Steering Column: Service and Repair

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.

REMOVAL
1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Remove negative ground cable from the battery.
3. Remove the 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 before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel.





5. Turn ignition cylinder to the on position and remove cylinder by pressing release through lower shroud access hole.
6. Remove knee blocker cover and knee blocker.





7. Remove screws from the lower column shroud and remove lower shroud.





8. Remove the steering coupler bolt and column mounting nuts then lower column.
9. Remove upper column shroud.





10. Disconnect and remove the wiring harness from the column.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, remove shifter interlock cable. Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain.

11. Remove column.
12. Remove switches and clock spring.
13. Remove nut and bolt from the upper column mounting bracket on non-tilt column. Remove the bracket from the column.

INSTALLATION
1. Install upper column mounting bracket on non-tilt column. Install the mounting bolt and tighten the nut to 17 Nm (150 inch lbs.).
2. Install switches and clock spring.
3. Align and install column into the steering coupler.
4. Install column harness and connect harness to switches.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission install shifter interlock cable. Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain.

5. Install upper column shrouds.
6. Install column onto the mounting studs.
7. Install mounting nuts and tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
8. Install steering column coupler bolt and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
9. Install lower column shroud and install mounting screws.
10. Install ignition cylinder.
11. Install knee blocker and knee blocker cover.
12. Install steering wheel and tighten nut to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
13. Install airbag, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts.
14. Install negative battery terminal.