Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position and lock the steering column.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Disengage the intermediate steering shaft boot from the steering gear and from the intermediate steering shaft upper seal.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt (1). Discard the bolt.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
- Remove the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side .
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt (1). Discard the bolt.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft (2) from the steering column shaft.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft upper seal (3) from the dash panel.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the vehicle.
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Spreading both ends of the new or removed intermediate steering shaft while out of the vehicle will help with the installation.