Removal Procedure
- Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
- Install J 42640 to the steering column. See Special Tools .
- Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
- Remove the left knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster, Insulator, Molding Replacement - Instrument Panel in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Disconnect the transaxle shift cable (2) from the linear shift assembly ball stud (1).
- Remove the transaxle shift cable retaining clip (4).
- Remove the transaxle shift cable (3) from the shift cable bracket (5).
- Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
- Remove the steering column bolts.
- Remove the steering column nuts.
- Remove the steering column.
CAUTION:
Refer to SIR Caution
in Cautions and Notices.
NOTE:
The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
NOTE:
Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.