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.
Universal Joint: Installation
- Before installation, check the universal joint assembly steering. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>Universal Joint>INSPECTION .
- Adjust the tilt position of the steering column to the neutral position.CAUTION: Always place the tilt lever to the lock position after the steering column is adjusted.
- Install the universal joint assembly steering.CAUTION:
- Be sure to align the protrusion section (a) of the column shaft side with the cut out (a) of the serration. If another cut out portions (d) are used for alignment, the bolt of the universal joint assembly steering cannot be assembled.
- Be sure to follow the tightening order and tightening torque of the universal joint assembly steering to avoid the steering effort from becoming heavy. After confirming that the steering column position is in the neutral position, tighten the universal joint assembly steering.
- When tightening the mounting bolts of the universal joint assembly steering, always tighten the gearbox side bolts first.
- Always place the tilt lever to the lock position after the steering column is adjusted.
- Match the alignment marks that have been marked when removing with the column shaft (c) and the cut out portion (a) at the serrations of the yoke (b).
- Connect the universal joint assembly steering with the column shaft.
- Install the universal joint assembly steering to the serrations of the gearbox assembly by matching the alignment marks that have been marked when removing and the cut out portion of the guide (a). (Use the alignment mark only when the guide is not installed.)
- Tighten the bolts on the gearbox side first, and then the column shaft side.
Tightening torque:
24 N.m (2.4 kgf-m, 17.7 ft-lb)
Clearance:
Universal joint assembly steering coupling to adjacent parts: 15 mm (0.59 in) or more
- Unfasten the seat belt and make the steering wheel turn freely.
- Install the under cover front. Refer to Exterior/Interior Trim>Front Under Cover>Installation .
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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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