Steering Column
STEERING COLUMNIf the vehicle is involved in a front end collision and/or the air bag has deployed, the steering column must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to electrical restraint system for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.
NOTE: If steering column being removed is an electric telescoping column and it is being reused, place column in mid-tilt position before removal to ease installation.
1. Position the front wheels straight-ahead.
2. Fully extend or pull out adjustable steering column.
3. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery
4. Remove the airbag (4).
5. Remove the steering wheel retainer bolt (2) then slide the steering wheel (3) off the shaft.
6. Remove the steering column opening cover (1).
7. Remove the steering column opening reinforcement (1).
8. Remove at least one clockspring screw (1).
9. Back out the set screw (1) through the access hole (3) in the steering column control module (SCCM) (2) securing the multi-function sccm assembly.
10. Pull the sccm assembly (1) off the steering column shaft.
11. Remove the four roll top shroud mounting screws and remove the shroud (1). For manual tilt and telescoping columns, unlatch lever from column before removing the roll top shroud (1).
12. Remove the two retaining nuts (1) at the bulkhead (2) for the steering column.
13. Remove the instrument cluster assembly.
14. Raise and support vehicle.
15. Remove the pinch bolt (4) at the lower coupling shaft (5).
16. Slide the steering shaft (3) out of the lower coupling shaft (5).
17. Lower vehicle.
18. If equipped with electronic telescoping column, remove the screws (3) mounting the brace (1) to the steering column (2) and support beam bracket.
19. Remove the lower steering column mounting pivot bolt and nut (2).
CAUTION: When handling the steering column use care to avoid holding the column by any part of the tilt/telescope mechanism or by the shaft boot. The column should be held by its mounting bracket and the shaft by the exposed portions.
20. Remove the two upper mounting bolts (1) from the steering column (3)
21. Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.
22. Transfer remaining parts if necessary to the new column.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to electrical restraint system for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury.
CAUTION: When handling the steering column use care to avoid holding the column by any part of the tilt/telescope mechanism or by the shaft boot. The column should be held by its mounting bracket and the shaft by the exposed portions.
CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.
NOTE: New bolts must be used for installation.
1. Position the steering column (2) on the instrument panel and loosely install the upper mounting screws (1).
2. Firmly slide the steering column upward against the instrument panel and loosely install the pivot bolt and nut (2).
3. Tighten the steering column upper mounting screws (1) to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
4. Tighten the pivot pivot bolt (2) to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
5. If equipped with electronic telescoping column, Install the screws (3) fastening the brace (1) to the steering column (2) and support beam bracket. First, tighten mounting screw at the column to 29 Nm (21 ft. lbs.). Then, tighten mounting screw at the support beam to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs.).
CAUTION: When handling the steering column, care must be taken not to squeeze the boot or distort the seal to the body.
6. Center the two retaining nuts (1) at the bulkhead (2) for the steering column and tighten mounting nuts to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.).
7. Raise and support vehicle.
8. Check and make sure plastic collar (2) on column shaft is engaged in groove within boot (1).
9. Align the pin on the steering shaft with the slot in the lower coupling shaft and slide the steering shaft (3) into the lower coupling (5).
10. Install a NEW pinch bolt (4). Tighten pinch bolt to 31 Nm (23 ft. lbs.).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Install the instrument cluster.
13. Position the roll top shroud (1) and install the mounting screws. For manual tilt and telescoping columns, attach the lever to rotating latch, then install the shroud and screws.
14. Install the SCM assembly (1) onto the steering column.
15. Tighten the set screw (1) securing the SCCM assembly (2).
16. Tighten clockspring screws (1) that were backed out to keep the clockspring from unwinding.
17. Install the steering column opening reinforcement (1).
18. Install the steering column opening cover (1).
19. Align the spline on the steering wheel hub to shaft.
20. Then install the steering wheel (3) and install a NEW retainer bolt (2). Tighten the bolt to 70 Nm (52 ft. lbs.).
21. Install the airbag (4).
22. Install the negative battery terminal on the battery. It is important that this is performed properly (including calibration of steering angle sensor if equipped with ESP).
23. Test the operation of the horn, lights and any other functions that are steering column operated.