Special Tools

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

1. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .




Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

2. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column shroud using anti-rotation pin J 42640 .
3. Remove the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement .
4. Disconnect the upper intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
5. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors as needed.




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.

6. Remove the 4 steering column nuts (1) from the steering column brackets.
7. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
8. If replacing the steering column transfer all components as needed.

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 steering column to the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

2. Install the 4 steering column nuts (1) using the procedure shown above.

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

3. Connect the upper intermediate steering shaft to the steering column. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
4. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
5. Install the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement .
6. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
7. Remove anti-rotation pin J 42640 from the steering column.