Steering Column

This article has been updated by TSB# 06-02-35-019 dated August 28,2006.


Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Caution: Refer to SIR Handling Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Air Bag Systems.
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement





4. Disconnect the electrical connectors (3) from the multifunction switch (1).
5. Remove the driver's insulator panel.





6. Remove the upper pinch bolt (3) from the intermediate shaft (4).





7. Remove the 2 screws (2) and the lap air duct (1) from the instrument panel.





8. Remove the steering column lower mounting bolts (3).
9. Remove the steering column upper mounting bolts (1).

Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections that maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, refer to Steering Wheel Replacement. Under no condition should the end of the shaft be hammered on, as hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

10. Remove the steering column (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Caution: in order to ensure the Intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and In order to avoid personal Injury to the driver, perform the following:

- Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

- Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.





1. Install the steering column (2) in the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the steering column upper mounting bolts (1).
Tighten the bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the steering column lower mounting nuts (3).
Tighten the bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).





4. Install the lap air duct (1) and screws (2).
Tighten the screws to 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.).


5. Install the upper thru bolt (3) to the intermediate shaft (4).
Tighten the bolt to 62 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the drivers insulator panel.





7. Connect the electrical connectors (3) to the multifunction switch (1).
8. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement
9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System under Air Bag Systems.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.