Steering Column: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. On models equipped with airbag, disarm airbag system.
2. Park vehicle with wheels in straight ahead position, then turn ignition switch to LOCK position and rotate steering wheel approximately 16° counterclockwise until locked into position.
3. Remove steering column cover on lower portion of instrument panel to expose instrument panel reinforcement section.

Fixed Column (Part 1 Of 2):

Fixed Column (Part 2 Of 2):

Tilt Column (Part 1 Of 2):

Tilt Column (Part 2 Of 2):

4. Remove lower steering column shroud.
5. Loosen but do not remove two nuts and two bolts retaining steering column to support bracket and remove upper shroud.
6. Disconnect all steering column electrical connections.
7. Loosen steering column to intermediate shaft clamp connection and remove bolt or nut.
8. Remove two nuts and two bolts attaching steering column to support bracket.
9. Pry open steering column shaft in area of clamp on each side of bolt groove with steering column locked, opening enough to be able to disengage shafts with minimal effort. Do not use excessive force.
10. Inspect two steering column bracket clips for damage. If clips have been bent or excessively distorted, they must be replaced.

INSTALLATION
1. Engage lower steering shaft to intermediate shaft and hand start clamp and bolt nut.
2. Align two bolts on steering column support bracket assembly with outer tube mounting holes and hand start two nuts. Check for presence of two clips on outer bracket. The clips must be present to ensure adequate performance of vital parts and systems. Hand start two bolts through outer tube upper bracket and clip into support bracket nuts.
3. Connect all electrical connectors at steering column.
4. Install upper shroud.
5. Torque steering column mounting nut and bolts to 15-25 ft lb.
6. Unlock steering column and cycle steering wheel one turn left and one turn right to align intermediate shaft into column shaft. Engine must be running during step 6 on vehicles equipped with power steering.
7. Torque steering shaft clamp nut to 20-30 ft lb.
8. Install lower trim shroud with five attaching screws.
9. Install steering column cover on instrument panel.
10. Connect battery grounds cable and check steering column for proper operation.
11. Rearm airbag system.