Removal Procedure
NOTE:
Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which 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. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure in this section.
- Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
- Turn the ignition switch to the lock position and remove the key.
- Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using J 42640 .
- Remove the upper intermediate shaft to lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
- Remove the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear input shaft pinch bolt.
- Disconnect the lower intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
- Remove the lower intermediate shaft from the vehicle.
NOTE:
The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.
IMPORTANT:
Note the relationship of the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear and the intermediate shaft to the steering column in order to ensure proper installation.