Steering Column Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
1. Position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Remove lower steering column cover and trim panel mounting screws, then disconnect park brake release cable from handle while removing cover and trim panel.
3. Remove bolts retaining trim panel and cover liner to instrument panel, then remove liner panel.
4. Remove ignition key from lock, then turn steering to left until steering lock engages.
5. Remove air bag module mounting bolts, lift air bag from steering wheel, then disconnect clock spring unit wiring harness from air bag igniter, horn switch and if installed, speed control switches. Note position and routing of harness for later assembly.

Fig 10 Exploded View Of Steering Column:

6. Remove steering wheel retaining nut, then remove damper plate. Note position of damper plate for later assembly. Do not attempt to jar loose steering wheel by striking steering shaft, damage to internal components may result.
7. Remove steering wheel using puller tool No. CJ-0.001JP, or equivalent. Do not thread puller bolts into steering wheel more than 1/2 inch, if this dimension is exceeded damage to clock spring unit may result.
8. Remove screws from lower steering column shroud, then carefully pry upper and lower covers apart and remove shrouds.
9. Disconnect connector from clock spring unit, then remove clock spring unit. Do not rotate clock spring unit after removal from multi-function switch.
10. Disconnect connector from multi-function switch, then remove mounting screw and lift switch from steering column.
11. Remove remaining electrical connectors from steering column components.
12. On models with three speed non-electronic transmissions, disconnect shift indicator cable end from gear selector unit of steering column.
13. On all models, pry transmission shift cable end from gear selector unit of steering column.
14. Remove gear selector cable mounting bracket and cable from steering column.
15. Remove instrument panel trim bezel by removing two screws then releasing two clips.
16. Remove steering column fixed shroud, access two mounting screws from top side of shroud.
17. Disconnect steering column shaft from intermediate shaft by removing coupler pinch bolt retaining pin, then pinch bolt.
18. Loosen but do not remove washer/nuts retaining lower steering column mounting bracket.
19. Remove washer/nuts retaining upper steering column mounting bracket.
20. Remove steering column from vehicle by sliding column rearward off lower mounting bracket studs.

INSTALLATION
1. Ensure steering column upper mounting bracket plastic capsules are fully installed with thick edge of capsule up.
2. Slide lower steering column mounting bracket into place onto studs with washer/nuts loosely installed, then align upper bracket to studs and install washer/nuts.
3. Torque washer/nuts to 105 inch lbs. Do not overtighten steering column mounting washer/nuts. If these are overtightened, steering column may not perform properly during a collision.
4. Install steering column coupler to intermediate shaft, then install pinch bolt.
5. Torque pinch bolt to 20 ft. lbs. Ensure retaining clip is installed after nut is tightened.
6. Install gear selector cable onto pin of gear selector unit, then install cable mounting bracket.
7. On models with non-electronic three speed transmissions connect shift indicator cable to gear selector unit.
8. On all models, install steering column fixed shroud, then install instrument trim bezel.
9. Install wiring connectors to ignition switch and ignition switch light.
10. Install multi-function switch, connect electrical connector.
11. Install clock spring unit to multi-function switch, connect electrical connector. Ensure clock spring is properly centered as outlined under "Air Bag Systems."
12. Install lower, then upper shrouds to steering column.
13. Align and install steering wheel to shaft and clock spring unit. Route clock spring unit wiring as noted during disassembly.
14. Position steering wheel damper as noted during disassembly, then install retaining nut, torque to 45 ft. lbs. Do not attempt to install steering wheel by driving it into place. Wheel should be positioned by pulling into place with retaining nut only.
15. Connect clock spring wiring to air bag ignitor, horn and if installed, speed control switches.
16. Install air bag module, routing wiring as noted during disassembly, then torque mounting nuts to 100 inch lbs.
17. Install steering column trim cover liner, securely tightening ten bolts.
18. Connect park brake release cable to handle in trim cover, then install trim cover.
19. Install remaining covers.
20. Connect battery ground cable, check function of all switches and road test vehicle for steering wheel alignment.