Steering Column - Removal and Installation

WARNING: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil to become uncentered, which will cause damage to the coil.

The steering column should never be supported by only the lower or upper support bracket alone, damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

NOTE: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect the coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil has been damaged, replace it.

REMOVAL
Remove or disconnect the following:
1. Battery ground (negative) cable.
2. Disable SIR.
3. Inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
4. Steering wheel.
5. Left hand instrument panel sound insulator.
6. Trim panel below steering column.
7. Push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper coupling pinch bolt.
8. Upper coupling pinch bolt.
9. Transaxle shift cable from ball stud on steering column. Then remove transaxle shift cable casing from steering column bracket by depressing two tabs.
10. Lower steering column bolts.
11. Upper steering column bolts. Lower column to the seat.
^ With column this position, some unit repair operation may be performed.
12. Electrical connector. Loosen screw and separate the two halves.
13. Withdraw lower end of steering column shaft from upper intermediate shaft coupling. Remove column.
^ It may be necessary to spread coupling clamp with a screwdriver to withdraw steering shaft.

NOTE: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the energy absorbing feature becomes vulnerable. Special care must be taken when handling the steering column. Dropping the column or hammering on the shaft would collapse the shaft or shear the plastic injections. This would impair the column's collapsible design.

INSTALLATION
Install or connect the following:
1. Column back into vehicle and insert lower end of column shaft into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
2. Column electrical connector. Tighten screw that draws the two halves together.
3. Transaxle shift cable and transaxle shift cable casing to shift cam ball stud and column bracket or park lock cable, if equipped with floor shift.
4. Install upper and lower steering column bolts/screws.
^ Tighten bolts/screws to 24 Nm (18 lb ft).

NOTE: When installing the steering column to intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.
5. Upper coupling bolt into upper intermediate shaft coupling.
^ Tighten bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
6. Pull up intermediate shaft seal over lower column until it locks in place.
7. Trim panel below steering column.
8. Left hand instrument panel sound insulator.
9. Steering wheel.
10. Inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
11. Enable SIR.
12. Battery ground (negative) cable.