Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Pin

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

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:

•	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.

Important: Position the wheels straight ahead, and lock the steering column.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
2. Remove the left knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument, Panel Gages, and Console.
3. Remove the left knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument, Panel Gages, and Console.




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.

4. Remove the shift cable (1) from the steering column.



5. Install the J 42640 in the lower steering column shroud access hole.
6. Remove the Intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .



7. Remove the steering column electrical connectors.



8. Remove the nuts retaining the column to the IP.
9. Remove the column from the vehicle.

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.

1. Install the 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.

2. Install the nuts retaining the column to the IP.

Tighten
Tighten the support bolts and the nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).




3. Install the steering column electrical connectors.



4. Install the steering column to the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
5. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column shroud access hole.



6. Install the shift cable (1) to the steering column.
7. Install the left knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Panel Replacement in Instrument, Panel Gages, and Console.
8. Install the left knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument, Panel Gages, and Console.
9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.