Steering Wheel and Column: Removal & Installation Suzuki Equator I

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 5

1. Align spiral cable correctly when installing steering wheel. Make sure that the spiral cable is in the neutral position. The neutral position is detected by turning left 2.5 revolutions from the right end position and ending with the locating pin at the top.
2. If equipped with VDC, refer to [ «ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION»(ref-375697-S18886079252010102800000) ] for steering angle sensor adjustment.
3. After the work is completed, perform self-diagnosis to make sure no malfunction is detected. Refer to [ «SRS OPERATION CHECK»(ref-375693-S26646492752010102800000) ].
4. Tighten steering wheel center nut to specification. Refer to [ «STEERING COLUMN: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375696-S17074320782010102800000) ]. CAUTION: The spiral cable may snap due to steering operation if the cable is not installed in the correct position. With the steering linkage disconnected, the cable may snap by turning the steering wheel beyond the limited number of turns. The spiral cable can be turned counterclockwise about 2.5 turns from the neutral position.

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1. Remove the spiral cable with the combination switches attached from the steering column assembly. Refer to [ «SPIRAL CABLE: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375693-S09139567692010102800000) ].
2. Remove the lower instrument panel LH. Refer to [ «INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY: EXPLODED VIEW»(ref-375695-S16229198292010102800000) ].
3. Ignition key lamp Immobilizer Ignition switch
4. Disconnect key interlock from steering column (if equipped). Refer to «KEY INTERLOCK CABLE: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375705-S35034267802010102800000) [].
5. Remove the lock nut and bolt from the upper joint, then separate the upper joint from the upper shaft. CAUTION: Do not reuse the lock nut.
6. Remove the three nuts and bolt from the steering column assembly, then remove the steering column assembly from the steering member.
7. Remove the bolt from the lower joint of the lower joint shaft, then remove the lower joint shaft from the vehicle. CAUTION: Do not damage the lower joint.

Scheme 10

1. Check for damage to the steering column jacket tube. If damage is found, replace the steering column with a new one. CAUTION: Do not exert any axial load or impact to the steering column. Replace the column if it is depleted of grease, worn, damaged, or if any scratches or coating separation is present on the shaft seal area.
2. If the vehicle has been in a collision, or if noises are heard coming from the steering column, check column length "L1" and "L2" as shown. If out of specification, replace the steering column as an assembly. Steering column length L1: 165.1 mm (6.500 in) L2: 258.0 mm (10.16 in)

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

Note. With the wheels in the straight ahead position, align the slit of the lower joint with the projection on the dust cover. Insert the joint until surface "A" contacts surface "B". After installation, inspect the steering column for proper operation.

Scheme 11

1. Check the tilt device for proper tilt range. Tilt range "A": 73.8 mm (2.906 in)
2. Check that the steering wheel turns smoothly to the left and right locks.
3. Check that the number of turns are the same from the straight-forward position to the left and right locks.
4. Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when driving straight ahead.

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1. Set front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Remove the front tires from the vehicle, using power tool.
3. Drain the power steering fluid.
4. Remove the undercover, using power tool.
5. On 4WD models, remove the front final drive, then support the drive shafts, using suitable wire. Refer to [ «FRONT FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375708-S40695854452010102800000) ].
6. Remove the stabilizer bar brackets and reposition the stabilizer bar. Refer to [ «STABILIZER BAR: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375714-S03442014722010102800000) ].
7. Remove the cotter pins at the steering outer sockets. CAUTION: Do not reuse the cotter pins.
8. Loosen the outer socket nuts.
9. Remove the steering outer sockets from the steering knuckles, using Tool, then remove the nuts. Tool number: HT72520000 (J-25730-A) CAUTION: Do not damage the outer socket boots. Do not damage the outer socket threads. Thread the ball joint nut onto the end of the outer socket during removal.
10. Remove the high-pressure and low-pressure piping from the steering gear assembly, then drain the fluid from the piping.
11. Remove the bolt from the lower joint of the lower joint shaft, then separate the lower joint from the steering gear assembly. CAUTION: Do not damage the lower joint.
12. Remove the nuts and bolts of the steering gear assembly, using power tool, then remove the steering gear assembly from the vehicle.

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 17

1. With the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, align the slit of the lower joint with the projection on the dust cover. Insert the joint until surface "A" contacts surface "B".
2. After removing/installing or replacing steering components, check wheel alignment. Refer to [ «FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT: ON-VEHICLE SERVICE»(ref-375714-S01576731002010102800000) ].
3. After adjusting wheel alignment, adjust neutral position of the steering angle sensor if equipped with VDC. Refer to [ «ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION»(ref-375697-S18886079252010102800000) ].
4. Bleed the air from the steering hydraulic system. Refer to [ «AIR BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM»(ref-375745-S24058141382010102800000) ].