Steering Column: Service and Repair

CAUTION:
- All SRS wire harnesses are covered with yellow insulation. Before you disconnect any part of an SRS wire harness, disconnect the airbag connectors.
- Whenever the ignition switch ON (II), or has been turned OFF for less than three minutes, be careful not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.

REMOVAL
1. Remove the driver's airbag assembly and steering wheel.
2. Remove the lower cover.





3. Remove the driver's knee bolster.





4. Remove the column covers by removing the screws.
5. Remove the SRS wire harness connector from the connector holder.





6. Disconnect the cable reel connector and SRS main wire harness connector.
7. Disconnect the cruise control switch connector from the cable reel, and remove the cable reel from the combination switch.
8. Remove the turn signal canceling sleeve.





9. Remove the combination switch from the steering column by disconnecting the connectors.





10. Remove the steering joint cover.





11. Remove the steering joint bolts, then disconnect the steering joint by moving the joint toward the column.
12. Disconnect the ignition switch connectors.





13. Remove the steering column by removing the attaching nuts and bolts.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
^ All SRS wire harnesses are covered with yellow insulation. Before you disconnect any part of an SRS wire harness, disconnect the airbag connectors.
^ Whenever the ignition switch ON (II), or has been turned OFF for less than three minutes, be careful not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.





1. Slip the upper end of the steering joint onto the column shaft (line up the bolt hole with the flat on the shaft), and loosely install the upper steering joint bolt.





2. Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft. Line up the bolt hole with the groove around the shaft, and loosely install the lower bolt.

NOTE:
^ Be sure that the lower steering joint bolt is securely in the groove in the steering gearbox pinion.
^ Before tightening the steering joint bolts, pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated.

3. Install the steering column with the flange nuts, then install the column holder and flange bolts.
4. Connect the ignition switch connector.





5. Tighten the upper and lower steering joint bolts loosely installed in steps 1 and 2.





6. Install the steering joint cover with the clamps and clips.
7. Install the combination switch and turn signal canceling sleeve onto the steering column.

NOTE: Be sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts when installing the combination switch.





8. Install the cable reel on the combination switch.

NOTE: Align the slot in the cable reel with the projection on the canceling sleeve.





9. Install the SRS wire harness connector onto the connector holder.





10. Install the column covers.
11. Install the driver's knee bolster.





12. Install the lower cover.
13. Install the steering wheel.