Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly, including disconnection of the intermediate shaft, electrical connections, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Column mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification if reusing is not recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn steering wheel to center the front wheels in straight-ahead position
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the column shaft with paint marker for reinstallation reference
6. Ensure adequate lighting in footwell and under dash area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the center horn pad by pulling firmly outward to release the retaining clips. Disconnect the horn wire connector. Mark the steering wheel position on the shaft with paint marker. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut, then use a steering wheel puller to draw the steering wheel straight off the shaft. Do not strike the shaft or use excessive force. Store the steering wheel in a safe location where it will not be damaged.
2. 2

   Remove lower dash trim panels
   Remove the lower knee bolster trim panel below the steering column. Locate and remove the fasteners securing the panel - check along the top edge and sides for fasteners. The panel should pull down and away once fasteners are removed. Set aside the panel and hardware. Remove any additional trim pieces that obstruct access to the steering column mounting area.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Locate all electrical connectors on the steering column. These typically include the ignition switch connector, multi-function switch connectors, and any other wiring harnesses. Label each connector with tape and marker indicating its position for reinstallation. Disconnect all connectors by pressing release tabs and pulling straight apart. Note the routing of any wiring harnesses for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove intermediate shaft coupling
   Working in the footwell area near the firewall, locate the intermediate shaft coupling that connects the steering column to the steering gear input shaft. Mark the relationship between the upper and lower shaft sections with paint marker for proper realignment during installation. Remove the coupling bolt that secures the two shafts together. Carefully separate the coupling by sliding the upper shaft up and out of the lower shaft splines. Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate from this point forward.
   ⚠This is the last point where wheel alignment is maintained. Ensure front wheels remain straight and do not rotate the steering wheel after this step.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove column mounting fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting bracket at the instrument panel support structure. The column is typically secured by mounting bolts that pass through the column support bracket into the dash structure. Support the weight of the column with one hand while removing the mounting bolts. There should be multiple bolts securing the column bracket to the dash support beam.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering column assembly
   With all fasteners and connections removed, carefully guide the steering column assembly down and out of the vehicle through the footwell area. Take care not to strike the column shaft against any hard surfaces or allow it to drop. Maneuver the column carefully around the pedal assembly and any remaining trim. Once clear of the vehicle, place the column on a clean, padded surface where it will not be damaged.
7. 7

   Prepare new column for installation
   If installing a replacement column, transfer any necessary components from the old column to the new one as required (unless a complete assembly is being installed). Verify that all electrical connectors on the new column match the vehicle harness connectors. Ensure the new column is in the centered position and that any locking pins or shipping devices are removed per manufacturer instructions.
8. 8

   Install steering column assembly
   Carefully guide the new or serviced steering column into the vehicle through the footwell area, routing it past the pedal assembly and into position at the mounting bracket. Align the column support bracket with the mounting holes in the dash structure. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening. Support the column weight while installing fasteners.
9. 9

   Torque column mounting bolts
   Torque the steering column mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even loading of the bracket. Verify that the column is properly seated against the mounting surface and that there is no binding or interference with surrounding components.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Ensure the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead position and the steering column shaft is centered. Align the paint marks made during disassembly on the upper and lower intermediate shaft sections. Slide the upper shaft onto the lower shaft splines, ensuring full engagement. Install a NEW coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify that the coupling is fully seated and that there is no play or looseness in the connection.
    ⚠️Misalignment of the intermediate shaft will cause incorrect steering wheel position and may damage steering components. Verify alignment marks before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column, matching the labels created during removal. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and that locking tabs are engaged. Route wiring harnesses in their original positions, securing any clips or ties to prevent interference with moving column components or pedals.
12. 12

    Install steering wheel
    Verify that the front wheels are still straight and the column shaft is in the centered position. Align the steering wheel with the paint marks made during removal. Install the steering wheel onto the shaft, ensuring the splines are fully engaged. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to specification. Connect the horn wire connector and reinstall the center horn pad, pressing firmly until retaining clips engage.
13. 13

    Reinstall trim panels
    Reinstall all lower dash trim panels removed during disassembly. Ensure all fasteners are properly installed and that panels fit flush with no gaps or misalignment. Verify that no wiring is pinched between panels and that there is no interference with pedal operation.
14. 14

    Final verification and testing
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify that all indicator lights function properly. Start the engine and verify that the steering operates smoothly through full lock-to-lock motion with no binding, noise, or abnormal feel. Verify proper operation of all steering column-mounted switches including turn signals, wipers, and cruise control if equipped. Check that the horn functions properly.

Reassembly

1. All mounting bolts must be torqued to specification - this is critical for proper steering column collapse function in a collision
2. The intermediate shaft coupling bolt must be replaced with a new bolt and torqued correctly
3. Steering wheel must be centered with wheels straight before and after shaft connection
4. All electrical connections must be fully seated with locking tabs engaged
5. Verify no wiring is pinched or interfering with moving components or pedals

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or abnormal noise
• Verify steering wheel returns to center when released after turning
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead - maximum acceptable misalignment is approximately 5 degrees
• Test all steering column-mounted switches for proper operation (turn signals, wipers, cruise control, horn)
• Verify airbag warning light extinguishes after engine start, indicating proper system function
• Check for any play or looseness in the steering column by attempting to move the wheel up/down and in/out with engine off
• Road test vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper steering response and feel before returning to normal operation

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