Steering Column - Removal

Caution: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
2. Ensure the front tires and wheels are in the straight ahead position.





3. Rotate the steering wheel to the left in order to position the opening in the steering shaft coupling (2) in the vertical position.
4. Using paint, place match marks (3) on the steering column shaft (1) and the lower steering shaft in order to mark the location of the opening in the steering shaft coupling (2).

Notice: The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components:
- The steering column
- The steering shaft coupling
- The intermediate shaft
- The lower steering shaft

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
6. Rotate the steering wheel to the left in order to lock the steering column and allow access to the steering shaft coupling bolts.

Important: When you service the steering column or any column/mounted component, remove the steering wheel. However, when you remove the steering column in order to gain access to the instrument panel components, leave the steering wheel installed on the steering column.





7. Remove the following components, if necessary:
- The steering wheel inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in S I R.
- The steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
- The steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement-On Vehicle.
- The turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch with the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil (1). Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
- The steering column lock and ignition switch cylinder. Refer to Steering Column Lock and Ignition Switch Cylinder Replacement-On Vehicle.

8. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console.
9. If the steering wheel remains on the column, remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement-On Vehicle.
10. If the steering wheel remains on the column, disconnect the connectors for the following components:
- The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
- The horn
- The turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch
- The ignition switch





11. If the steering wheel remains on the column, and the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the screw (1) from the automatic transmission park lock cable (2). Disconnect the cable from the ignition switch.





12. Remove the bolt (1) on the column side (2) of the steering shaft coupling (5).
13. Loosen the bolt (4) on the lower steering shaft side (3) of the steering shaft coupling (5).





14. Use a plastic hammer in order to tap the steering shaft coupling (2) down over the lower steering shaft (3) releasing the steering column shaft (1).
15. Secure the coupling on the lower steering shaft with the bolt (4).





16. Remove 6 mounting bolts (2) from the steering column.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel in this section. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

17. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Important: If the vehicle has been involved in an accident resulting in body damage, the vehicle may have a damaged or a misaligned steering column shaft.

18. Inspect the steering column shaft. Refer to Steering Shaft Inspection.
19. Inspect the steering column jacket and the lower seal. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Inspection.
20. Inspect the steering column support bracket. Refer to Steering Column Support Bracket Inspection.