Steering System (Service Information): Column: Installation: Column

WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury.

CAUTION: When handling the steering column use care to avoid holding the column by any part of the tilt/telescope mechanism or by the shaft boot. The column should be held by its mounting bracket and the shaft by the exposed portions.

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

NOTE: New bolts must be used for installation.

Fig 1: Upper Column Mounting Bolts

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1. Position the steering column (2) on the instrument panel and loosely install the upper mounting screws (1).
   Fig 2: Locating Bolt at Lower Part of Column

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2. Firmly slide the steering column upward against the instrument panel and loosely install the pivot bolt and nut (2).
   Fig 3: Upper Column Mounting Bolts

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3. Tighten the steering column upper mounting screws (1) to 30 N.m (22 ft. lbs.).
   Fig 4: Locating Bolt at Lower Part of Column

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4. Tighten the pivot bolt (2) to 30 N.m (22 ft. lbs.).
   Fig 5: Power Steering Column Brace

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5. If equipped with electronic telescoping column, Install the screws (3) fastening the brace (1) to the steering column (2) and support beam bracket. First, tighten mounting screw at the column to 29 N.m (21 ft. lbs.). Then, tighten mounting screw at the support beam to 12 N.m (106 in. lbs.).
   Fig 6: Shaft Retaining Nuts

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   CAUTION: When handling the steering column, care must be taken not to squeeze the boot or distort the seal to the body.
6. Center the boot for the steering column at the bulkhead (2). Install and tighten the two mounting nuts (1) to 7 N.m (62 in. lbs.).
7. Raise and support vehicle.
   Fig 7: Boot Installation Over Shaft Collar

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8. Check and make sure plastic collar (2) on column shaft is engaged in groove within boot (1).
   Fig 8: Shaft Retaining Nuts

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9. Align the pin on the steering shaft with the nut in the lower coupling shaft and slide the steering shaft (3) into the lower coupling (5).
10. Install a NEW  pinch bolt (4). Tighten pinch bolt to 31 N.m (23 ft. lbs.).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Install the steering column wiring harness connector into the holder on the steering column. Make sure the connector is captured in the holder.
13. Install the instrument cluster. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION)
    Fig 9: Roll Top Shroud

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14. Position the roll top shroud (1) and install the four mounting screws.
    Fig 10: LATCH TILT LEVER TO COLUMN

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15. Manual tilt and telescoping columns - Position the manual adjustment handle (2) over the column adjustment pin and rotate the locking tab (3) rearward as shown in Fig 10 latching the handle to the column. Make sure the tab snaps into locked position.
    Fig 11: Remove/Install SCCM

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16. Install the SCCM assembly (1) onto the steering column.
    Fig 12: Locating Access Hole And Set Screw

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17. Tighten the set screw (1) securing the SCCM assembly (2).
    Fig 13: Clockspring Screws

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18. Tighten clockspring screw(s) (1) that were backed out to keep the clockspring from unwinding.
    Fig 14: Reinforcement I/P Steering Column

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19. Install the steering column opening reinforcement (1).
    Fig 15: Steering Column Cover, Wiring Connector & Park Brake Release Cable

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20. Install the steering column opening cover (1).
    Fig 16: Removing/Installing Steering Wheel

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21. Align the spline on the steering wheel hub to shaft.
22. Install the steering wheel (1) and install a NEW  retainer bolt (2). Tighten the bolt to 70 N.m (52 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 17: Removing/Installing Driver Airbag

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23. Install the airbag (3). (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION)
24. Install the negative battery terminal on the battery. It is important that this is performed properly (including calibration of steering angle sensor if equipped with ESP). (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
    CAUTION: If the steering wheel is excessively off-center while driving, outside of Chassis specifications, inadvertent ESP activations may occur on a vehicle so equipped.
25. Test the operation of the horn, lights and any other functions that are steering column operated.