Steering Column Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lexus LS 600hL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Some of these service operations affect the SRS airbag system. Read the precautionary notices concerning the SRS airbag system before servicing the steering column (see PRECAUTION ).

PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
REMOVE FRONT WHEELS
REMOVE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT MAT SUB-ASSEMBLY
REMOVE BATTERY SERVICE HOLE COVER LH (See REMOVAL )
DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
1. Disable the AUTO TILT AWAY function by changing the customize parameter (see CUSTOMIZE PARAMETERS )
  NOTE: Record the current customize parameter setting (whether the AUTO TILT AWAY function is enabled or disabled) in order to restore the current setting after finishing the operation.
  
  HINT.
  
  Performing the above operation causes the AUTO TILT AWAY function to be disabled when the power switch is OFF
2. Turn the power switch ON (IG) Operate the tilt and telescopic switch to fully extend and lower the steering column assembly
3. Turn the power switch OFF and disconnect the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal.
  CAUTION: Wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent airbag and seat belt pretensioner activation.
  NOTE:
  - When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected (see INITIALIZATION ).
  - After the power switch is OFF, the HDD navigation system requires approximately 6 minutes to record various types of memory and settings. As a result, after turning the power switch OFF, wait 6 minutes or more before disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal.
REMOVE BATTERY SERVICE HOLE COVER (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE SERVICE PLUG GRIP
REMOVE SWITCH AND VOLUME CASE (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE NO. 2 STEERING WHEEL COVER LOWER (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE STEERING WHEEL PAD (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the steering wheel set nut.
2. Put matchmarks on the steering wheel and main shaft.
3. Using SST, remove the steering wheel assembly.
  SST 09950-50013 (09951 -05010, 09952-05010, 09953-05020, 09954-05011)
  
  Fig 1: Removing Steering Wheel Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE STEERING COLUMN COVER (w/o Driver Monitor Camera)
1. Remove the 3 screws.
2. Detach the 2 claws to remove the lower steering column cover
  NOTE: Do not damage the tilt and telescopic switch.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Lower Steering Column Cover And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Detach the 4 clips.
4. Detach the claw to remove the upper steering column cover
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Upper Steering Column Cover And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE STEERING COLUMN COVER (w/ Driver Monitor Camera)
1. Remove the 3 screws.
2. Detach the 2 claws to remove the lower steering column cover.
  NOTE: Do not damage the tilt and telescopic switch.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Lower Steering Column Cover And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Detach the 4 clips
4. Detach the claw and remove the upper steering column cover
  NOTE: Do not damage the tilt and telescopic switch.
5. Disconnect the driver monitor connector.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Upper Steering Column Cover And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE TILT AND TELESCOPIC SWITCH
1. Detach the switch connector.
2. Using a screwdriver, detach the claw and pull out the switch.
  NOTE: Pushing on the claw too hard will break the claw.
  
  HINT:
  
  Tape the screwdriver tip before use.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Tilt And Telescopic Switch
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH SPIRAL CABLE SUB-ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect the connectors from the turn signal switch with spiral cable.
2. Using pliers, grip the claws of the clamp and remove the turn signal switch with spiral cable from the steering column.
Fig 7: Locating Clamp
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FINISH PANEL SUB-ASSEMBLY (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE INSTRUMENT SIDE PANEL LH (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE NO. 1 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MOULDING (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE NO. 1 INSTRUMENT PANEL UNDER COVER SUB-ASSEMBLY (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE DRIVER SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY (See INSTALLATION )
REMOVE NO. 1 INSTRUMENT PANEL SAFETY PAD SUB-ASSEMBLY (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE NO. 1 AIR DUCT SUB-ASSEMBLY
1. Detach the 2 claws and remove the wiring harness protector.
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Wiring Harness Protector And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Detach the 2 claws, and remove the bolt and air duct.
  
  Fig 9: Locating Bolt And Air Duct And Claw Location(s)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE NO. 2 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
1. Put matchmarks on the No. 2 steering intermediate shaft and the steering column.
2. Remove the bolt
  
  Fig 10: Locating No. 2 Steering Intermediate Shaft And Bolt
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Put matchmarks on the No. 2 steering intermediate shaft and the steering link.
4. Remove the bolt.
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Matchmarks On No. 2 Steering Intermediate Shaft
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Remove the clamp and No. 2 steering intermediate shaft
REMOVE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect the connectors and wire harness clamps from the steering column.
  
  Fig 12: Locating Clamp
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Remove the 4 nuts and steering column