Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURERemove Steering Column Lower Shaft
NOTE:
V6 model shown. 4-cyl models similar.
1. Set the vehicle on a hoist.
^ Lift the vehicle enough to take weight off the front tires.
^ Leave the key in the ignition in the OFF position.
2. Remove the left side inner rubber fender well cover (see Figure 1).
CAUTION:
The rubber fender well cover may be brittle. Be careful when removing it.
3. Remove the bolts that secure the lower shaft at both ends (see Figure 2 and 3).
4. Move the lower shaft toward the steering column until the joint can be removed from the steering gear shaft. (see Figure 4 and 5).
CAUTION:
If using an air hammer, regulate the air pressure as low as possible.
CAUTION:
With the lower shaft removed, do NOT turn the steering wheel more than 90 degrees in either direction. Damage may occur to the spiral cable.
NOTE:
The lower shaft will install in one position only at each end. Do not allow the steering gear shaft or steering wheel to turn more than 90 degrees in either direction.
5. Remove the lower shaft from the vehicle by sliding it out of the steering column pinch clamp.
Install Steering Column Lower Shaft
NOTE:
Make sure the shaft is installed and aligned as described below. If the shaft is not aligned correctly the steering wheel will become "off-center".
1. Slide the new lower shaft into the pinch clamp on the steering column (see Figure 6).
^ Make sure to align the pinch clamp's gap with the flat side of the shaft (see Figure 6).
2. Align the gap in the joint with the notched area on the steering gear shaft, and then slide the joint on the shaft (see Figure 7).
^ Push the lower shaft toward the steering column as needed to allow joint installation on the steering gear shaft.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force on the lower shaft.
3. Install new bolts.
^ Bolt torque: 23.5 - 29.4 Nm (2.35 - 3.04 kg-m, 17 - 22 ft-lb)
4. Install the rubber inner fender well cover.
5. Make sure the steering wheel is centered in relation to the steering system.
NOTE:
Replacing the Steering Column Lower Shaft, if performed as detailed in this bulletin, will not result in the need for a wheel alignment.