Steering Column - Removal and Installation

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove the turn signal/wiper switch lever as follows:
a. Remove lower instrument cluster trim.
b. Remove screws from upper cover panel by turning wheel 90° right or left for access.
c. Remove the three screws from the lower panel. Pull handle from the lock release lever and unscrew tilt lever, if so equipped.
d. Unclip switch from housing by pushing in on tab on either side of switch.
3. Disconnect wire harness and park lock actuation cable, if equipped.
4. Adjust steering to the straight ahead position, then remove pinch bolt from steering shaft flange.
5. Remove column jacket assembly lower mounting bolt from the instrument panel.
6. Remove shear plates below instrument panel as follows:
a. Center punch the lefthand shear bolt, then drill a hole using a 1/8 inch bolt extractor bit.
b. Install Drive No. 1411 bolt extractor or equivalent into hole and unscrew shear bolt.
c. Remove shear plates.
7. Guide column assembly out of shaft flange and remove from vehicle.

Installation

1. Guide steering shaft into steering shaft flange and provide support for column until shear bolts are fastened.
2. Loosely mount shear plates on instrument panel, then install column jacket assembly lower mounting bolt to instrument panel and pinch bolt in steering shaft flange.
3. Torque column jacket assembly lower mounting bolt to 12 lb ft and shear bolt and self locking nut to 16 lb ft
4. Draw steering shaft upwards until the stop reaches the steering shaft ball bearing and torque pinch bolt to 18 lb ft
5. Slide alignment bushing out of column allowing bushing to remain on steering shaft.
6. Connect wiring harness and park lock actuation cable, if equipped.
7. Connect electrical connectors to turn signal/wiper switch, then clip switch back into housing.
8. Install cover panels, lock release lever and tilt lever, if so equipped.
9. Install lower cluster trim, then connect battery ground cable.
10. Inspect steering for straight ahead position.