Steering Column: Column: Removal

WARNING: Before servicing the steering column the AIRBAG system must be disarmed. Refer to electrical restraint system for service procedures. Failure to do so may result in accidental deployment of the AIRBAG and possible personal injury.

Position front wheels straight ahead.
Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery
Remove the AIRBAG. (Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).
Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate puller.
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clock-spring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.
Remove the steering column opening cover and knee blocker. (Fig 1).

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Steering Column Opening Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove tilt lever handle (if equipped) from column.
Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
Disconnect the shift cable by unsnapping the shift cable clip from the shift lever and remove from the cable bracket. (Fig 2).

Fig 2: Locating Shift Cable Connector
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the turn signal multi-function switch connector.
Remove remaining electrical connections from the column switches.
Remove upper steering shaft coupler bolt and slide the shaft down. (Fig 3).

Fig 3: Removing Steering Coupler
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove steering column mounting nuts. (Fig 4).

Fig 4: Identifying Mounting Nuts (Typical)
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove column from vehicle.
Remove clockspring, switches and key cylinder, (Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ) & (Refer to LOCK CYLINDER ). (Fig 5).
CAUTION: Failure to follow Restraints procedure for clockspring removal, may damage the clockspring plastic latches.

Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.