Service Precaution - Steering Column

Air Bag Disarming
Many service procedures require the air bag system to be disabled to prevent accidental deployment. The air bag system can maintain sufficient voltage to cause deployment for up to 2 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off, the battery ground cable is disconnected or the DERM fuse is removed.

Steering Column Damage
Use care when handling a removed steering column. Such actions as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft or shift levers, leaning on the column assembly or dropping of the assembly could loosen or shear the plastic shear joints or rivets used to maintain column rigidity.

Hammering, jolting or bumping the steering shaft and gearshift tube must be avoided during all service operations. If the shear pins are broken, the controlled length of the telescoping design will be altered making these components unfit for further service. When removing the steering wheel, only a steering wheel puller designed for this purpose may be used.

It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the assembly procedure and tightened to specifications to ensure proper breaking action of the column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts or fasteners as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing. When replacing fasteners, replace with the same part number or equivalent.