Steering Column
Steering ColumnRemoval and Installation
NOTE: All steering column components are assembled with specific fasteners. They are designed with a thread-locking system to prevent loosening due to vibrations associated with normal vehicle operation.
All vehicles
1. Make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
2. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
3. Pull to release the retaining clips and remove the steering column opening lower finish panel.
4. Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
1 Release the pin-type retainers and remove the electrical connector.
2 Remove the screw and data link connector.
3 Remove the bolts.
4 Remove the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement.
5. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
^ Insert a punch through the hole in the lower steering column shroud and push the ignition lock cylinder release tab while pulling the ignition lock cylinder out of the steering column.
6. Remove the tilt lever release handle.
7. Remove the 3 screws and the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
8. Disconnect the multi-function switch electrical connectors.
9. Reinstall the ignition lock cylinder and remove the key.
Commercial chassis
10. Remove the 2 lower steering column support nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.)
11. Remove the 2 upper steering column support nuts and the steering column support.
^ To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.)
Vehicles with 4-speed automatic transmission
12. Remove the transmission range indicator from the steering column.
1 Remove the bolt.
2 Disconnect the cable and position the range indicator aside.
Vehicles with 5-speed automatic transmission
13. Remove the transmission range indicator from the steering column.
1 Remove the nut.
2 Disconnect the cable and position the range indicator aside.
All vehicles
14. Disconnect the brake shift interlock electrical connector.
Commercial chassis
15. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Remove the bolt and detach the steering column shaft from the steering column.
^ To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.)
All except commercial chassis
16. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Remove the bolt and detach the steering column shaft from the steering column.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
All vehicles
17. Disconnect the selector lever cable from the selector lever pivot arm.
18. Remove the selector lever cable from the steering column lower mounting bracket by pushing the tab on the cable in and sliding the cable off the bracket.
19. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connectors.
20. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors at the base of the steering column.
21. Lower the steering column bend bracket and detach the electrical connectors.
22. While supporting the steering column, remove the 4 nuts and the steering column.
^ To install, tighten to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.)
23. To install, reverse the removal procedure.