Steering Column: Removal & Installation Ford Explorer IV

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-270926) .
3. Disconnect the steering wheel switches electrical connector.
4. Remove the steering wheel bolt and the steering wheel. Discard the bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Note. Steering wheel is removed for clarity.

Scheme 2

1. Depower the supplemental restraints system (SRS). For additional information, refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-270926) .
2. Place the steering wheel and the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Remove the 2 bolts and the steering column opening cover.
4. Disconnect the multi-function switch, ignition switch and clockspring electrical connectors.
5. Disconnect the key-in-switch electrical connector.
6. Disconnect the passive anti-theft system (PATS) electrical connector.
7. Detach the wiring harness retainer and position the wiring harness aside.
8. Using a suitable tool, squeeze the connector at the sides and disconnect the steering column adaptive load safety device electrical connector. Detach the wiring retainer.
9. Remove and discard the upper steering column shaft-to-steering column bolt. To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
10. Remove and discard the 4 steering column support bracket nuts and the steering column. To install, tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
11. Remove the steering column.
12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 3

1. Place the steering wheel and the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key.
2. Remove and discard the upper steering column shaft-to-steering column bolt. To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
3. Remove the 3 upper steering column shaft dash seal bolts. To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
4. Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft-to-upper steering column shaft bolt. To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
5. Remove the upper steering column shaft.
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 4

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING AND LIFTING»(ref-270881) .
2. Place the steering wheel and the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft-to-steering column shaft bolt. To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
4. Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt. To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
5. Remove the lower steering column shaft.
6. Inspect the lower steering column shaft for boot damage or separation from the shaft tube. If damage or separation of the lower steering column shaft is evident, install a new lower steering column shaft.
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.