Tilt Steering Column: Reassembly

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Reassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: When using a vise, do not overtighten it.
  1. Coat parts indicated by arrows with molybdenum disulfide lithium base grease. See Figure.
  2. Install the tilt lever with a new tilt lever lock shaft.

    Torque: 9.0 N.m (90 kgf.cm, 78 in. lbf) 

  3. Install main shaft assembly:
      NOTE: Do not bend the universal joint of the shaft assembly more than 20°.

      Hold the main shaft assembly with your hand so that it does not rotate.

    1. Install the main shaft collar, main shaft bushing, compression spring and spring retainer.
    2. Install a new No. 2 steering column ring to the main shaft assembly.
    3. Install SST to the main shaft assembly, as shown in Fig 1. SST 09612-07010.
      Fig 1: Installing SST To Main Shaft
      G01102367Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    4. Using SST, push down the No. 2 steering column ring until it fits into the shaft groove and install the main shaft assembly.
  4. Install steering column upper tube with main shaft assembly:
    1. Install the steering column upper tube with the main shaft assembly into the column tube assembly.
    2. Install the tilt spring and spring guide.
      Fig 2: Installing Steering Bolts
      G01102368Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    3. Using a vise to hold the steering column upper tube.
    4. Temporarily install 2 new No. 2 tilt steering bolts.
    5. Using a punch and a hammer, tap in the No. 2 tilt steering bolt.
    6. Using a pin punch, stake on 3 places evenly around the hole as shown in Fig 3.
      Fig 3: Staking Steering Bolts
      G01102369Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. Install turn signal bracket:
    1. Install the turn signal bracket with 2 new Torx screws.
      Fig 4: Locating Turn Signal Bracket Torx Screws & Alignment Hole
      G01102370Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      Torque: 7.5 N.m (75 kgf.cm, 65 in. lbf) 

      NOTE: Set the hole of the turn signal bracket and projection of steering column upper tube.
    2. Install the tension spring.
  6. W/Column shift, install shift lever housing:
    1. Install the shift lever housing with 3 new Torx screws.

      Torque: 10 N.m (100 kgf.cm, 7 ft.lbf)  .

    2. Install the shift lever with a new Torx screw.

      Torque: 11 N.m (110 kgf.cm, 8 ft.lbf)  .

    3. Install the shift lock solenoid bracket with 2 new Torx screws.

      Torque: 3.4 N.m (35 kgf.cm, 30 in. lbf)  .

    4. Install the shift lock switch with a new Torx screw.

      Torque: 2.8 N.m (29 kgf.cm, 25 in. lbf)  .

  7. Install column upper bracket:
    1. Install the column upper bracket with 2 new tapered-head bolts.
    2. Tighten the tapered-head bolts until the bolt heads break off.
      Fig 5: Installing Tapered-Head Bolts
      G01102371Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  8. W/Column shift, install shift lock control ECU and connect the 3 connectors.
  9. Install the key cylinder lamp assembly with screw.
  10. W/Engine immobilizer system, install transponder key coil.
RENDER: 1.0x

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.