Steering System: Column: Removal: Removal

Fig 1: Steering Wheel With Special Tool

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury.

CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.

1. Position the front wheels straight ahead  .
2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
3. Remove the airbag. Refer to Restraints/AIR BAG, Driver - Removal .
   CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.
4. Remove the steering wheel (1) with special tool CJ98-1 (2) or an appropriate steering wheel puller.
   Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Opening Cover

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5. Remove the steering column (1) opening cover (2). Refer to Body/Instrument Panel/COVER, Steering Column Opening - Removal .
   Fig 3: Locating Steering Column Opening Reinforcement & Bolts

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6. Remove the steering column opening reinforcement (1).
   Fig 4: Identifying Steering Column Shrouds

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7. Remove the tilt lever.
8. Remove the upper (1) and lower (3) column shrouds.
9. Remove the clock spring (2). Refer to Restraints/CLOCKSPRING - Removal .
   Fig 5: Locating Steering Column Wiring & Fasteners

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10. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1) to the column.
11. Remove the shift cable from the column shift lever actuator. Refer to Transmission and Transfer Case/Automatic - 42RLE/CABLE, Shift - Removal .
12. Release the shift cable from the column bracket and remove it from the bracket.
13. Remove the SKIM module in order to disconnect the electrical connector.
14. Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt and slide the shaft down.
    Fig 6: Identifying Steering Column Shrouds

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15. Remove the brake light switch (5) and discard. Refer to Electrical - Lamps and Lighting/Lamps/Lighting - Exterior/SWITCH, Stop Lamp - Removal .
    Fig 7: Steering Column Nuts & Assembly

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16. Remove the four steering column mounting nuts (3).
17. Lower the column from the mounting studs (1).
18. Remove the steering column assembly (2) from the vehicle.