Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

CAUTION:
^ Do not exert any axial load or impact to the steering column.
^ Do not move the steering gear while the steering column assembly is removed.

REMOVAL
1. Remove the spiral cable with the combination switches attached from the steering column assembly. Refer to "REMOVAL".
2. Remove the lower instrument panel LH. Refer to "LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL LH".
3. Remove the steering column cover and ignition key finisher. Refer to "INSTRUMENT PANEL".
4. Remove the lower knee protector. Refer to "INSTRUMENT PANEL".





5. Remove the lock nut and bolt from the upper joint, then separate the upper joint from the upper shaft.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the lock nut.





6. Remove the three nuts and bolt from the steering column assembly, then remove the steering column assembly from the steering member.
7. Remove the hole cover seal and clamp.
8. Remove the hole cover nuts, then remove the hole cover from the dash panel.





9. Remove the bolt from the lower joint of the lower joint shaft, then remove the lower joint shaft from the vehicle.

CAUTION: Do not damage the lower joint.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
^ Check for damage to the steering column jacket tube. If damage is found, replace the steering column with a new one.

CAUTION:
^ Do not exert any axial load or impact to the steering column.
^ Replace the column if it is depleted of grease, worn, damaged, or if any scratches or coating separation is present on the shaft seal area.





^ If the vehicle has been in a collision, or if noises are heard coming from the steering column, check column length "L1" and "L2" as shown. If out of specification, replace the steering column as an assembly.

Steering column length
L1: 165.1 mm (6.500 inch)
L2: 258.0 mm (10.16 inch)

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.





CAUTION: When installing the steering column, finger-tighten all of the lower bracket and joint bolts; then tighten them to specification. Do not apply undue stress to the steering column.

NOTE: With the wheels in the straight ahead position, align the slit of the lower joint with the projection on the dust cover. Insert the joint until surface "A" contacts surface "B".

After installation, inspect the steering column for proper operation. Refer to "INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION".

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION





^ Check the tilt device for proper tilt range.
Tilt range "A": 73.8 mm (2.906 inch)
^ Check that the steering wheel turns smoothly to the left and right locks.
^ Check that the number of turns are the same from the straightforward position to the left and right locks.
^ Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when driving straight ahead.