Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Steering Column: Removing
- Before removing steering wheel, wheels must be in straight-ahead position.
- Follow safety precautions when working on airbag. Refer to General Information .
- If these measures are not observed, the airbag system may not function properly during vehicle operation!
-- Remove the driver airbag unit. Refer to Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the airbag in the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL WITH AIRBAG .
-- Remove the steering column switch. Refer to [For engine(s) BVJ, BXA, CALA, BKH, BNK, CCAA] Removal and Installation .
Applies to Vehicles with a Power Steering Column
-- Remove the instrument cluster. Refer to [For engine(s) BVJ, BXA, CALA, BKH, BNK, CCAA] Removal and Installation .
-- Remove bolts -Arrows-.
Applies to Vehicles with a Manual Steering Column
-- Remove bolts -arrows A- and remove handle.
Affects All Vehicles
-- Remove the bolts -arrows B and arrows C- and remove the steering column trim.
-- Remove the driver side storage compartment. Refer to Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the seal -2- out of the bulkhead boot and from the universal joint.
-- Remove the boot -3- from the steering gear and the plenum chamber bulkhead.
If the bulkhead boot -3- is damaged, always install a new one.
-- Remove the bolt -1- and remove the universal joint from the steering gear pinion.
An assembly aid is required so that the upper and lower sections of the steering column do not pull apart when removing the steering gear.
If the upper and lower sections of the steering column are pulled too far apart or pushed too close together, the splines separate.
There may be rattling later if the splines are not in their original installation position.
-- Secure the universal joint -2- with a cable tie -A- to the steering column -1-.
-- Disconnect the connector on the left side of the steering column -arrow-.
-- Disconnect the connector on the right side of the steering column -2-.
-- Release and remove the bracket -1-.
Vehicles with Electrical Height Adjustment
-- Disconnect the connectors (quantity 2) for the electric steering column height adjustment on the left side and remove from the steering column.
Continuation for All Vehicles
-- Remove the bolts -1, 2 and 3- and remove the steering column.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.