Steering Column Removal and Installation: Notes
Reference: STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN CONSTRUCTION
CAUTION:
Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage.
Any of the damage could impair the column's collapsible design.
Steering column mounting nuts should not be loosened with steering shaft joint upper side bolt tightened as this could cause damage to shaft joint bearing.
- Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic shear pins which maintain column length.
- Leaning on the column assembly could cause it to bend or deform.
Any of the damage could impair the column's collapsible design.
Steering column mounting nuts should not be loosened with steering shaft joint upper side bolt tightened as this could cause damage to shaft joint bearing.
NOTE:
When servicing steering column or any column-mounted component, remove steering wheel. But when removing steering column simply to gain access to instrument panel components, leave steering wheel installed on steering column.