Steering Column Removal and Installation
REMOVAL1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. On models equipped with column shift, disconnect link rod by prying from shift lever grommet.
3. On all models, remove steering wheel pad and air bag module, then disconnect electrical connectors, as outlined under "Air Bag Systems."
4. Using puller tool No. C-3428-B, or equivalent, remove steering wheel. Do not attempt to jar loose steering wheel by striking steering shaft, damage to internal components may result.
Fig 8 Steering Column Installation:
5. Remove upper coupling pin, bolt and nut, then the upper coupling.
6. On models equipped with column shift, proceed as follows:
a. Place shift lever in Neutral or Park position, then remove PRNDL actuation cable from steering column actuating arm.
Fig 9 PRNDL Cable Replacement:
b. Release lock bar on column insert. Squeeze legs of column insert together and remove insert from steering column assembly.
c. Position insert and actuation cable aside.
7. On all models, remove tilt lever, if equipped.
8. Remove upper and lower lock housing shrouds, then remove lower fixed shroud.
9. Using suitable 7 mm socket through hole in connector, remove multi-function switch connector.
10. Disconnect key-in light, main ignition switch, horn and clockspring electrical connectors.
11. Loosen upper support bracket nuts. Do not remove nuts.
12. Remove upper fixed shroud, then the wiring harness from column by prying out plastic retainer buttons.
13. Remove lower instrument panel and support bracket standoff attaching screws.
14. Carefully remove steering column through passenger compartment.
INSTALLATION
1. On models equipped with column shift, install new shift lever grommet.
2. On all models, install ground clip on left capsule slot. If installing a new column, remove shipping lockpin located on lower column jacket.
3. Position steering column with bracket slots on attaching studs. Loosely assemble upper bracket washers and nuts.
4. Ensure front wheels straight ahead. Align upper and lower coupling, then install pinch bolt and nut, torque to 250 inch lbs.
5. Clip steering column harness to column, then install multi-function switch connector.
6. Install upper fixed shroud.
7. Ensure breakaway capsules are fully seated, then torque upper steering column support bracket nuts to 105 inch lbs. Do not overtighten steering column mounting nuts. If these nuts are overtightened steering column may not perform properly during a collision.
8. Connect floor plate attaching bolt.
9. Reconnect electrical connectors, then install lower fixed shroud.
10. On models equipped with column shift, proceed as follows:
a. Route PRNDL actuator assembly under left steering column wing and along left side of steering column. Insert flange of PRNDL actuator column insert into column jacket. Squeeze legs of column insert together and install tabs under steering column jacket. Engage lock bar to secure assembly to column jacket.
b. Hook PRNDL actuator cable to actuator arm.
11. On all models, install lock housing shrouds.
12. Install tilt lever, if equipped.
13. Install lower instrument panel cover.
14. Install steering wheel, then torque attaching nut to 45 ft. lbs. Do not force steering wheel on with heavy object, as damage may result.
15. On models equipped with column shift, connect shift link rod to shift lever. Ensure new grommet is installed on shift lever.
16. On all models, adjust transmission shift linkage as outlined under Automatic Transmission/Transaxle.
17. Slowly move gear shift selector from low to park, ensuring indicator pointer alignment and smooth operation.