Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Special Tools

EN-45059 - Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Power Steering Tools and Equipment.

Caution:
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column

* The steering shaft coupling

* The intermediate shaft(s)

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

Caution:
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.

Removal Procedure

1. If equipped, remove the inflatable restraint instrument panel lower module. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side.

2. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement Service and Repair.

3. Remove the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.

4. Remove the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement Service and Repair.

5. If equipped, remove the ignition and start switch housing. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Housing Replacement Ignition and Start Switch Housing Replacement.

6. Disconnect electrical connectors as needed.

Note: Install tie straps between the tilt lever bracket and the base of the steering column to prevent the steering column jacket from pulling apart. The tilt lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position during the steering column removal and installation to ensure that the tilt lever bracket remains rigid. Also install tie straps around the tilt lever and the steering column jacket to keep the tilt lever in the LOCK position. Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket.

7. Install tie straps as described above.




8. Remove and DISCARD the 4 steering column nuts (1).




9. Remove the steering column (1).




10. Remove the steering column (1) insulator if necessary.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the steering column (1) insulator if necessary.





Note:

* Start all nuts by hand before finalizing any torques.

* Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket during installation.

2. Install the steering column (1).





Warning: Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Warning Torque-to-Yield Fastener Warning.


Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

3. Install the 4 NEW steering column nuts (1) and tighten the steering column nuts a first pass to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

4. Tighten the 4 NEW steering column nuts a final pass to an additional 45 degrees, using the EN-45059 - meter.

Warning

In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

* Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

* Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

5. Remove the tie straps.

6. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.

7. If equipped, install the ignition and start switch housing. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Housing Replacement Ignition and Start Switch Housing Replacement.

8. Install the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement Service and Repair.

9. Install the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.

10. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement Service and Repair.

11. If equipped, install the inflatable restraint instrument panel lower module. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side.

12. Calibrate the steering angle sensor. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Calibration Power Steering Control Module Calibration.