DESCRIPTION
Steering column is a collapsible 2-piece design. Columns use shear pins to absorb collision impact. Steering shaft is connected directly to steering gear with either a flexible coupling or "U" joint.
Note. For models with tilt wheel steering columns, see STEERING COLUMN - TILT article in this section.
Scheme 7
- Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove horn pad and steering wheel. Mark steering shaft and wheel for installation. Remove steering wheel.
- Remove dash panels and pads (if necessary). On models equipped with A/C, remove air duct from under steering column. Remove column bracket covers.
- Remove combination switch. Mark "U" joint and shaft for installation. On passenger car models, disconnect steering shaft "U" joint from steering gear in engine compartment.
- On Land Cruiser, Pickup, Van and 4Runner models, disconnect "U" joint from lower steering shaft. Disconnect column shifter linkage (if equipped).
- Remove bolts from column hole cover. Remove column support bracket bolts. Remove steering column from vehicle.
Installation
- Install steering column in vehicle. Tighten column bracket bolts finger tight. Install column hole cover bolts. Tighten column bracket bolts.
- Attach column shift linkage (if equipped). Aligning marks made during removal on "U" joints, tighten clamp bolts. Install combination switch.
- Install bracket covers, dash panels and pads. Install air ducts (if equipped). Align marks made during removal, install steering wheel and horn pad.
Scheme 8
Scheme 9
Disassembly
Remove ignition key cylinder. Remove column shift assembly from steering column. Remove clamp bolt and lower steering shaft. Remove hole cover from column. Remove snap ring from upper steering shaft.
Inspection
Check upper bracket for damage and upper bearing for rotating smoothness. Check steering shafts for bending, damaged splines or damaged "U" joints. Check column tube for bending or other damage. Repair or replace components as necessary.
Reassembly
Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly procedures. Ensure all bushings, bearings, shims and bolts are not damaged or worn. If damaged or worn, replace with new units.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) | |
|---|---|---|
| Column Bracket-to-Instrument Panel Bolts | 19 (26) | |
| Column Bracket-to-Instrument Panel Nuts | 21 (28) | |
| Flexible Coupling Bolts | 15-22 (20-30) | |
| Steering Column-to-Column Bracket Bolt | 14 (19) | |
| Steering Wheel Nut | 25 (34) | |
| "U" Joint Bolts | 22-33 (30-45) | |
| INCH Lbs. (N.m) | ||
| Column Bracket-to-Upper Bracket Bolt | 65 (7.4) | |
| Floorboard Bracket Bolts | ||
| Land Cruiser | 108 (13) | |
| Pickup & 4Runner | 69 (7.8) | |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
See also:
• STEERING COLUMN - TILT