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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2012 >> Journey R/T, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Column >> Steering System >> Column >> Removal >> Left-Hand Drive

Left-Hand Drive

NOTE:

Before proceeding, refer to COLUMN, WARNING .

  1. Remove the steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .
    Fig 1: Steering Column Cover Reinforcement
    GC0128500Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  2. Remove the steering column cover reinforcement mounting screws (2). Remove the steering column cover reinforcement (1).
    NOTE:

    If equipped with a shaft lock module, the module cannot be removed from the steering column while the locking bolt is in the locked position without irreversibly damaging the column. Before attempting service, the ignition key must be inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. Once inserted, rotate the steering wheel from side to side. If the steering wheel can be rotated, the locking bolt is in the unlocked position. Leave the key in the ignition lock cylinder until shaft lock module removal has been completed.

    Fig 2: Shaft Lock Module Release Holes
    GC0118567Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  3. If equipped with a shaft lock module (2), perform the following steps.
    1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. This will move the shaft lock module locking bolt to the unlocked position. Leave the key in the lock cylinder while the shaft lock module is being removed.
    2. Insert a suitable drift or pin punch (no more than 4 mm (5/32 in.) in diameter) into each release hole (1) on the module mounting bracket. Insert each drift or punch until it bottoms and leave in place. This will depress the two spring clips that secure the shaft lock module to the mounting bracket.
    3. Slide (and wiggle) the module toward the base of the column far enough to disengage the module from the mounting bracket.
    4. Remove the module from the steering column.
    5. Leave the wiring connector in place, but support the module to keep it away from the column and avoid wiring harness overextension.
    WARNING:

    When an undeployed airbag module is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect the battery ground cable and isolate it. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before starting any removal.

  4. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
    Fig 3: Coupling Pinch Bolt
    GC0128929Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  5. Reposition the floor carpeting and sound deadening insulation to access the intermediate shaft coupling (1) at the base of the column.
  6. Place the front wheels of the vehicle (and steering wheel) in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
  7. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (2). Do not separate the intermediate shaft coupling (1) from the steering gear pinion shaft (3) at this time. 
  8. Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    Fig 4: Two Screws, Floating Horn Switch & Driver Airbag
    GC0144506Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  9. Remove the driver airbag (2). Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .
    Fig 5: Steering Wheel Wiring
    GC0082508Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  10. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
    Fig 6: Air Bag Removal/Installation
    GC0082507Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  11. While holding the steering wheel firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (4) from the steering column shaft.
    Fig 7: Steering Wheel Puller
    GC0082299Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    CAUTION:

    Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.

  12. Install an appropriate wheel puller with hooked legs (1) on the steering wheel over the steering shaft. Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, REMOVAL .
    CAUTION:

    Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

    Fig 8: Steering Wheel Puller
    GC0082299Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  13. While holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the wheel puller (1). Remove the steering wheel from the column.
    Fig 9: Tilt Lever, Three Screws & Gap Hider Clips
    GC0147696Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  14. Push the tilt lever (4) downward to the released position.
  15. Remove the three screws (1, 2, 5) attaching the lower shroud. After removing the screws, un-clip the upper and lower shrouds from one another by applying hand pressure along the seams where the shrouds connect on the sides.
  16. Separate the gap hider clips (3) from the lower shroud.
  17. Remove the upper and lower shrouds.
  18. Push the tilt lever upward, locking the column in place.
    Fig 10: Clutch Pedal Blocker
    GC0120831Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  19. If equipped, remove the three clutch pedal blocker mounting screws, then remove the blocker (1).
    Fig 11: Coupling Pinch Bolt
    GC0128929Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  20. Separate the intermediate shaft coupling (1) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (3).
    Fig 12: Column Mounting
    GC0082510Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    If the same steering column is to be reinstalled, clamp the tilt lever to lock the column in place so that it can be easily reinstalled in the same orientation.

  21. Remove the one mounting bolt (left lower) (2) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  22. Remove the three mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  23. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.