Tools Required

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.



2. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.



4. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
5. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
6. Lower the vehicle.



7. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
8. Disconnect the steering column wiring harness connector from the main body wiring harness.
9. Disconnect the shift lever cable from the linear shift assembly.



10. Remove the shift cable retaining clip.



11. Press the shift cable tabs (1) together and remove the shift cable (2) from the steering column.




Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

12. Support the column.



13. Remove the lower steering column retaining nuts.
14. Remove the upper steering column retaining nuts.

Important: Discard the clips at the upper steering column support, if equipped. These clips are for assembly plant usage only.

15. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
16. Install the steering column into J 41352 .

Caution: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

•	Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

•	Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

Notice: If a service replacement steering column is being installed, do not remove the anti-rotation pin until after the steering column has been connected to the steering gear. Removing the anti-rotation pin before the steering column is connected to the steering gear may damage the SIR coil assembly.

Notice: The steering column should never be supported only by the lower support bracket. Damage to the lower support could result.

1. Remove the steering column from J 41352 .



2. Install the steering column to the vehicle.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important: 

•	When installing the steering column, install the fasteners needed for completing each step of the installation. DO NOT tighten the fasteners until the procedure tells you to do so.

•	In order to ensure that the column absorbs energy correctly, use only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts. Tighten the components to the specified torque.

3. Install the steering column and the upper and lower mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).




4. Connect the steering column wiring harness connector to the main body wiring harness.
5. Install the transmission shift cable (2) to the steering column.



6. Install the transmission shift cable retaining clip.



7. Install the shift cable to the linear shift assembly.
8. Install the knee bolster and the bracket or the reinforcement. Refer to Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
9. Raise the vehicle.



10. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
11. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

12. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.



15. Remove J 42640 from the steering column.
16. Inspect the steering for proper operation.