Steering Column Assembly

Removal

 CAUTION: Do not remove steering column wheel and air bag module as an assembly unless the column is locked or the steering shaft is secured to keep it from turning. This will avoid damage to the clockspring assembly.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and air bag backup power supply.

2. Remove the two nuts retaining flexible coupling to the flange on the steering input shaft. Disengage the safety strap and bolt assembly from the flexible coupling.

3. Remove the steering column trim shrouds, fastened by self-tapping screws.

4. Remove the steering column cover and hood release mechanism directly under the column.

5. Disconnect all electrical connections (quick-couplers) from the steering column switches (turn signal, wash/wipe, ignition, and key warning buzzer connecting wire).

6. Remove the four screws retaining dust boot to the dash panel.

7. Remove four nuts retaining column to brake pedal support. Lower column to clear the four mounting bolts, remove interlock cable (automatic transmission only) and pull column out, so that U-joint assembly passes through clearance hole in the dash panel.
   
   
   
   

Installation

1. Install steering column by inserting U-joint assembly through opening in the dash panel. Use care not to damage column during installation.

2. Under instrument panel install interlock cable and tighten retaining screw to 1.1-1.5 Nm (10-13 lb-in) (automatic transmission only). Align the four bolts on brake pedal support with the mounting holes on the column collar and bracket. Install nuts and tighten to 29.7-40.3 Nm (22-30 lb-ft).

3. Connect the ignition switch, turn signal, key warning buzzer connector wire, and wash/wipe switch connectors.

4. Engage safety strap and bolt assembly to flange on steering gear input shaft. Install the two nuts retaining steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to the flange on the steering gear input shaft. Tighten nuts to 29.7-40.3 Nm (22-30 lb-ft). The safety strap must be properly positioned to prevent metal-to-metal contact after tightening nuts. The flexible coupling must not be distorted when the nuts are tightened. Pry steering shaft up or down with a suitable pry bar to achieve plus or minus 3mm (1/8 inch) coupling insulator flatness.

5. Engage the dust boot at the base of the steering column to the dash panel opening. Install the four screws retaining dust boot to the dash panel.

6. Install steering wheel as outlined.

7. Attach the steering column trim shrouds by installing self-tapping screws.

8. Install hood release mechanism and steering column cover beneath steering column.

9. Connect battery ground cable.

10. Check steering column for proper operation.