Section 303 (Steering System): Column: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Pickup and 2005 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED. REFER TO RESTRAINTS - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.

Position the front wheels straight ahead .
Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
Remove the two switches from the steering wheel.
Remove the airbag, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL) .
Remove the steering wheel with special tool CJ98-1 or an appropriate steering wheel puller.
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.
Remove the steering column opening cover (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL) .
Remove the tilt lever.

Fig 1: UPPER & LOWER SHROUDS
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - UPPER SHROUD

2 - LOWER SHROUD
Remove the column shrouds (1&2). See Fig 1.
Remove the clock spring, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) .

Disconnect the wiring harness to the column.

Fig 2: SHIFT CABLE CONNECTOR

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - Shift lever

2 - Cable Connection

3 - Overdrive Electrical Wiring

4 - Mounting Screws

Remove the shift cable (2) from the column shift lever actuator (1) (Refer to appropriate AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - SERVICE INFORMATION article). See Fig 2.
Release the shift cable from the column bracket and remove it from the bracket.
Remove the SKIM module in order to disconnect the electrical connector.

Fig 3: COUPLER SHAFT
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - MOUNTING HOLES

2 - COUPLER BOLT HOLE
Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt (2). See Fig 3.

Fig 4: UPPER STEERING COUPLER
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - STEERING COUPLER

2 - PINCH BOLT HOLE
Separate the shaft from the coupler (1). See Fig 4.

Fig 5: MOUNTING HOLES
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - MOUNTING HOLES
Remove the brake light switch and discard (Refer to ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL) .

Remove the four steering column mounting nuts (1). See Fig 5.

Fig 6: STEERING COLUMN

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - Steering Wheel

2 - Key Cylinder

3 - Gear Shift Lever

4 - Steering Column

5 - Tilt Lever Cable

Remove the steering column assembly (4) from the vehicle. See Fig 6.