Removal & Installation (Grand Vitara, Vitara & XL7)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position and remove key. Remove AIR BAG fuse from air bag fuse holder located under driver's side instrument panel, next to junction/fuse block.
2. Remove instrument panel knee bolster from below steering column. Disconnect ignition switch harness connectors. Make alignment marks on shaft joint and shaft. See Fig 1.
3. On A/T models, remove shift interlock cable bracket mounting screws. Disconnect shift interlock cable from ignition switch (if equipped). Position shift interlock cable away from steering column.
4. On all models, remove steering shaft upper joint bolt. See Fig 2. Loosen steering shaft lower joint bolt. Slide steering shaft joint down, onto lower steering shaft. Remove steering column support mounting bolts.
5. Remove steering column. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 1: Making Alignment Marks On Steering Shaft & Shaft Joint (Grand Vitara, Vitara & XL7)

Courtesy of SUZUKI

Fig 2: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Grand Vitara, Vitara & XL7)

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.