Steering Column: Service and Repair
Tilt Steering ColumnREMOVAL
1. Remove the steering wheel.
2. Remove the universal joint.
3. Remove the instrument panel lower cover under.
4. Remove the instrument panel lower cover upper.
5. Remove all connectors from the steering column.
6. Remove the two bolts under instrument panel securing steering column.
7. Pull out the steering shaft assembly from the hole on toe board.
CAUTION:
^ Be sure to remove the universal joint before removing steering shaft assembly installing bolts when removing steering shaft assembly or when lowering it for servicing of other parts.
^ Do not loosen the tilt lever when the steering column is not secured to the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
1. Install the grommet to toe board.
2. Insert the end of steering shaft into toe board grommet.
3. With the tilt lever secured, tighten the steering shaft mounting bolts under instrument panel.
Tightening torque: 25 Nm (2.5 kgf-cm, 18.1 ft. lbs.)
4. Connect all the connectors under instrument panel.
5. Connect the airbag system connector at the harness spool.
NOTE: Make sure to apply double lock.
6. Install the instrument panel lower cover with tilt lever held in the lowered position.
7. Install the universal joint.
8. Align the center of roll connector.
9. Install the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Insert roll connector guide pin into guide hole on lower end of steering wheel surface to prevent damage.
DISASSEMBLY
Remove the two screws securing upper steering column covers, and the two screws securing combination switch, and then remove the related parts.
ASSEMBLY
Insert the combination switch to the upper column shaft, and install the upper column cover. Then route the ignition key harness and combination switch harness between column cover mounting bosses.
Tightening torque: 1.2 Nm (0.12 kgf-cm, 0.9 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: Do not overtorque the screw.
INSPECTION
BASIC INSPECTION
Measure the overall length of steering column. If not as specified, replace it.
Overall length L:
Standard value
Except for OUTBACK model
833.6+1.3 mm -0.3 mm (32.82+0.051 inch -0.020 inch)
OUTBACK model
825.4+1.3 mm -0.3 mm (32.50+0.051 in -0.020 inch)
AIRBAG SYSTEM INSPECTION
WARNING: For airbag inspection procedures, refer to Airbag System.