Steering Column Explanation

STEERING COLUMN DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

The standard tilt steering column has been designed to be serviced as an assembly. The column is connected to the steering gear with an upper and lower intermediate shaft. The upper shaft has a support bearing mounted to a bracket. The bracket mounts to the dash panel wall with two nuts. These shafts and bearing are serviceable. The key cylinder, switches, clock spring, trim shrouds and steering wheel are serviced separately.

STEERING COLUMN OPERATION
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION article and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

WARNING: The airbag system is a sensitive, complex electro-mechanical unit. Before attempting to diagnose, remove or install the airbag system components you must first disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable. Then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge. Failure to do so could result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury. The fasteners, screws, and bolts, originally used for the airbag components, have special coatings and are specifically designed for the airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. Anytime a new fastener is needed, replace with the correct fasteners provided in the service package or fasteners listed in the parts books.

STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL
1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Remove and isolate the negative ground cable from the battery.
3. Remove the airbag. Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .
NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, disconnect clock spring harness from the cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.
4. Remove the steering wheel (Fig 1) #2 with puller (special tool #C-3894-A, Puller, Tie Rod) #1 or an appropriate puller. Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, REMOVAL .
5. Remove steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING,
6. Remove screws from the lower column shroud (Fig 3) #2 and remove both the upper #1 and lower shrouds.
7. Turn ignition key to the on position.
8. If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect shifter interlock cable from the column.
9. Remove the steering coupler bolt (Fig 4) #3 and column mounting nuts #2 then lower column #1 off the mounting studs.
10. Disconnect and remove the wiring harness (Fig 5) #1 from the column.
11. Slide the shifter interlock cable from the tie straps.
12. Remove column (Fig 6) #4.
13. Transfer the necessary parts if needed.
14. Remove clockspring (Fig 6) #3, switches, (SKREEM if equipped) #5. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, REMOVAL.

STEERING COLUMN INSTALLATION
1. Align and install column (Fig 7) #1 into the steering coupler.
2. Install column harness (Fig 5) #1 and connect harness to switches.
3. Reroute the shifter interlock cable through the tie straps.
4. Install the column (Fig 7) #1 onto the mounting studs #2.
5. Install the two mounting nuts and the two mounting bolts all finger tight.
CAUTION: Lower nuts must be installed and tightened first then the upper nuts in order to prevent damage to the capsules.
6. Tighten the lower mounting nuts to 17 N.m (150 in. lbs.).
7. Tighten the upper mounting nuts to 17 N.m (150 in. lbs.).
8. Install the steering column coupler bolt and tighten to 49 N.m (36 ft. lbs.).
9. Reconnect the shifter interlock cable.
10. Center the clockspring (Fig 6) #3 (if necessary) and install it on the column #4. Refer to
CLOCKSPRING, INSTALLATION
11. Snap together the column shrouds (Fig 3) #1 and #2 and install the mounting screws.
12. Install the steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, INSTALLATION.
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a new bolt must be used)
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification to ensure proper clockspring operation.
13. Install the steering wheel and tighten bolt to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.). Refer to WHEEL, STEERING, INSTALLATION.
NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, connect clock spring harness to cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.
14. Install the airbag. Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, INSTALLATION.
15. Install the negative battery terminal.