Steering Column: Service and Repair
Steering Column Removal and InstallationCAUTION: Remove the steering column only if the following conditions exist:
^ The steering column requires replacement.
^ The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
^ Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.
CAUTION: The steering column is extremely susceptible to damage after it has been removed from the vehicle. Dropping the column assembly on its end or hammering the end of the steering shaft can collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column can cause it to bend or deform. Any of the above damage can impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller.
NOTE: Tilt Steering Column
The (tilt) steering column is not unit repair serviceable. If the (tilt) steering column is defective, the (tilt) steering column assembly should be replaced.
Removal
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute to deactivate the airbag.
2. Remove the lower instrument trim panels.
3. Remove the upper and the lower steering column cover panel by removing the screws.
4. Remove the switch levers.
5. Disconnect the airbag electrical connections.
6. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connection.
7. Adjust the steering to the straight-ahead position.
8. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft universal joint.
9. Disconnect the speed sensitive steering electrical connector.
10. Remove the bolts and nuts holding the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
11. Remove the nuts holding the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
12. Guide the steering column assembly out of steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.
Installation
CAUTION: For proper installation of the steering column, be sure the steering wheel spokes are centered diagonally and pointed downward and the front wheels are positioned in the straight-ahead position.
1. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the intermediate shaft universal joint.
2. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.
^ Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the bolts and nuts for the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
^ Tighten the steering column jacket assembly front bracket bolts to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the nuts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
^ Tighten the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket nuts to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect the speed sensitive steering electrical connector.
6. Connect the ignition switch electrical connection.
7. Connect the airbag electrical connections.
8. Install the switch levers.
9. Install the lower instrument trim panels.
10. Install the upper and the lower steering column cover panel with the screws.
^ Tighten the upper and the lower steering column panel screws to 2.5 Nm (22 inch lbs.).
11. Inspect the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.