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Steering Column

STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 41352 Modular Column Holding Fixture

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in Restraint Systems.

NOTE:
- 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.
- Do not support the steering column by only the lower or upper support bracket. Damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.

IMPORTANT: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:
- Scorching
- Melting
- Other damage
Replace the coil, if necessary.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the left instrument panel insulator.
5. Remove the trim panel below the steering column.
6. Remove the knee bolster.
7. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.

NOTE: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.




8. Remove the following components:
8.1. The shift indicator cable
8.2. The casing from the shift cam
8.3. The automatic control indicator adjuster or the park lock cable
9. Disconnect the A/T range selector cable from the ball stud on the steering column.
10. Remove the transaxle shift cable casing from the steering column bracket by depressing the two tabs.
11. Remove the mounting bolts from the lower steering column.
12. Remove the mounting bolts from the upper steering column.
13. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
14. Loosen the bolt from the steering column electrical connector.
15. Separate the two halves of the steering column electrical connector.
16. Remove the steering column.

IMPORTANT: You may have to spread the coupling clamp with a flat bladed tool in order to withdraw the steering shaft.




17. Install the steering column onto J 41352.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE




1. Remove the steering column from J 41352.




2. Position the steering column.
3. Insert the lower end of the steering column shaft into the intermediate steering shaft coupling.
4. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
5. Tighten the electrical connector bolt in order to draw the two halves of the electrical connectors together.
6. Install the shift indicator cable.
7. Install the transaxle casing to the shift cam ball stud.
8. Install the column bracket to the park lock cable.
9. Install the A/T range selector cable end to the shift cam.
10. Install the A/T control indicator adjuster.
11. Loosely install the bolts to the upper and the lower steering column.

CAUTION:
- When installing the steering column to the intermediate shaft, make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage.
- 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.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten
1. Tighten the right side lower bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the left side lower bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Tighten the left side upper bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
4. Tighten the right side upper bolt to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).

5. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
6. Pull the intermediate steering shaft seal up over the lower column in order to lock the seal into place.
7. Install the knee bolster.
8. Install the trim panel below the steering column.
9. Install the left instrument panel insulator.
10. Install the steering wheel.
11. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.
13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in Restraint Systems.
14. Inspect all of the column components for the correct operation.
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