Steering Column: Service and Repair

Fig. 13 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

Refer to Fig. 13 for steering column component identification.
REMOVAL
1. Ensure front wheels are in a straight ahead position, then disarm airbag system as described under ``Precautions.''
2. Remove steering wheel.
3. Remove righthand and lefthand lower mouldings from instrument panel by pulling up and snapping out of retainers.
4. Remove instrument panel lower trim cover.
5. Ensure steering column shaft alignment mark is at 12 o'clock position, then remove lower steering column shroud.
6. Disconnect clockspring assembly wire harness, then apply to strips of tape across clockspring assembly stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation.
7. Remove three clockspring assembly retaining screws and pull clockspring assembly off steering column shaft.
8. Remove tilt lever, then rotate ignition lock cylinder to RUN position. Depress retaining pin through access hole using a 1/8 inch drift and remove lock cylinder.
9. Remove upper column shroud, then the instrument panel reinforcement.
10. Remove multi-function switch and set aside, then the parking brake vacuum release assembly or disconnect vacuum hoses at switch.
11. Remove pinch bolt from steering shaft universal joint, then the column assembly retaining nuts while supporting column assembly.
12. Disconnect interlock assembly, then remove column from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Connect interlock assembly and torque retaining screws to 12-17 inch lbs.
2. Position steering column in place and secure with four nuts.
3. Align column lower universal joint to lower shaft, install one bolt and torque to 29-41 ft. lbs.
4. Install multi-function switch and torque screws to 18-26 inch lbs.
5. Connect all electrical connectors, then install instrument panel reinforcement brace and torque to 25-38 ft. lbs.
6. Install upper column shroud, then the lock cylinder assembly.
7. Install tilt lever, then align airbag clockspring assembly to column shaft and mounting bosses and slide clockspring assembly onto shaft.
8. Install clockspring retaining screws and torque screws to 35-44 inch lbs.
9. Install lower column shroud, then the lower instrument panel cover.
10. Snap righthand and lefthand lower instrument mouldings into place, then install steering wheel.
11. Arm airbag system as described under ``Precautions.''