Steering Column Replacement

Steering Column Replacement

Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which 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. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.

Important: Remove the steering column only if:

* The steering column requires replacement.

* The steering and the ignition lock housing require replacement.

* Another operation requires the removal of the steering column.

Removal Procedure

Important: Ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Adjust the steering to the straight-ahead position.

Caution: The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the vehicle sit for 1 minute to deactivate the air bag.
3. Remove the switch levers.
4. Remove the screws and the lower instrument trim panel.
5. Remove the steering wheel.
6. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.
7. Remove the following components.

* The key reminder switch screws
* The key reminder switch
* The key hole illumination screw
* The key hole illumination
* The ignition switch
* The ignition lock cylinder




8. Remove the pinch bolt (1) from the upper steering shaft coupling flange.




9. Remove the bolts (3, 4) holding the steering column jacket assembly rear bracket.




10. Remove the nuts (1, 2) holding the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.
11. 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, ensure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

1. Place the alignment bushing onto the end of the steering column shaft.
2. Carefully guide the steering shaft into the steering shaft coupling flange.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

Important: Provide support for the steering column assembly until the mounting nuts are fastened. Do not let the steering column assembly hang unsupported.

3. Install the pinch bolt (1) into the non-threaded hole of the flange.

Tighten the pinch bolt to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

4. Slide the alignment bushing into the steering column housing.




5. Install the nuts (1, 2) to the of the steering column jacket assembly front bracket.

Tighten the nuts to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).




6. Install the bolts (3, 4) to the rear bracket of the steering column jacket assembly.

Tighten the bolts to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

7. Install the following components.

* The ignition lock cylinder
* The ignition switch
* The key hole illumination
* The key hole illumination screw
* The key reminder switch
* The key reminder switch screws

8. Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.
9. Install the steering wheel.
11. Install the switch levers.
12. Inspect the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.
13. Connect the negative battery cable.