Standard Steering Column

Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel in this section. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Restraint Systems; Air Bag Systems.
2. Remove the knee bolster.
3. Remove the shift cable from the steering column (column shift only).




4. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column shroud using J 42640.




5. Loosen the center screw in order to remove the steering column bulkhead connector.




6. Remove the nuts that retain the steering column to the steering column toe plate.
7. Remove the nuts that retain the steering column to the steering column upper support bracket.
8. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the steering column to the vehicle.




2. Install the nuts that retain the steering column to the steering column upper support bracket.
Tighten
Tighten the steering column to steering column upper support bracket retaining nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
3. Install the nuts that retain the steering column to the steering column toe plate.
Tighten
Tighten the steering column to the steering column toe plate retaining nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).




4. Install the steering column bulkhead connector to the vehicle wire harness.
Tighten
Tighten the steering column bulkhead connector center screw to 6 N.m(53 lb in).




5. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower shroud access hole.
6. Install the shift cable from the steering column (column shift only).
7. Install the knee bolster.
8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Restraint Systems; Air Bag Systems.