Steering Column Removal and Installation: Notes
Reference: STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN COMPONENTS
CAUTION:
The steering column assembly can be easily damaged during and after removal. To avoid damaging the steering column, be sure to take the following precautions when removing it and when setting it down after removal:
- Never drop the column assembly on its end. This could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic shear pins that maintain the design length of the column.
- Do not lean the column assembly against something. This could cause it to bend or deform.
- Do not loosen the steering column assembly mounting nuts when the steering lower shaft assembly upper joint bolt is still tightened. This could cause damage to the 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.