Section 57 (Steering Column): Column: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. 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 AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM IN RESTRAINTS ARTICLE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Position front wheels straight ahead.
Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
Remove the airbag, (Refer to DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE article ).
Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate puller.
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clock-spring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/ clockspring.
Remove the steering column opening cover and knee blocker. (Refer to STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER ) (Fig 1 ).

Fig 1: Removing Steering Column Opening Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove tilt lever handle (if equipped) from column.
Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
Disconnect the shift cable by unsnapping the shift cable clip from the shift lever and remove from the cable bracket. (Fig 2 )

Fig 2: Disconnecting Shift Cable Connector
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the turn signal multi-function switch connector.
Remove remaining electrical connections from the column switches.
Remove upper steering shaft coupler bolt and slide the shaft down.
Remove steering column mounting nuts (Fig 3 ).

Fig 3: Removing Steering Column Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove column from vehicle.
Remove clockspring, switches and key cylinder, (Fig 4 ) (Refer to CLOCKSPRING ) & (Refer to KEY CYLINDER ).
CAUTION: Failure to follow Restraints procedure for clockspring removal, may damage the clockspring plastic latches.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Column
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.