Steering Column - Removal

REMOVAL

Special Tools:






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.Driver Air Bag - Removal .

CAUTION: Steering column module is centered to the vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in steering column module damage. Service and Repair .





1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Fully extend the telescoping column.
3. Disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
4. Raise and support vehicle Maintenance.
5. Remove the pinch bolt (4) connecting the upper intermediate shaft (3) to the lower intermediate shaft (5).
6. Separate the lower intermediate shaft (5) from the upper intermediate shaft (3).





7. Remove the pinch bolt (1) from the lower intermediate shaft (2) at the steering gear (3).
8. Carefully separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear (3).
9. Remove the intermediate shaft (2) from the vehicle.





10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Remove the airbag Driver Air Bag - Removal.
12. Disconnect steering wheel electrical connectors (2).
13. Remove the steering wheel bolt (3) and slide the steering wheel damper (4) off the shaft.
14. Slide the steering wheel (5) off the steering column assembly.
15. Inhibit rotation of the steering column with adhesive tape/or strap.





16. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry between the end cap (1) and the instrument panel to release the snap retainers that secure the end cap.





17. Remove the hood release handle (2) from the knee blocker trim by pushing down then pulling out on the handle.





18. Remove the two side screws (3) and the lower screw (1) securing the knee blocker trim (2) to the instrument panel.
19. Using a trim stick or equivalent, partially remove the upper portion of the knee blocker trim (2) by gently prying between the knee blocker trim (2) and the instrument panel to release the upper snap retainers. Do not remove the knee blocker trim or pull with excessive force.
20. Remove the wood grain pieces of trim on either side of the column, if equipped.





21. Disconnect the light switch harnesses (1, 2 & 3) from the switch and finish removing the knee blocker trim.





22. Disconnect the LED harness (1) and remove the left side instrument panel silencers (2, 3).
23. Remove the knee blocker air bag, if equipped.
24. Remove the steering column module Steering Column Module - Removal.





25. Remove two intermediate shaft boot retaining nuts (1) at the bulkhead (2).





26. Disconnect electrical connectors for power tilt and telescope motors, if equipped.
27. Remove front two column mounting bolts (1).





28. Support the column and remove the two mounting nuts (1).
29. Remove column from the vehicle.