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.

1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Remove the steering column shroud. Refer to Steering Column Shroud Replacement (Steering Column Shroud Replacement).
3. Ensure the tilt and telescope lever is in the locked position with the steering column tilted to the highest position and telescoped to the maximum rearward position.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection).
5. Disconnect any electrical connectors as necessary.




6. Use paint in order to place match marks (4) on the steering column shaft (3) and on the intermediate steering shaft (1).
7. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt (2).
8. Separate the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Do not pull the intermediate steering shaft lower seal.
9. Support the steering column.




10. Remove the 4 steering column bolts (1, 2, 3, 4).

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.

11. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
12. Transfer components as necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. If you are replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the old column to the new column.
2. Ensure the tilt and telescope lever is in the locked position with the steering column tilted to the highest position and telescoped to the maximum rearward position.
3. Position the steering column in the vehicle.




4. Support the steering column and install, but DO NOT tighten, the 4 steering column bolts (1, 2, 3, 4).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Tighten the bolts in sequence.

5. Tighten the steering column bolts in sequence to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).




6. Align the match marks (4) and install the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column shaft (3).
7. Ensure the intermediate steering shaft upper seal is seated correctly.
8. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft bolt (2) and tighten to 36 Nm (26.5 lb ft).
9. Connect all electrical connectors as necessary.
10. Install the steering column shroud. Refer to Steering Column Shroud Replacement (Steering Column Shroud Replacement).
11. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection).