Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft(s)
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become UN-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became UN-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

Caution: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

1. Remove the driver knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement).
2. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).
3. Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.





Note: Install tie straps (1) between the tilt lever bracket (2) and the neck of the power steering assist motor (3) to prevent the steering column jacket from pulling apart. The tilt lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position during the steering column removal and installation to ensure that the tilt lever bracket remains rigid. Also install tie straps around the tilt lever and the steering column jacket to keep the tilt lever in the LOCK position. Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the steering column upper bracket.

4. Install tie straps as described above.




5. Remove the lower steering column bolt.




6. Remove the upper steering column bolts (1) from the steering column.




7. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
8. Transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure

Note: Start all bolt and nuts by hand before finalizing any torques.

Note: Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket during installation.




1. Position the steering column in the vehicle.




2. Align the steering column energy absorbing straps with the bolt holes in the steering column and loosely install the upper steering column bolts (1).




3. Loosely install the lower steering column bolt.

Warning

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.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Tighten the steering column bolts in the following sequence:

1. Tighten the lower bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
2. Tighten the left side upper bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
3. Tighten the right side upper bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).




5. Remove the tie straps (1) from the tilt lever bracket (2) and the neck of the power steering assist motor (3). Also remove the tie straps from around the tilt lever and the steering column jacket.
6. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.
7. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).
8. Install the knee bolster bracket. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement (Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement).
9. Perform the control module setup. Refer to Control Module References (Programming and Relearning).