Steering Column/Shaft: Removal

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

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

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

Fig 3: Identifying Airbag Module Connector
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

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.

After aligning the marks on the steering shaft and wheel (A), remove the steering wheel using the special tool (09561-11002).
Remove the steering column upper (A) and lower shrouds (B).

Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column Upper & Lower Shrouds
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the connectors of the multifunction switch (A).

Fig 6: Identifying Multifunction Switch
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
After removing three bolts (A) in the illustration, remove the multifunction switch assembly (B).

Fig 7: Removing Multifunction Switch
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the lower crash pad (A) after loosening the four bolts (B) as shown in the illustration.

Fig 8: Removing/Installing Lower Crash Pad
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the five bolts connecting the steering column shaft (A) and the universal joint (B) as shown in the illustration.

Fig 9: Identifying Steering Column Shaft Universal Joint
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
After removing the mounting bolts and nuts, remove the steering column and shaft assembly (A).

Fig 10: Removing Steering Column/Shaft Assembly

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.