Steering Column: Removal & Installation Saab 900 II

Removal & Installation

1. Before proceeding, see «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-55529-S08224625172001011700000) . Driver-side air bag module is located on steering wheel pad. Remove screws from back of steering wheel. Remove air bag module assembly. Disconnect air bag module connector. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag module retaining screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-55529-S27673697182001011700000) table.
2. Reactivate SRS. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-55529-S08224625172001011700000) . Check air bag warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(ref-55529-S24549331482001011700000) .

Removal

1. Before proceeding, see «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-55529-S08224625172001011700000) . Position front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove 2 screws from back of steering wheel, and remove horn pad/air bag module assembly. Disconnect air bag module and horn pad electrical connectors.
2. Place match marks on steering wheel and shaft. Remove steering wheel nut. Gently ease steering wheel off of shaft to prevent damage to air bag clockspring.

Installation

1. To ensure clockspring is centered, set front wheels to straight-ahead position. Rotate clockspring clockwise until it stops, and then rotate counterclockwise 2 1/2 turns. Maintain clockspring in this position.
2. Thread air bag module and horn wiring harnesses through hole in steering wheel. Slide steering wheel onto shaft. Align match marks on shaft and steering wheel. Align clockspring with hole in wheel.
3. Install steering wheel nut, and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-55529-S27673697182001011700000) table. Connect air bag module and horn pad electrical connectors. Install air bag module. Install screws on back of steering wheel.
4. Reactivate SRS. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-55529-S08224625172001011700000) . Check air bag warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK»(ref-55529-S24549331482001011700000) .

Disconnect negative battery cable. Pull steering wheel out as far as possible. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Unplug wiper switch connector. Remove retaining screws and windshield wiper switch. Reverse removal procedure to install.

1. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-55529-S34942942792001011700000) . Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Remove coil spring and 2 retaining screws. Disconnect electrical connectors. Remove turn signal switch and windshield wiper switch. Remove turn signal fixing cable from bearing housing.
2. Remove lower section of instrument panel and driver-side knee bolster. Remove locking bolt from steering column shaft joint and lift joint off pinion shaft. Remove steering column assembly retaining bolt located above ventilation duct. Remove retaining nuts under instrument panel. Lift out steering column assembly.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure lock bolt at steering joint engages groove in shaft.