Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
- Remove the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement - On Vehicle .
- Disconnect all of the electrical connectors.
- Remove the electrical harness from the steering column.
- Remove the intermediate shaft upper pinch bolt from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Seal Replacement .
- Loosen the lower steering column mounting bolts.
- Remove the upper steering column mounting bolts.
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:
• Air bag deployment • Personal injury • Unnecessary SIR system repairs • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring. • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.
Notice: The vehicle's wheels must be in a straight-ahead position and the key must be in a LOCK position when removing or installing the steering column. Failure to do so may cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered and may result in unneeded SIR system repairs.
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.
Installation Procedure
- Install the steering column to the vehicle.
- Install the steering column shaft to the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Seal Replacement .
- Install the intermediate shaft upper pinch bolt.
- Tighten the lower steering column mounting bolts.
- Install the upper steering column mounting bolts.
- Connect all of the electrical connectors.
- Install the electrical harness to the steering column.
- Install the trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement - On Vehicle .
- Enable the SIR. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
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: 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.
Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft upper pinch bolt 40 N·m
(30 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the lower steering column mounting bolts to 27 N·m
(20 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the upper steering column mounting bolts to 27 N·m
(20 lb ft).
