Steering Column Removal and Installation: Notes
Reference: STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN COMPONENTS
CAUTION:
- Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage.
- 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.