Steering Column: Service and Repair

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED. REFER TO RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: Keep clock spring from turning during removal and installation. Failure to do so may damage the clock spring.

REMOVAL
1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Remove and isolate the negative ground cable from the battery.
3. Remove the airbag, refer to Restraint Systems for service procedures.

NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, disconnect clock spring harness from the cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.





4. Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate puller.

CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel.





5. Turn ignition cylinder to the on position and remove cylinder by pressing release through lower shroud access hole.
6. Remove knee blocker cover and knee blocker, refer to Instrument Panel Systems.

Steering Column Mounting:

7. Remove screws from the lower column shroud and remove the shroud.

Column Shrouds:

8. Remove the steering coupler bolt and column mounting nuts then lower column off the mounting studs.
9. Remove upper column shroud.

Steering Column Harness:

10. Disconnect and remove the wiring harness from the column.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, remove shifter interlock cable. Refer to Transmission and Transfer Case for procedure.

11. Remove column.





12. Remove nut and bolt from the upper column mounting bracket on non-tilt column. Remove the bracket from the column and note the mounting location and orientation of the bracket.

Clock Spring:

13. Remove clock spring, switches, (SKIM if equipped) and ignition key cylinder, refer to Electrical for service procedures.

INSTALLATION
1. Install upper column mounting bracket on nontilt column. Install the mounting bolt and tighten the nut to 17 Nm (150 inch lbs.).
2. Install switches, refer to Electrical for service procedures.
3. Align and install column into the steering coupler.
4. Install column harness and connect harness to switches.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, install shifter interlock cable. Refer to Transmission and Transfer Case for procedure.

5. Install upper column shrouds.
6. Install column onto the mounting studs.
7. Install mounting nuts and tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
8. Install steering column coupler bolt and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
9. Center the clock spring (if necessary) and install it on the column, refer to Electrical for service procedures.
10. Install lower column shrouds and install mounting screws.
11. Install ignition cylinder.
12. Install knee blocker and knee blocker cover, refer to Instrument Panel Systems.
13. Install steering wheel and tighten nut to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, connect clock spring harness to cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.

14. Install airbag, refer to Restraint Systems for service procedures.
15. Install negative battery terminal.