Steering Column/Shaft: Removal

Disconnect negative (-) terminal (A) from the battery.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Negative Terminal From Battery
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the bolts (A) and then remove the driver's airbag module (B). See Fig 2.
NOTE: For vehicles not equipped with SRS airbag, remove horn cover assembly.

Fig 2: Identifying Driver Airbag Module And Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the connector (A) and steering wheel lock nut (B).

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Wheel Lock Nut And Connector
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
After aligning the marks on the steering shaft and wheel, remove the steering wheel using the special tool (09561-11002).
NOTE: Do not hammer on the steering wheel to remove it: it may damage the steering column.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Wheel
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the steering column upper and lower shrouds after remaining the three bolts (A).

Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column Upper And Lower Shrouds Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the lower crash panel (A) after loosening the four bolts in the illustration.

Fig 6: Identifying Lower Crash Panel And Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the bracket (A) by removing the four bolts (B).

Fig 7: Identifying Bracket And Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the connectors of the multifunction switch (A).

Fig 8: Identifying Multifunction Switch Connectors
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove multifunction switch assembly (A).

Fig 9: Identifying Multifunction Switch Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove five bolts connecting the steering column shaft (A) and the universal joint (B) as shown in the illustration.

Fig 10: Identifying Steering Column Shaft And Universal Joint
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.