Lower Steering Shaft Assembly

CAUTION: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in the "LOCK" position and removed when removing or installing the steering shaft joint. Failure to do so may cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR repairs.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Make sure the front wheels are in a straight-ahead direction before removing lower steering shaft.
2. Disable the SIR.
3. Negative (-) battery cable.
4. Four screws and lower steering column trim panel.
5. Two bolts and knee bolster from steering column.





6. Steering shaft from lower steering shaft by removing one joint bolt.





7. Lower shaft-to-steering gear joint bolt.
8. Loosen all steering column mounting bolts-two upper Torx(R) and four steering column-to-bulkhead plate bolts.
9. Move steering column rearward.
10. Lower steering shaft from steering gear, steering column and vehicle.

INSTALL OR CONNECT





1. Lower shaft to steering gear, aligning flat on steering gear shaft and lower shaft.
2. Lower shaft-to-steering gear joint bolt.
3. Lower shaft to steering shaft; secure with one joint bolt.
^ Tighten lower steering shaft joint bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
4. Move steering column forward to its correct position.
^ Tighten steering column fastening bolts to 14 Nm (124 lb in).
5. Knee bolster to steering column; secure with two bolts.
6. Knee bolster trim cover; secure with four screws
7. Negative (-) battery cable.
8. Enable the SIR.