Steering Column: Service and Repair

NOTE: SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures in the SRS section before performing repairs or service. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.

REMOVAL
1. Remove the driver's airbag assembly and steering wheel.
2. Remove the lower cover and the driver's knee bolster.





3. Remove the column covers by removing the screws.





4. Remove the connector holder, then disconnect the SRS main harness from the cable reel wire harness at the side under of the column bracket.





5. Remove the cable reel, turn signal canceling sleeve and spring from the combination switch.





6. Remove the combination switch from the steering column by disconnection the connectors.





7. Move the shift lever to the N position, then remove the lock pin from the cable adjuster.
8. Loosen the locknut of the shin cable at the column bracket.
9. Remove the shin cable from the column, and set it aside.

NOTE: Take care not to bend the shift cable when removing it.





10. Remove the steering joint cover.





11. Remove the steering joint bolts, then disconnect the steering joint by moving the joint toward the column.





12. Remove the steering column by removing the attaching nuts and bolts.

INSPECTION





NOTE:
- Check the steering column ball bearing and the steering joint bearings for play and proper movement. If there is noise or if there is excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the retaining collar for damage. If it is damaged, replace the retaining collar. Check the absorbing plates, absorbing plate guides and sliding capsules for distortion and breakage. Replace the steering column as an assembly if they are distorted or broken.





1. Move the tilt lever from the loose position to lock position 3 to 5 times; then measure the tilt lever preload 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the end of the tilt lever. Preload: 70 - 90 N (15 - 20 lbs).
2. If the measurement is out of the specification, adjust the preload using the following procedures.
a. Loosen the tilt lever and set the steering column in the neutral position.
b. Remove the 6 mm lock bolt, then remove the stop.
c. Adjust the preload by turning the tilt lock bolt led or right.
d. Pull up the tilt lever to the uppermost position, and install the stop. Check the preload again. If the measurement is still out of specification, repeat the above procedures (a) through (c) to adjust.

CAUTION: Be careful not to loosen the tilt lever when installing the spin stop or tightening the 6 mm lock bolt.

INSTALLATION





1. Loosely install the steering column with the flange nuts and column holder.

NOTE: Take care not to let the retaining collar fall out of position during installation.

2. Loosen the tilt lever fully to free the column shaft.
3. Tighten the steering column shaft mounting bolts and nuts.





4. Before connecting the steering joint, set the column shaft in the neutral position by pulling up the steering column to the uppermost position, then lower it 9.5 mm (0.37 inch). Tighten tilt lever. Full stroke: 28 mm (1.1 inch).





5. Slip the upper end of the steering joint onto the column shaft (line up the bolt hole with the flat on the shaft), then loosely install the upper steering joint bolt.





6. Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft. Line up the bolt hole with the groove around the shaft, then loosely install the lower bolt.

NOTE:
- Be sure that the lower steering joint bolt is securely in the groove in the steering gearbox pinion.
- Before tightening the steering joint bolt, pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated.





7. Install the steering joint cover with the clamps and clips.





8. Connect the shin end to shift link then align the hole in the adjuster with the hole in the shift link. Install the lockpin on the adjuster.

NOTE: Take care not to bend the shift cable when installing it.

9. Install the shift cable on the bracket of the column, and tighten the locknut.
10. After installing shift cable, check the cable adjustment.





11. Install the combination switch and connect the connectors. Be sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts when installing the combination switch.
12. Carefully install the wire harness with the harness bands and clamps.





13. Install the spring, turn signal canceling sleeve and cable reel on to the combination switch.

NOTE: Align the slot in the cable reel with the projection on the canceling sleeve.





14. Connect the SRS main harness and cable reel wire harness, and install the connector holder.





15. Install the column covers.
16. Install the driver's knee bolster and lower cover.
17. Install the steering wheel.