Steering Column Removal and Installation

The steering column used on these models has been designed to be serviced as an assembly except for wiring, switches, shrouds and the steering wheel. Also, most steering column components can be serviced without removing the column from the vehicle.

Fig.1 Exploded View Of Steering Column Assembly:

1. Ensure wheels are in a straight ahead position.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. On models equipped with column shift, disconnect link rod by prying it out of grommet in shift lever.
4. On all models, remove air bag as outlined under "Passive Restraint Systems."
5. Disconnect electrical components.
6. Remove steering wheel nut, then the steering wheel using puller tool No. C-3228-B, or equivalent. Do not bump or hammer on steering column shaft to remove wheel.
7. Remove lower steering column, then the upper coupling retaining pin.
8. Remove nut and bolt from upper coupling then separate the upper coupling from the lower coupling.
9. On models equipped with column shift, proceed as follows:
a. Place gear shift lever in Neutral or Park position.
b. Remove PRNDL indicator cable from actuating arm, then release lock bar on column insert.

PRNDL Cable Replacement:

c. Squeeze legs of column insert together and remove insert from steering column.
d. Position insert and actuation cable aside.

10. On models equipped with tilt steering, remove tilt lever.
11. On all models, remove upper and lower lock housing shrouds.
12. Remove lower fixed shroud Torx head screws and shroud.
13. Remove turn signal multi-function switch.
14. Remove electrical connections from key-in light, main ignition switch, horn and/or air bag clockspring. Remove clockspring electrical connections as outlined under "Passive Restraint Systems."
15. Loosen upper support bracket nuts then remove upper fixed shroud.
16. Remove wiring harness by prying out plastic retainer buttons.
17. Remove lower dash panel and support bracket standoff fasteners.
18. Remove column through passenger compartment.
19. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. On models equipped with column shift, replace shift rod grommet.
b. On all models, ensure ground clip on left capsule slot in place.
c. Ensure to install upper coupling bolt retainer pin.
d. Ensure breakaway capsules are fully seated in slots in column bracket, then torque bracket nuts to 8-9 ft. lbs.
e. Torque steering wheel nut to 45 ft. lbs. Do not force steering wheel on column shaft by driving wheel with a heavy object. Use retaining nut to draw wheel onto splines.