Removal Procedure
NOTE:
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 .
- Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
- Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640 .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
- Lower the vehicle.
- From inside the vehicle remove the upper intermediate shaft to dash stud nuts.
- Remove the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
- Remove the upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
- Remove the upper intermediate shaft from the column.
NOTE:
The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.
IMPORTANT:
Note the direction of upper intermediate shaft to steering column pinch bolt for installation. The bolt must be installed in the same direction it was removed.