Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Ensure front wheels are in straight ahead position, then disconnect battery ground cable.
2. On models equipped with air bag, remove air bag module and store carefully aside.
3. On all models, remove steering wheel from steering column.
4. On column shift models, disconnect shift cable grommet by prying it from shift lever.
5. On all models, disconnect steering shaft to steering gear coupler upper bolt.
6. Remove lower part of instrument panel.
7. On column shift models, disconnect shift cable from shift housing.
8. On all models, remove two nuts holding steering column bracket to brake sled.
9. Remove four bolts holding steering column bracket to column.
10. Loosen column brace mounting nut at drivers side kick panel. This will allow column to drop.
11. On all models, disconnect all electrical connectors from steering column.
12. Disconnect steering column toe plate from floor pan, then remove steering column from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Position column in vehicle.
2. Align column shaft to steering gear coupling. Install and torque bolt to 33 ft. lbs.
3. Connect all electrical connectors to steering column.
4. Install support bracket on column. Torque bolts to 180 inch lbs.
5. Install column on brake sled studs. Torque nuts to 22 ft. lbs.
6. On column shift models, install shift cable grommet on shift lever.
7. On all models, install and tighten toe plate to floor pan bolts to 66 inch lbs.
8. On column shift models, install shift cable on shift housing. Check operation of cable.
9. On all models, install lower instrument panel, if necessary.
10. Install steering wheel on column, then connect battery ground cable.