Steering Column Removal

WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. 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.

1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
3. Disarm and remove airbag. Refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.
4. Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate puller.

CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel.

5. Remove shift link rod in engine compartment (if equipped). Pry rod out from grommet in the shift lever.





6. Scribe or paint reference mark on the column shaft-to-coupler. This will aid in column shaft installation alignment. Remove the steering column shaft-to-coupler bolt.
7. Remove the steering column opening cover/knee blocker.





8. Remove PRNDL cable on column shift vehicles. Put shift lever in Park position. Pull cable and twist to remove from position arm. Push tab on bottom of cable retainer, then squeeze sides to remove retainer from column.
9. Remove tilt lever (if equipped) from column.
10. Remove the upper and lower lock housing shroud and remove the lower fixed shroud.





11. Remove the turn signal multi-function switch with a 7mm socket.
12. Loosen the upper Support Bracket nuts to allow some slack. This will aid in removal of the upper fixed shroud.





13. Remove electrical connections from Key-in light, Ignition Switch, Horn and Clock Spring (Speed Control).
14. Remove the wiring harness from the column by prying out the plastic retainer buttons.
15. Remove toe plate fasteners.
16. Remove column from vehicle.
17. Remove clock spring and switches.