Models With Airbag

Fig. 2 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

Removal

Refer to Fig. 2, for component identification.
1. Disarm airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove steering column cover from lower portion of instrument panel, by removing four self-tapping screws.
4. Remove tilt release lever, then the ignition lock cylinder.
5. Remove column shrouds by removing three self-tapping screws from bottom of lower shroud.
6. Remove horn pad and steering wheel assembly.
7. Remove column shift as follows:
a. Disconnect PRNDL cable from lock cylinder housing by removing retaining screw. Remove cable from shift socket.
b. Remove PRNDL cable from retaining hook on bottom of lock cylinder housing.
c. Using suitable punch, remove shift lever retaining pin. Remove shift lever.
7. Disconnect speed control/horn brush wiring connector from main wiring harness.
8. Remove multi-function switch electrical connector and retaining clip from lock cylinder housing by removing two screws.
9. Disconnect warning buzzer, ignition switch from electrical connector.
10. Disconnect steering column angular speed sensor wire connector at cable bracket.
11. Disconnect steering shaft from intermediate shaft. Wire lower end of steering shaft to column housing to prevent rotation of steering shaft.
12. Remove shift cable plastic terminal from column selector lever pivot ball using a screwdriver and prying between plastic terminal and selector lever. Remove shift cable bracket (with shift cable still attached) from lock cylinder housing.
13. Remove vacuum hoses from parking brake release switch. Remove hood release cable grommet from column bracket.
14. While supporting column assembly, unbolt column assembly from steering column support bracket.
15. After removal of four nuts, column should be supported on the rear two studs by push-on clips and must be lowered by forcing the column downward. These clips are assembly aids and do not need to be replaced. When forcing downward, care should be taken to avoid damaging safety slip-clips on steering column.
16. Remove steering column assembly from vehicle.

Installation

1. Carefully raise steering column assembly into position. Push column up on bolts.
2. Hand start column retaining nuts, center column assembly in instrument panel opening and torque four nuts to 20 ft. lbs.
3. Install vacuum hoses on parking brake release switch.
4. Install shift cable bracket (with shift cable attached) to lock cylinder housing and torque attaching nuts to 6 ft. lbs. Snap transmission shift cable terminal to selector lever pivot ball on steering column.
5. Liberally grease to V-shaped steering shaft yoke. Connect steering shaft to intermediate shaft using retainer assembly and two nuts. Ensure V-angle of intermediate shaft fits correctly in steering column yoke. Torque nuts to 20 ft. lbs.
6. Install ignition switch, key warning buzzer, steering sensor electrical connectors.
7. Install multi-function switch to lock cylinder housing and torque attaching screws to 22 inch lbs.
8. Connect speed control/horn brush electrical connector.
9. Install cable as follows:
a. Install PRNDL cable into retaining hook on lock cylinder housing and shift socket.
b. Loosely install PRNDL cable onto lock cylinder housing.
10. Adjust PRNDL cable as follows:
a. On AXOD transmissions, place shift lever in overdrive. A weight of 8 lbs. should be hung on shift selector lever to ensure lever is located firmly against detent.
b. On AXOD transmissions, adjust PRNDL cable until PRNDL indicator completely covers overdrive. then torque hex-head screw to 25 ft. lbs.
c. Cycle shift lever through all positions and check that PRNDL indicator completely covers the proper letter or number.
d. Install shift lever using new lever retaining pin.
11. Install steering wheel and horn pad. Ensure multi-function switch is in neutral before installing steering wheel.
12. Install shrouds with retaining screws and torque to 8 inch lbs.
13. Install tilt release lever with one socket-head capscrew and torque to 8 ft. lbs.
14. Install ignition lock cylinder.
15. Install lower steering column cover with four screws.
16. Reconnect battery ground cable.
17. Rearm airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.