Removal and Installation
STEERING COLUMNIMPORTANT: Remove the steering column only if the following conditions exist:
- The steering column requires replacement.
- The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.
- Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.
NOTICE: The steering column is extremely susceptible to damage after it has been removed from the vehicle. Dropping the column assembly on its end or hammering the end of the steering shaft can collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column can cause it to bend or deform. Any of the above damage can impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller.
Removal Procedure
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute to deactivate the airbag.
2. Remove the Turn Signal Switch and Wiper Switch levers.
3. Remove the lower instrument trim panel.
4. Disconnect the airbag electrical connections.
5. Remove the key interlock solenoid screws and the key interlock solenoid. Be careful not to drop the key interlock solenoid spring.
6. Remove the key reminder switch screws and the key reminder switch.
7. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connection.
8. Adjust the steering to the straight-ahead position.
9. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft universal joint.
10. Remove the bolts that hold the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
11. Remove the nuts that hold the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
12. Guide the steering column assembly out of the steering shaft flange and carefully lay down the assembly.
Installation Procedure
IMPORTANT: For proper installation of the steering column, be sure the steering wheel spokes are centered diagonally and pointed downward, and the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
1. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the intermediate shaft universal joint.
IMPORTANT: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.
2. Install the pinch bolt into the non-threaded hole of the flange.
Tighten
Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the bolts for the front bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
Tighten
Tighten the steering column jacket assembly front bracket bolts to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the nuts for the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.
Tighten
Tighten the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket nuts to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect the ignition switch electrical connection.
6. Install the key reminder switch and the key reminder switch screws.
Tighten
Tighten the key reminder switch screws to 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.).
7. Install the key interlock solenoid and the key interlock solenoid screws.
Tighten
Tighten the key interlock solenoid screws to 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.).
8. Connect the airbag electrical connections.
9. Install the lower instrument trim panel.
10. Install the Turn Signal Switch and Wiper Switch levers.
11. Inspect the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.