Removal Procedure
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
- The steering column
- The steering shaft coupling
- The intermediate shaft (s)
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
- Remove the instrument panel lower trim panel - left side. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Trim Panel Replacement - Left Side .
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Remove the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement .
- Disconnect the electrical connectors as needed.
- Install tie straps as described above.
- Remove and DISCARD the 4 steering column nuts (1).
- Remove the steering column (1). The steering column tie strap bolts (2) may never be touched as mentioned in the danger above.
Install tie straps between the tilt lever bracket and the base of the steering column to prevent the steering column jacket from pulling apart. The tilt lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position during the steering column removal and installation to ensure that the tilt lever bracket remains rigid. Also install tie straps around the tilt lever and the steering column jacket to keep the tilt lever in the LOCK position. Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket.
The steering column tie strap bolts are torque sensitive and tightened during vehicle production. Do not loosen or tighten the tie strap bolts during service because damage to the steering column may result. A damaged steering column might lead to a vehicle malfunction and personal injury or death if the vehicle is in a crash.