Steering Column - Removal and Installation

CAUTION:
^ The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) coil assembly to become uncentered, which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

^ Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Disable SIR system.
2. Negative battery cable.
3. If column is to be disassembled: Inflator module. Refer to "Inflator Module - SIR".
4. If column is to be disassembled: Steering wheel; refer to "Steering Wheel".
5. Left I/P sound insulator, trim plate and knee bolster deflector.
6. With column shift: Shift indicator cable.
7. Loosen bolts (1, 4, 9).
8. Bolt (8).
9. Brace (6).
10. Steering column wiring harness connector from main body wiring harness.

CAUTION: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower bearing could result.

11. Support the column, and remove two bolts (4).
12. With column shift: Shift control cable from actuator, and, as needed, from slot in lower column bracket. With console shift: Park lock cable from ignition switch inhibitor.
13. Steering column shaft from intermediate steering shaft, positioning seal as needed and loosening or removing upper intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt.
14. Steering column from vehicle. If there is a possibility that the steering column may be partially collapsed, refer to "Accident Damage".

INSTALL OR CONNECT

CAUTION: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

NOTE:
^ When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation, but do not tighten them until the procedure tells you to do so.
^ To ensure the column's energy-absorption action, it is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used, and that they are tightened to the specified torque.

1. Hand start one bolt (1) into steering column support bracket (2) at lower right position.
2. Position steering column into vehicle.
3. Support column and insert intermediate steering shaft through seal from front; connect shaft to column with pinch bolt.
^ Tighten pinch bolt to 47 Nm (35 lb ft).
4. With column shift Shift control cable at actuator, snapping it onto range selector pin on column. As needed, secure cable fitting into slot in lower column bracket such that both fitting ears fully expand to retain cable in bracket. With console shift: Park lock cable to ignition switch inhibitor, and snap into place.

CAUTION: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower bearing could result.
5. Support the column, and guide the lower support (5) slotted hole onto bolt (1).
6. Two bolts through upper support bracket (4) into steering column support bracket (2). Do not torque at this time.
7. Bolt (9) into steering column support bracket (2).
8. Brace (6) onto bolt (1).
9. Bolt (8) through brace (6).
10. Move the seal into position.
^ Tighten bolt (8) to 9.5 Nm (84 lb in).
11. Center column in steering column opening, and tighten one lower support bolt (1) to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
12. Steering column wiring harness connector to main body wiring harness; tighten bolt to 4.8 Nm (42 lb in).
13. SIR 2-way connector (11) to body harness. Insert retainer (12) to secure.
14. Center column in I/P steering column opening. and torque three bolts (4, 9).
^ Tighten bolts (4 and 9) to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
15. With column shift Shift indicator cable.
16. Left I/P sound insulator, trim plate and knee bolster deflector.
17. Steering wheel, if previously removed; refer to "Steering Wheel".
18. Inflator module, if previously removed; refer to "Inflator Module - SIR".
19. Negative battery cable..
20. Enable SIR system; refer to "Enabling the SIR System".
21. Check steering for proper operation.