Service Precaution - Steering Column

CAUTION: Once steering column is removed from vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping steering column assembly on its end could collapse steering shaft or loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on steering column assembly could cause jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair steering column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller and holding fixture. Never place column directly into a vise. Under no conditions should the end of shaft be hammered on as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain steering column rigidity.