Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.



2. Install the J 42640 in the lower steering column shroud access hole.
3. Remove the steering column trim panels. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.



4. Disconnect the transmission control shift cable (1) from the column.



5. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the steering column.



6. Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower shaft connection.



7. Remove the nuts from the upper and the lower support brackets.
8. Lower the steering column.




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.

9. Remove the steering column assembly.

Rotate the column so that the shift lever clears the dash panel (2) opening.

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.





Caution: If steering column to cowl panel seal is torn or otherwise damaged, it must be replaced. Confirm that the seal and inner race are properly located. Failure to do so may allow carbon monoxide into the vehicle, which may result in serious personal injury or death.

1. Lower the end of the steering column through the dash panel (2) opening and the steering column seal (1).
2. Connect the harness to the connectors on the steering column.



3. Raise the steering column into place.
4. Rotate the column up over the two upper studs.

Loosely assembly the two nuts.

5. Install the lower column nuts.

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.

6. Install the upper column nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the lower and upper column nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).




7. Install the bolt and the nut to the upper end of the shaft.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).




8. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column shroud access hole.



9. Connect the transmission control shift cable (1) to the steering column.



10. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering column.
11. Install the steering column trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.