Steering Column - Removal and Installation

Fig. 17 Steering Column Removal & Installation:

Disarm airbag before servicing steering column. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG DEACTIVATION for disarming procedures.
Before removing the steering column, the wheels of the car must be straight and the column in the Lock position. Care must be taken when handling column with a live inflator module. Never point bag deploy surface toward you, and never stand column on steering wheel. Accidental deployment in these positions may cause injury. Always face bag deploy surface toward open space to allow for unrestricted expansion.
1. Disconnect hazard and turn signal electrical connector, then cruise switch terminal connector.
2. Remove column support bracket bolts, then flange and coupling pinch bolt, Fig. 17.
3. Remove upper and lower steering column support bolts.
4. Disconnect ignition and dimmer switch electrical connections.
5. Remove park lock cable from ignition switch.
6. Remove column assembly.
7. Reverse procedure to install noting the following:
a. Torque lower steering column support bolts to 21 lb ft
b. Torque steering column support bracket to steering column to 22 ft . lbs.
c. Torque upper steering column support bolts to 21 lb ft
d. Torque flange and coupling pinch bolt to 30 lb ft
e. When all service procedures have been completed, rearm airbag as outlined in MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG ACTIVATION.