Steering Wheel & Steering Column: Column: Removal

WARNING: 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.

Fig 1: Identifying Exploded View Of Steering Column

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the left lower instrument panel (2) from under the steering column. See BODY .
   Fig 2: Removing Left Lower Instrument Panel From Under Steering Column

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
3. Remove the driver airbag screws (1). See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
   Fig 3: Removing Driver Airbag Screws

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Position the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
5. Remove the steering wheel bolt (1) and remove the steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL  .
   Fig 4: Removing Steering Wheel Bolt & Steering Wheel

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
6. Remove the clockspring screws (1). See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
   Fig 5: Removing Clockspring Screws

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
7. Remove the instrument cluster (1). See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article.
   Fig 6: Removing Instrument Cluster

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
8. Remove the steering lock. See IGNITION LOCK CABLE  .
9. Remove the speed control switch (1). See CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM article.
   Fig 7: Removing Speed Control Switch

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
10. Remove the multifunction switch screws (1-2). See EXTERIOR LIGHTS article.
    Fig 8: Removing Multifunction Switch Screws

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
11. Remove the column trim ring.
12. Remove the pinch bolt (1) attaching the steering column to the steering gear.
    Fig 9: Removing Pinch Bolt

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
13. Remove the lower nuts on the steering column attaching the steering column to the lower mounting surface.
CAUTION: DO NOT use force as the intermediate shaft is sensitive to the effects of side force.
14. Remove the upper bolts (1) on the steering column attaching it to the instrument panel support.
15. Pull the steering column out away from the instrument panel.
    Fig 10: Removing Upper Bolts On Steering Column

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.