Steering Lower Shaft Assembly Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Turn steering wheel so that vehicle's front tires are at straight-ahead position.
Turn ignition switch to "LOCK" position and remove key.
Make alignment marks (3) on shaft joint (2) and shaft (column side) for a guide during reinstallation.

Fig 1: Identifying Alignment Marks (3) On Shaft Joint
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
After removing bolt (4) on column (1) side of shaft joint (2) and loosening bolt (5) on its shaft lower assembly (3) side, move shaft joint (2) to shaft lower assembly (3) side (in arrow direction in the figure).

Fig 2: Removing Bolt On Column Side Of Shaft Joint
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Make alignment marks on shaft lower assembly lower joint and pinion shaft for a guide during reinstallation.
Remove shaft lower assembly lower joint bolt (2) and then remove shaft lower assembly (1).
Remove shaft joint bolt (shaft lower assembly side) from shaft joint (3) and then remove shaft joint (3) from shaft lower assembly (1).

Fig 3: Removing Shaft Joint Bolt

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.