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: Removal
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, REMOVAL .
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 .
- Position front wheels straight ahead.
- Disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
- Remove the airbag. Refer to AIR BAG, DRIVER, REMOVAL .
- Disconnect steering wheel electrical connectors and remove the steering wheel bolt (1).
- Slide the steering wheel (2) off the steering column assembly.
- Inhibit rotation of the steering column with adhesive tape/or strap.
- Remove the steering column module. Refer to MODULE, STEERING COLUMN CONTROL (SCCM), REMOVAL
.
- Remove the opening cover (2) and reinforcement. Refer to COVER, STEERING COLUMN OPENING, REMOVAL .
- Remove the knee blocker (if equipped) Refer to AIR BAG, KNEE BLOCKER, REMOVAL
.
- Remove the pinch bolt (3) at the upper intermediate shaft coupling. Separate shaft from coupler.
- Remove front two column mounting bolts (1)
- Support the column and remove the two remaining mounting bolts (1).
- Disconnect electrical connectors for power tilt and telescope motors, if equipped.
- Remove column from the vehicle.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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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