Steering Column: Service and Repair

Tilt Steering Column

REMOVAL





1. Set the vehicle on the lift.
2. Disconnect battery minus ground cable.
3. Remove airbag module.

WARNING: Always refer to "Airbag System" before performing airbag module service (if so equipped).

4. Remove steering wheel.
5. Lift-up the vehicle.
6. Remove universal joint.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove trim panel under instrument panel.





9. Remove the screw securing lower steering column cover.
10. Remove all connectors from steering column.





11. Remove the two bolts under instrument panel securing steering column.
12. Pull out steering shaft assembly from hole on toe board.

CAUTION: Be sure to remove universal joint before removing steering shaft assembly installing bolts when removing steering shaft assembly or when lowering it for servicing of other parts.

INSTALLATION





1. Set grommet to toe board.
2. Insert end of steering shaft into toe board grommet.
3. Tighten steering shaft mounting bolts under instrument panel.
Tightening torque: 25 Nm (2.5 kgf-m, 18.1 ft. lbs.)
4. Connect all connectors under instrument panel.
5. Connect airbag system connector at harness spool.

NOTE: Make sure to apply double lock.

6. Install lower column cover with tilt lever held in the lowered position.
7. Install universal joint.
8. Align center of roll connector.

CAUTION: Ensure that front wheels are set in straight forward direction.

9. Install steering wheel.
Set steering wheel to neutral and install it onto steering shaft.

CAUTION: Insert roll connector guide pin into guide hole on lower end of surface of steering wheel to prevent damage. Draw out airbag system connector, horn connector and cruise control connectors from guide hole of steering wheel lower end.

10. Install airbag module to steering wheel.

WARNING: Always refer to "Airbag System" before performing the service operation.

DISASSEMBLY
Remove the two screws securing upper steering column covers, and the two screws securing combination switch, then remove related parts.

ASSEMBLY
1. Insert combination switch to upper column shaft, and install upper column cover. Then route ignition key harness and combination switch harness between column cover mounting bosses.
Tightening torque: 1.2 Nm (0.12 kgf-m, 0.9 ft. lbs.)

CAUTION: Don't over torque screw.

INSPECTION
BASIC INSPECTION
Measure overall length of steering column and if it is out of standard value, replace it.





Standard value:
Overall length (L)
Except OUTBACK model: 849 +1.5/-0.5 mm (33.425 +0.059/-0.020 inch)
OUTBACK model: 817 +1.5/-0.5 mm (32.197 +0.059/-0.020 inch)

AIRBAG MODEL INSPECTION

WARNING: For airbag model inspection procedures, refer to "Airbag System".