Steering Column Removal and Installation
REMOVAL1. Position wheels straight forward.
2. Remove air bag module.
3. Disconnect electrical connectors for horn and if equipped, speed control switches.
4. Remove steering wheel retainer nut, then place match marks on steering wheel and shaft. Note routing of wiring through steering wheel for later assembly.
5. 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.
6. Remove instrument panel lower column cover, then disconnect diagnostic test connector from cover.
Fig 5 Exploded View Of Steering Column:
7. On models with tilt steering columns, remove tilt control lever.
8. On all models, remove steering column shrouds.
9. Using suitable 7 mm socket through access hole in back of connector plug, remove connector from multi-function switch.
10. Lift off and remove clock spring unit, if necessary release clock spring unit lower lock tab using a suitable screwdriver.
11. Disconnect remaining electrical connectors, then dismount wiring harness from steering column.
12. Remove upper steering coupler shaft pinch bolt, then slide coupler shaft off steering column shaft.
13. With shift lever in park position, disconnect shift indicator cable, then remove cable retainer from column by pushing tab up then squeezing sides of retainer.
14. Remove nuts from column support bracket, then lower column to allow access to transmission shift control cable.
15. Pry shift cable end from control arm, then disconnect cable from column bracket.
16. Carefully remove steering column from passenger compartment.
INSTALLATION
1. If installing a new steering column, remove shipping lock pin from column.
Fig 6 Transmission Shift Control Cable Installation:
2. Place column on floor of vehicle to allow access to transmission shift cable, then install cable through bracket and onto arm.
3. Ensure plastic capsules are properly positioned in upper mounting bracket, then position and center column into instrument panel. Torque mounting 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.
4. Slide steering coupler onto column shaft, then install pinch bolt, torque to 36 ft. lbs.
5. Ensure clock spring unit is centered as outlined under "Air Bag System."
6. Install clock spring unit onto column, ensure correct engagement of locking tabs.
7. Install electrical connectors to steering column components.
8. Connect shift indicator cable, ensure correct operation and adjustment.
9. Install steering column shrouds.
10. On models with tilt column, install tilt lever.
11. On all models, route clock spring unit wiring through steering wheel as noted during disassembly.
12. Install steering wheel with match marks aligned, then torque attaching nut to 45 ft. lbs. Do not use force when engaging steering wheel splines to steering shaft or damage may result.
13. Connect horn wiring and if equipped speed control wiring to steering wheel connectors.
14. Install air bag module to steering wheel, ensure positive connection of air bag wiring to module. Ensure wiring is properly routed to prevent chafing or pinching, then torque mounting nuts to 100 inch lbs.
15. Install diagnostic connector into lower instrument panel cover, then install cover.
16. Slowly move gear shift selector from low to park, ensuring indicator pointer alignment and smooth operation.
17. Connect battery ground cable and test function of all electrical switches, then road test for proper alignment of steering wheel.