NOTE: Before proceeding, Service Precautions .

1. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.




2. Position the column tilt at the full-downward position.
3. Remove the two screws (2) attaching the lower shroud to the upper shroud. After removing the screws, separate the lower shroud from the upper shroud, then remove the lower shroud.





4. Remove two mounting bolts (1) holding the upper column shroud (2) to the column.
5. Pull the upper shroud (2) up evenly off of the column assembly and remove from the vehicle.





6. Remove the driver airbag (3). Driver Air Bag - Removal





7. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.






CAUTION: Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel Procedures .

8. Remove steering wheel bolt cap (2), if equipped.
9. While holding the steering wheel (1) firmly in place, remove the bolt (3) that secures the steering wheel to the steering column shaft.
10. While holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, remove the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines.





11. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (2) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (1).
12. Disconnect all other wiring harness connectors at column components.





13. Remove knee blocker air bag, if equipped.
14. Remove intermediate shaft pinch bolt (3) and separate the intermediate shaft (2) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (4). Discard the pinch bolt (3); it is not to be reused.





15. Remove the two mounting bolts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel.





16. Remove the two mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel.
17. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.