Steering Column - Removal and Installation

CAUTION:
^ The steering column is extremely susceptible to damage once it has been removed from the vehicle. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column 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 only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered, as such action could loosen plastic injections, undermining the column's rigidity.
^ The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in the "LOCK" position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System (SIR) coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR repairs.
^ The steering column should never be supported by only the lower support bracket-damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.


NOTE: In the event deployment has occurred, inspect the SIR coil assembly wire for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage due to excessive heat. If the coil assembly is damaged, replace it.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Disable the SIR.
2. Negative (-) battery cable.
3. Steering wheel, if necessary.






4. Four screws and knee bolster trim cover.
5. Two bolts and knee bolster from steering column.

NOTE: If you are servicing the steering column or any column-mounted component, remove the steering wheel. If you are removing the steering column simply to gain access to instrument panel components, leave the steering wheel installed on the column.

6. SIR coil and combination switch (if steering wheel is being removed):





A. Upper and lower steering column covers by removing five screws from lower cover.
B. SIR coil and combination switch electrical connectors.
C. Loosen retaining bands securing switch electrical harness to steering column.





D. SIR coil and combination switch from column by removing three screws.
7. Ignition switch electrical connector.





8. Park lock cable from ignition switch by removing one bracket retaining screw and C-clip at the ignition switch lock cylinder (automatic transmission equipped models).





9. Four bolts from the steering column-to-bulkhead plate.





10. Steering shaft from lower steering shaft joint by removing one bolt.





11. Two steering column mounting (Torx(R)) bolts and remove column from vehicle.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Position steering column in vehicle, inserting the steering shaft into the lower shaft joint; secure with joint bolt.
^ Tighten the steering shaft joint bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
2. Two steering column mounting (Torx(R)) bolts and four bolts to the column-to-bulkhead plate.
^ Tighten the steering column fastening bolts to 14 Nm (124 lb in).
3. Park lock cable to ignition switch; secure with one bracket retaining screw and C-clip at the ignition switch lock cylinder (automatic transmission equipped vehicles).
4. Ignition switch electrical connector.
5. SIR coil and combination switch (if steering wheel was removed):
A. SIR coil and combination switch to steering column; secure with three screws.
B. SIR coil and combination switch electrical connectors and electrical wiring harness to column secure; with retaining bands.
C. Upper and lower steering column covers; secure with five screws.
6. Knee bolster to steering column; secure with two bolts.
7. Knee bolster trim cover; secure with four screws.
8. Steering wheel to steering column (if steering wheel was removed).
9. Negative (-) battery cable.
10. Enable the SIR.