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.

The steering wheel and column components include a steering wheel, horn pad, steering column and brackets.

The column is secured to the instrument panel by the brackets and fastened with bolts and nuts or cap screws. The steering wheel is a splined fit on the steering shaft. The steering wheel houses the horn switch assembly. The steering wheel is retained by a washer, nut and snap-on retainer. The turn signals and trailer are located in the upper steering column housing. The hazard switch is mounted in the upper steering column or the instrument panel.

The steering column includes an important feature in addition to the steering function. The column is energy-absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision to minimize the possibility of injury to the driver of the vehicle.

The column may be disassembled and reassembled. To ensure the energy absorbing action, use only the specified screws, bolts and nuts. Tighten the screws, bolts and nuts to the specified torque.