Steering Column Removal and Installation

Steering Column Removal and Installation
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations and the precautions and procedures before performing repairs or service.

Removal
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the customer's radio station presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Remove the driver's airbag assembly and the steering wheel.
4. Remove the driver's dashboard under cover.
5. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover.
6. Remove the column covers.





7. Remove the steering joint cover A.
8. Release the tilt/telescopic lever, and adjust the steering column to full tilt up position, and to the full telescopic in position.
9. Tighten the tilt/telescopic lever.





10. Hold the slider shaft (A) on the column with a piece of wire (B) between the joint yoke (C) of the slider shaft and joint yoke (D) of the upper shaft to prevent the slider shaft from pulling out.
11. Release the tilt/telescopic lever, and adjust the steering column to the full telescopic out position, then tighten the tilt/telescopic lever.





12. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the combination switch assembly (A).
13. Remove the combination switch assembly from the steering column shaft by removing the screws (B).
14. Disconnect the connectors from the ignition switch, and release the wire harness clips from the steering column.
15. Remove the steering joint bolt (C), then disconnect the steering joint (D) from the pinion shaft.
16. Remove the steering column (E) by removing the attaching nuts and bolts. If the lower slide shaft (F) is removed, slip it into the upper shaft (G) by aligning the paint or stamped marks (H).

Installation
1. Install the steering column in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
^ Make sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.
^ Take care not to let the sliding capsules fall out of position during column installation.
2. Steering joint connection; center the steering rack within its stroke.





3. Install the steering joint (A) aligning the slit (B) of the steering joint with the tab (C) of the center guide. Position the angle of center guide as shown if necessary.
4. With the rack in the straight ahead driving position, cut the wire (D) and slip the lower end of the steering joint on to the pinion shaft (E).





5. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, and loosely install the joint bolt (C). Be sure that the joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated. Tighten the steering joint bolt to the specified torque.
6. Finish the installation, and note these items:
^ Make sure the connectors are properly connected.
^ Reinstall the steering wheel.
^ Reinstall the driver's dashboard lower cover.
^ Reinstall the driver's dashboard under cover.
^ Reconnect the battery.
^ Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then the customer's radio station presets.
^ Set the clock.
^ Verify cruise control, audio remote, navigation guide and turn signal switch operation.
^ Make sure the steering wheel is centered.