Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Note: Remove the steering column only if:

* The steering column requires replacement.
* The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
* Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Caution (Steering Column in Lock Position Caution).

Note: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Adjust the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.

Warning

The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair).




3. Remove the lower steering column cover panel screws (6, 7, 8).
4. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screws (3, 4). Remove the upper steering column cover panel screws.
5. Remove the upper steering column cover panel (1) and the lower steering column cover panel (5).
6. Remove the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Service and Repair) and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).
7. Using a taped flat-bladed tool, gently pry and remove the instrument panel lower cover in order to access the steering column.
8. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement (Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement).
9. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Steering Wheel Replacement).
10. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement (Removal and Replacement).
11. Remove the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement (Service and Repair).
12. Remove the following components. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement (Service and Repair).

1. The key reminder switch screws
2. The key reminder switch
3. The key hole illumination screw
4. The key hole illumination
5. The ignition switch
6. The ignition lock cylinder




13. Remove the pinch bolt (1) from the upper steering shaft coupling flange (3).




14. Remove the bolts (3, 4) holding the steering column jacket assembly lower bracket.




15. Remove the nuts (1, 2) holding the steering column jacket assembly upper bracket.

Caution: 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 in this section.

16. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.

Installation Procedure

Note: For proper installation of the steering column, ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Place the alignment bushing onto the end of the steering column shaft.





Note: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

2. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the steering shaft coupling flange (3).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. Install the pinch bolt (1) into the non-threaded hole of the flange.

Tighten the pinch bolt to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

4. Slide the alignment bushing into the steering column housing.




5. Install the nuts (1, 2) to the of the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

Tighten the nuts to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).




6. Install the bolts (3, 4) to the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.

Tighten the bolts to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

7. Install the following components. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement (Service and Repair).

1. The ignition lock cylinder
2. The ignition switch
3. The key hole illumination
4. The key hole illumination screw
5. The key reminder switch
6. The key reminder switch screws

8. Install the theft deterrent control module. Refer to Theft Deterrent Module Replacement (Service and Repair).
9. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Coil Replacement (Removal and Replacement).
10. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement (Steering Wheel Replacement).
11. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement (Steering Wheel Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement).
12. Install the instrument panel lower cover.
13. Install the switch levers. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Service and Repair) and to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).




14. Install the upper steering column cover panel (1) and the lower steering column cover panel (5).
15. Install the lower steering column cover panel screws (6, 7, 8).

Tighten the lower steering column cover panel screws to 3 Nm (27 lb in).

16. Turn the steering wheel in order to access the upper steering column cover panel screw holes. Install the upper steering column cover panel screws (3, 4).

Tighten the upper steering column cover panel screws to 3 Nm (27 lb in).

17. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position. Refer to Straight Ahead Inspection (Removal and Replacement).
18. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair).