Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
- Rotate the steering wheel in order to position the opening in the steering shaft coupling (2) in the vertical position.
- Using paint, place match marks (3) on the steering column shaft (1), steering shaft coupling (2), the and the lower steering shaft in order to mark the location of the opening in the coupling.
- Rotate the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
- The steering column
- The steering shaft coupling
- The intermediate shaft
- The lower steering shaft
- Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
- Rotate the steering wheel to the left in order to lock the steering column and allow access to the steering shaft coupling bolts.
- Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
- Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
- Remove the following components, if necessary:
- The steering wheel inflator module-Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
- The steering wheel-Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
- The turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch and inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil assembly (1)-Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.
- The steering column lock and ignition switch cylinder-Refer to Steering Column Lock and Ignition Switch Cylinder Replacement .
- If the steering wheel remains on the column, disconnect the connectors on the steering column for the following components:
- The inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil
- The horn
- The turn signal and headlamp and windshield washer switch
- The ignition switch
- If the steering wheel remains on the column, and the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, complete the following steps:
- Verify the shift lever is in PARK.
- Remove the screw (1) from the park lock cable (2).
- Disconnect the park lock cable from the steering column lock and ignition switch cylinder.
- Remove the bolt (1) on the column side of the steering shaft coupling.
- Loosen the bolt (3) on the lower steering shaft side of the steering shaft coupling.
- Use a plastic hammer in order to tap the steering shaft coupling (2) down over the lower steering shaft (3), releasing the steering column shaft (1).
- Secure the coupling on the lower steering shaft with the bolt (4).
- Remove 6 bolts (2) from the steering column (1).
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
CAUTION:
Refer to SIR Caution
in Cautions and Notices.
NOTE:
The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
IMPORTANT:
When you service the steering column or any column-mounted component, remove the steering wheel. However, when you remove the steering column in order to gain access to the instrument panel components, leave the steering wheel installed on the steering column.
NOTE:
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.