REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See the COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section before disconnecting battery. |
Note. Use only specified screws. Using screws that are too long may prevent column from compressing upon impact.
Removal
- Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG DISABLING. Inflator module is located on steering wheel hub. Remove screws from underside of steering wheel.
- Partially remove inflator module. Disconnect steering wheel inflator module connector, CPA clip and horn contact from inflator. Remove inflator module.
- Position steering wheel straight ahead. Remove snap ring and steering wheel retaining nut. Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel.
| CAUTION | To prevent damage to canceling cam and switch assembly, turn signal switch must be in neutral position before steering wheel is installed. |
Installation
- Ensure turn signal switch is in neutral position. Install and align steering wheel. DO NOT misalign steering wheel. Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Install snap ring.
- Install horn contact, steering wheel inflator module connector and CPA clip. Install inflator module to steering wheel.
- Tighten screws to 27 INCH lbs. (3.1 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Check INFLATABLE RESTRAINT indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. For more information, see the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove horn pad. Remove snap ring and steering wheel retaining nut. Disconnect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel.
| CAUTION | To prevent damage to canceling cam and switch assembly, turn signal switch must be in neutral position before steering wheel is installed. |
Before installing steering wheel, ensure turn signal switch is in neutral position. Install steering wheel onto steering shaft aligning marks made during removal. DO NOT misalign steering wheel rim more than .79" (20 mm) from centerline. Connect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Install snap ring and horn pad. Connect negative battery cable.
Note. Although columns are similar, some procedures do not apply to all steering columns.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect transmission shift linkage from column shift tube levers. Mark position of pot joint to steering shaft. Remove upper intermediate shaft bolt and nut from steering shaft.
- Remove steering column support bracket bolts and nuts. Remove support bracket. Remove steering column seal bolts and seal. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-123376-S28421972302001092500000) . Disconnect electrical connectors at column harness.
- Disconnect start/neutral switch and back-up light switch electrical connectors (if equipped). Disconnect transmission indicator cable (if equipped). On column shift models, rotate column so shift lever can clear dash opening. On all models, remove steering column assembly.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Mark pot joint-to-steering shaft position. Mark rag joint-to-steering gear worm shaft position. Remove intermediate shaft shield screw (if equipped). Remove shield (if equipped). Remove upper and lower intermediate shaft bolts and nut. Remove intermediate shaft.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts, nut and screw to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .