Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Steering Column Removal/Installation




Steering Column Removal and Installation

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations Locations and the precautions and procedures Service and Repair before doing repairs or service.

Removal

1. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure Procedures.

2. Remove the driver's airbag Driver's Airbag Replacement and the steering wheel Steering Wheel Removal.

3. Remove the column covers.

4. Remove the driver's heater lower cover Dashboard Center Lower Cover Removal/Installation.

5. Remove the steering joint cover (A).





6. Release the lock lever, and adjust the steering column to the full tilt up position, and to the full telescopic in position.

7. Tighten the lock lever.

8. Hold the lower slide shaft (A) on the column with a piece of wire (B) between the joint yoke (C) of the lower slide shaft and joint yoke (D) of the upper shaft to prevent the lower slider shaft from pulling out.





9. Release the lock lever, and adjust the steering column to the full telescopic out position, then tighten the lock lever.

NOTE: Do not release the lock lever when removing the steering column from the frame.

10. Remove the steering joint bolt (A), and disconnect the steering joint (B) by sliding the steering joint into the column.

NOTE:

- If the center guide is in place and has not moved, leave it in place.
- If the center guide has come off, discard it.





11. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the combination switch assembly/cable reel (A).





12. Remove the combination switch assembly/cable reel from the steering column shaft by removing the three screws (B).

13. Disconnect the connectors from the ignition switch, and release the wire harness clips from the steering column.

14. Remove the steering column (C) by removing the attaching nuts and bolts. If the lower slide shaft (D) is removed, slip it into the upper shaft (E) by aligning the paint marks (F).

Installation

1. Install the steering column in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:

- Make sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.
- Take care not to let the sliding capsules fall out of position during column installation.
- Tighten the three screws (A) in the sequence shown.





2. Center the steering rack within its stroke in the steering joint connection.

3. Cut the wire (A) and slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft (B).

NOTE:

- Pinion shaft with center guide: Install the steering joint by aligning the center guide.
- Pinion shaft without center guide: Position the steering column by aligning the gap (C) within the angle.





4. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, then loosely install the steering joint bolt (C). Be sure that the joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft.





5. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated. Tighten the steering joint bolt to the specified torque.

6. Install the steering joint cover (A).





7. Install the driver's heater lower cover Dashboard Center Lower Cover Removal/Installation.

8. Install the column covers.

9. Install the steering wheel Steering Wheel Installation and the driver's airbag Driver's Airbag Replacement.

10. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure Procedures, and check these items:

- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, and then goes off.
- Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly.
- Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.

11. After installation, check these items:

- Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If the steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft splines.
- Set the steering column to the center tilt position, and to the center telescopic position, then do the front toe inspection Service and Repair.