Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Restraint System Service Precautions.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.

Notice: 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 SIR coil assembly to become not centered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

2. Install J 42640 to the steering column.
3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the left knee bolster.
5. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.




6. Disconnect the transaxle shift cable (2) from the linear shift assembly ball stud (1).
7. Remove the transaxle shift cable retaining clip (4).
8. Remove the transaxle shift cable (3) from the shift cable bracket (5).
9. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.




10. Remove the steering column bolts.
11. Remove the steering column nuts.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

12. Remove the steering column.

Installation Procedure

Notice: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

1. Install the steering column.
2. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.





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.

Install the steering column nuts. Do NOT tighten.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

3. Install the steering column bolts.
1. Tighten the steering column bolts to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the steering column nuts to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).




4. Install the transaxle shift cable (3) to the shift cable bracket (5).
5. Install the transaxle shift cable retaining clip (4).
6. Connect the transaxle shift cable (2) to the linear shift assembly ball stud (1).
7. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
8. Install the left knee bolster.
9. Install the steering wheel.
10. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
11. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.