Removal Procedure
- Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .
- Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Bracket Replacement .
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640 steering column anti-rotation pin.
- Disconnect the transmission shift cable (1) from the column.
- Disconnect the steering column electrical connector.
- Disconnect the steering wheel position sensor electrical connector, if equipped.
- Remove the wiring harness retaining pin from the bottom of the column.
- Remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt (1) from the steering column and remove the shaft from the steering column.
- Remove the steering column brackets retaining nuts.
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
Refer to SIR Warning .
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.
During removal of the steering column the wire harness retaining clip must be removed and reinstalled after installing the steering column or damage may occur to the wire harness.
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.