Steering Column: Service and Repair

Fig. 3 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

Removal


Refer to Fig. 3, for component identification.
1. Disarm airbag system as described under Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Service and Repair/Airbag System Disarming.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove two nuts retaining flexible coupling to flange on steering input shaft.
4. Disengage safety strap and bolt assembly from flexible coupling.
5. Remove steering column trim shrouds.
6. Remove steering column cover and hood release mechanism directly under column.
7. Disconnect all electrical connectors from column switches (turn signal, wash/wipe, ignition and key warning buzzer connecting wire).
8. Remove four screws retaining dust boot to dash panel.
9. Remove four nuts retaining column to brake pedal support.
10. Lower column to clear the four mounting bolts, then pull column out, so that U-joint assembly passes through clearance hole in dash panel.

Installation

1. Install steering column by inserting U-joint assembly through opening in dash panel.
2. Align the four bolts on brake pedal support with mounting holes on column collar and bracket. Install nuts and torque to 20-37 ft. lbs.
3. Connect ignition switch, turn signal, key warning buzzer connector wire and wash/wipe switch connectors.
4. Engage safety strap and bolt assembly to flange on steering gear input shaft. Install the two nuts retaining steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to flange on steering gear input shaft. Torque nuts to 20-37 ft. lbs. The safety strap must be properly positioned to prevent metal to metal contact after tightening nuts. The flexible coupling must not be distorted when the nuts are tightened. Pry steering shaft up or down with a suitable pry bar to achieve plus or minus 1/8 inch coupling insulator flatness.
5. Engage dust boot at base of steering column to dash panel opening.
6. Install four screws retaining dust boot to dash panel.
7. Install hood release mechanism and steering column cover below column.
8. Connect battery ground cable.
9. Ensure smooth operation of steering column.
10. Rearm airbag system as described under Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Service and Repair/Airbag System Disarming.