Steering Column

Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system.

Notice: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in a LOCK position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR system repairs.

3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the steering column trim covers.
5. Remove the linear shift cable by pushing in on the retaining tab and pulling downward on the cable.
6. Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper pinch bolt from the steering column.
7. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the steering column.





8. Remove the upper mounting bolts (1) from the steering column (3).
9. Loosen the lower mounting bolts (4) from the steering column (3).

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on and could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement.

10. Remove the steering column (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:
^ Tighten the steering column lower fastener; before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.
^ Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

1. Install the steering column (3) to the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Tighten the lower mounting bolts (4) to the steering column (3).
Tighten the lower mounting bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the upper mounting bolts (1) to the steering column (3).
Tighten the mounting bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
4. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering column (3).
5. Install the intermediate steering shaft upper pinch bolt to the steering column.
6. Install the steering column trim covers.
7. Install the steering wheel.
8. Enable the SIR system.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.