Steering column — removal and installation
Warning: These models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag(s), which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Warning: Do not use a memory saving device to preserve the PCM or radio memory when working on or near airbag system components.
Removal
1. Park the vehicle with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Adjust the steering wheel tilt to the Neutral position, approximately 8 mm down from the uppermost position.
3. Remove the steering wheel (see Steering wheel — removal and installation).
4. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).
5. Remove the driver’s knee bolster (see Body).
6. Remove the clock spring (see Steering wheel — removal and installation).
7. Remove the steering column switches (see Chassis electrical system).
8. Remove the steering column joint cover, mark the relationship of the steering shaft U-joint to the steering gear input shaft, then remove the pinch bolt (see illustration).
i.8 Steering shaft U-joint
A Pinch bolt
B Mark the U-joint to the steering gear input shaft
9. Collapse the intermediate shaft enough to free the splines. Then, using a piece of wire or tape, tie or tape the shaft so that it cannot slide apart (see illustration).
i.9 Wire or tape the shaft so it doesn’t slide apart
10. Remove the steering column mounting fasteners (see illustration), lower the column and pull it to the rear, making sure nothing is still connected, then remove the column.
i.10 Steering column fasteners
Installation
11. Guide the steering column into position, then install the steering column mounting fasteners and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
12. Connect the U-joint to the intermediate shaft. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt and nut, tightening it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
13. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Reconnect the negative battery cable (see Engine electrical systems).