Steering Column: Service and Repair
CAUTION: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage.Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic shear pins which maintain column length. Leaning on the column assembly could cause it 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 steering wheel remover. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered, as such action could loosen the plastic shear pins which maintain column length.
NOTE: When servicing steering column or any column-mounted component, remove steering wheel. But when removing steering column simply to gain access to instrument panel components, leave steering wheel installed on steering column.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery terminal.
2. Disable air bag system. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.
3. Remove steering wheel and contact coil and combination switch assembly, if necessary. Refer to Lighting and Horns.
4. Remove hole cover and knee bolster panel.
5. Disconnect connectors for ignition switch and contact coil & combination switch assembly after loosening its wire harness clamp.
6. Disconnect steering joint by removing joint bolt.
7. Remove steering column bolts.
8. With A/T vehicle, remove shift (key) interlock cable screw and then disconnect its cable from ignition switch.
9. Remove steering column from vehicle.
WARNING: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the air bag (inflator) module face down and column vertical. Otherwise, personal injury may result.
NOTE: Steering shaft and column are not serviced separately.
If either steering shaft or column is found to be defective. replace both as an assembly.
INSPECTION
NOTE: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in body damage, where steering column has been impacted or air bag deployed, may have a damaged or misaligned steering column.
1. Check clearance between capsules and steering column bracket as shown. Clearance should be 0.0 mm (0.0 inch) on both sides.
Clearance "a": 0.0 mm (0.0 inch)
2. Take measurement "b" as shown. If it is shorter than specified length, replace column assembly with new one.
Specified length "b": 750.6 ± 0.8 mm (29.55 ± 0.03 inch)
3. Check steering shaft for smooth rotation.
If found defective, replace as column assembly.
4. Check steering shaft and column for bend, cracks or deformation
If found defective, replace as column assembly.
INSTALLATION
1. Install steering joint cover and insert steering shaft into steering joint.
2. With A/T vehicle, connect shift (key) interlock cable to ignition switch.
3. Tighten its cable screw.
Tightening Torque (a): 2.2 Nm (1.6 ft. lbs.)
4. Install steering column assembly to lower and upper brackets. Tighten steering column bolts to specified torque.
Tightening Torque (b): 23 Nm (17.0 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: After tightening lower column bolts, upper column bolts "A" should be tightened.
5. Install bolt to steering shaft upper joint and tighten it to specified torque.
Tightening Torque (c): 25 Nm (18.0 ft. lbs.)
6. Connect connectors for ignition switch wire harness.
7. If contact coil and combination swish assembly is removed, install contact coil and combination switch assembly. Refer to Lighting and Horns.
8. Fix wire harness with band.
9. Install knee blaster panel and hole cover.
10. If steering wheel is removed, install steering wheel. Steering Wheel
11. Connect negative battery cable.
12. Enable air bag system. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.