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 System: Column: Installation
Before servicing the steering column the airbag system must be disarmed. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the airbag and possible personal injury.
Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, INSTALLATION .
Steering column module is centered to the vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in steering column module damage.
Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
Make sure the front wheels are still in the straight ahead position.
- Install the column into the vehicle and lift the column up into place. Loosely install the mounting bolts (1), do not tighten at this time.
- Install the two remaining mounting bolts (1) and tighten all four mounting bolts to 27 N. m (20 ft. lbs.).
- Connect electrical connectors to tilt and telescope motors, if equipped.
- Slide the coupler from the lower intermediate shaft (2) onto the upper intermediate shaft (1) and install a new
coupler bolt (3). Tighten the coupler bolt to 45 N. m (33 ft. lbs.).
- Install the reinforcement and steering column opening cover (2). Refer to MODULE, STEERING COLUMN CONTROL (SCCM), INSTALLATION
.
- Install the hush panel (2) and knee blocker, if equipped Refer to AIR BAG, KNEE BLOCKER, INSTALLATION
.
- Install the steering column module. Refer to MODULE, STEERING COLUMN CONTROL (SCCM), INSTALLATION .
- Install the steering wheel (2) onto the steering column.
- Install a new steering wheel mounting bolt (1) and tighten to 60 N. m (44 ft. lbs.).
- Connect all electrical connectors.
- Install the drivers airbag. Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, INSTALLATION .
- Connect the negative (ground) cable to the battery.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.
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