Steering Column: Service and Repair

Removal
1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Turn the ignition switch to "LOCK".
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable, and wait at least 5 minutes.
4. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector located under the steering column.

Caution: The wheel of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering column from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SRS coil assembly to become uncentered which will cause damage to the SRS coil assembly.

5. Remove the engine hood opening lever, then remove instrument panel lower cover.
6. Remove driver knee bolster (reinforcement).





7. Loosen the inflator module fixing bolt from behind the steering wheel assembly using a TORX driver or equivalent until the inflator module can be released from steering assembly.
8. Disconnect the yellow 2-way SRS connector and horn lead located behind the inflator module.





9. Remove inflator module.

WARNING: THE INFLATOR MODULE SHOULD ALWAYS BE CARRIED WITH THE TRIM COVER AWAY FROM YOUR BODY AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE LAID ON A FLAT SURFACE WITH THE URETHANE SIDE UP. THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE A FREE SPACE IS PROVIDED TO ALLOW THE AIR CUSHION TO EXPAND IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT. OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.








10. Apply a setting mark (1) across the steering wheel and shaft so parts can be reassembled in their original position. Move the front wheels to the straight ahead position, then use steering wheel remover J-29752 to remove the steering wheel.
11. Remove steering column cover.
12. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors located under the steering column.





13. Remove the combination switch assembly with SRS coil.
14. Remove snap ring.
15. Remove cushion rubber.
16. Remove shift lock cable (For A/T).
17. Disconnect the starter switch harness connector located under the steering column, then remove lock cylinder assembly.





18. Apply a setting mark (1) across the universal joint and second steering shaft to reassemble the parts in their original position, then remove steering column assembly and second shaft.

Note: A setting mark can be easily made if the shaft is withdrawn a riffle by loosening the steering shaft universal joint

Inspection
If the abnormal conditions are found through inspection, replace the steering column assembly.

Column Capsule





Check capsules on steering column bracket assembly; all must be securely seated in bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.





Check clearance between capsule and bracket. It must be within 1 mm (0.039 inch).

Column Tube





Check for collapse by measuring the distance as shown in the figure.
Standard distance: 162.2 - 165.8 mm (6.386 - 6.528 inch)

Column Universal Joint for Tilt Mechanism
If the resistance is felt when checked by rotate the joint, replace the steering column assembly.

Sheared Injected Plastic Pin





Check the sheared injected plastic pins for any loose conditions or damage.

Shaft Length





Check the shaft length from the upper end of the slide joint to the end of the shaft. If column length is not in specifications, steering column should be replaced.
Standard length:
Non-Tilt Type: 540.9 - 542.9 mm (21.295 - 21.374 inch)
Tilt Type: 291.7 - 295.7 mm (11.484 - 11.642 inch)

Shaft Universal Joint (Lower End)
If the resistance is felt when checked by rotate the joint, replace the steering column assembly.

Shaft Bellows Pipe





Use a straightedge to inspect the shaft bellows pipe for straightness. Replace if the clearance is more than the specifications.
Standard: Less than 1 mm (0.039 inch)

Tilt Mechanism
Tilt mechanism should move smoothly.
While locked the tilt mechanism, be sure the steering column latch securely by pushing the steering wheel upward and downward.

Installation
1. Install steering column assembly and second steering shaft.
2. Align the setting marks on the universal joint and second steering shaft made during removal.
3. Tighten the steering column fixing bolt (dash panel) to the specified torque.
Torque: 20 Nm (14 ft. lbs.)
4. Tighten the steering column fixing nuts (cross beam) to the specified torque.
Torque: 17 Nm (12 ft. lbs.)
5. Tighten the universal joint to the specified torque.
Torque: 31 Nm (23 ft. lbs.)
6. Install lock cylinder assembly.
7. Install shift lock cable (For A/T).
8. Install cushion rubber.
9. Install snap ring.
10. Install combination switch and SRS coil assembly. After installation of combination switch assembly, connect the combination switch wiring harness connector and the SRS 2-way connector located under the steering column.





11. Turn the SRS coil counter clockwise to full, return about 3 turns and align the neutral mark.

Caution: Turn the SRS coil counter clockwise until a resistance is felt or damage to the SRS coil may occur from over turning.





12. When installing the steering column cover, be sure to route each wire harness as illustrated so that the harnesses do not catch any moving parts.
13. Install steering wheel and align the setting marks made when removing.

Caution: Never apply force to the steering wheel shaft a hammer or other impact tools in an attempt to remove the steering wheel. The steering shaft is designed as an energy absorbing unit

14. Tighten the steering wheel fixing nut to the specified torque.
Torque: 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.)
15. Support the module and carefully connect the module connector and horn lead, then install inflator module.

Note: Pass the lead wire through the tabs on the plastic cover (wire protector) of inflator to prevent lead wire from being pinched.

16. Tighten bolts to specified torque.
Torque: 9 Nm (78 inch lbs.)
17. Install driver knee bolster (reinforcement).
18. Install instrument panel lower cover.
19. Install the engine hood opening lever.
20. Connect the yellow 2-way SRS connector and horn lead located under the steering column.
21. Connect the battery ground cable.