Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- With the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, LOCK the steering column.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Primary) , Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (Auxiliary) .
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
- Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement .
- Remove the driver side knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement .
- Remove the driver side floor air outlet duct. Refer to Floor Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side (LHD) .
- Disconnect the electrical connectors as necessary.
- Working under the instrument panel, use paint in order to place match marks on the steering column shaft (1) and on the intermediate steering shaft (3).
- Remove the steering column shaft to intermediate steering shaft retaining bolt (2).
Discard the bolt.
- Disconnect the steering column shaft from the intermediate steering shaft. Do not pull the intermediate shaft seal (4).
- Support the steering column assembly (1).
- Remove the 4 steering column assembly to body retaining bolts (5).
Discard the bolts.
- Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.
- Transfer components as necessary.
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:
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.
Refer to SIR Warning .
The steering column shaft to intermediate steering shaft retaining bolt has micro-encapsulated thread sealant.
The steering column assembly to body retaining bolts have micro-encapsulated thread sealant.
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 service information.