Steering Column Removal and Installation

Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice in Service Precautions.

1. LOCK the steering column. Verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Remove the left instrument panel (I/P) lower trim panel retainer.
Refer to Instrument Panel (11P) Retainer Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.
3. Remove the I/P outer cover. Refer to Instrument Panel (11P) Outer Trim Cover Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.
4. Remove the left side ventilation ducts. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Air Outlet Ducts Replacement in Heating and Air Conditioning.
5. Remove the trim covers from the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement.
6. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in Air Bags and Seat Belts. .
7. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
8. Remove the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in Air Bags and Seat Belts.
9. Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.
10. Remove the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder solenoid, if equipped. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement.
11. Remove the multifunction turn signal switch. Refer to Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement.
12. Remove the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Wipers/Washer Switch Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
13. Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts that retain the steering column to the I/P.
14. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





15. Remove and discard the nut (3) that retains the steering shaft coupling (2) to the steering gear pinion 14).
16. Remove the bolt (1) from the coupling.
17. Separate the coupling from the pinion.





18. Inside the vehicle, remove the 2 nuts (1, 2) from the lower column.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle. the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end 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 procedure.

19. Support the column and remove the bolts fro the upper column
20. Remove the column from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Verify the front tires have not moved since the removal of the steeling column
2. Inspect the foam seal on the flower steering column housing (6).
If the seal is not effective, apply a continuous bead of RTV 732, of the equivalent silicone sealant.
3. Place the column inside the vehicle.

Important: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts yet.

4. Install the bottom of the column through the hole in the floor. Install, but do not tighten, the 2 nuts (1,2) in order to retain the lower portion of the column.
5. Install, but do not tighten the 2 bolts in order to retain the upper portion of the column.





6. Install the steering shaft coupling (2) to the steering gear pinion (4).

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 fasteners 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.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the bolt (1) to the coupling. Install a NEW nut (3) to the bolt.
^ Tighten the nut to 28 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).





8. Tighten the 2 nuts (1,2) on the lower portion of the column.
^ Tighten the nuts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
9. Tighten the 2 bolts on the upper portion of the column.
^ Tighten the bolts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the windshield wiper and washer switch. Refer to Wipers/Washer Switch Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
11. Install the multifunction turn signal switch. Refer to Multifunction, Turn Signal Switch Replacement.
12. Install the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder solenoid, if equipped. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement.
13. Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement.
14. If necessary, center the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering.
15. Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in Air Bags and Seat Belts.
16. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
17. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in Air Bags and Seat Belts.
18. Install the trim covers to the column. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement.
19. Install the left side ventilation ducts. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Air Outlet Ducts Replacement in Heating and Air Conditioning.
20. Install the I/P outer cover. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Outer Trim Cover Replacement in Instrument Panel. Gauges, and Warning Indicators.
21. Install the left I/P lower trim panel retainer. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Retainer Replacement in Instrument Panel. Gauges, and Warning Indicators.
22. Lower the vehicle.