Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- If replacing the steering column, verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position and LOCK the steering column using the lock pin from the NEW steering column.
- If removing and reinstalling the steering column, verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position and SECURE the steering column as best as possible to prevent any rotation of the steering column shaft and steering wheel.
- Remove Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Bracket (1). Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Bracket Replacement
- Place match marks on the steering column shaft and the intermediate steering shaft to aid in installation.
- Remove Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Bolt (1)
- Separate Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) @ Steering Column
After separation, collapse the upper intermediate steering shaft as far as possible.
- Remove Steering Column Nuts (1) (Qty: 4)
- Remove the steering column (1) from the vehicle.
- If replacing the steering column, transfer components as necessary.
- If replacing the steering column, copy the match marks from the OLD steering column to the NEW steering column.
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 become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
The upper intermediate steering shaft will NOT disengage from the steering column entirely until the steering column is removed from the vehicle.
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.