Remove and replace the steering column assembly, including disconnection from the intermediate shaft and removal of all electrical connections and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column intermediate shaft pinch bolt × 1 — 90119-10973 or equivalent
• Steering column mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Lower dash panel clips × 5 — Have extras available

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, apply parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Turn steering wheel to center position with front wheels pointing straight ahead
3. Use white paint marker to mark the relationship between steering wheel and column, and between intermediate shaft and steering gear input shaft
4. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
5. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal, and wait minimum 90 seconds for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Remove driver's side knee airbag panel if equipped by removing mounting screws
7. Remove lower steering column cover by removing cover screws
8. Remove upper steering column cover
9. Document or photograph all electrical connector positions before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the two side cover caps from the steering wheel. Remove the two Torx screws securing the airbag module. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel and disconnect the electrical connector and horn connector. Set airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area. Mark the steering wheel position on the shaft. Use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Do not strike the shaft with a hammer.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from the work area. Never place face-down as accidental deployment can cause serious injury.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Disconnect the spiral cable (clock spring) connector from the body harness. Disconnect the ignition switch connector. Disconnect the steering angle sensor connector. Disconnect the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) connector if equipped. Disconnect any additional connectors attached to the column (turn signal/wiper stalk, cruise control). Label all connectors if not already documented.
3. 3

   Remove combination switch assembly
   Remove the screws securing the combination switch (turn signal/wiper stalk assembly) to the steering column. Carefully pull the switch assembly away from the column while routing the wiring harness. Set aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Remove ignition lock cylinder assembly
   If replacing the entire column, remove the ignition lock cylinder assembly by removing the mounting bolts. Note the position and routing of the lock cable if equipped with shift interlock. On models with push-button start, remove the ignition switch assembly mounting bolts.
   ⚠Verify torque sequence and installation position from factory service manual as incorrect ignition switch installation can prevent starting or allow key removal while in gear.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access intermediate shaft connection
   Working from inside the vehicle near the pedals, locate the intermediate shaft U-joint connection at the base of the steering column. Clean any dirt or debris from the pinch bolt area. Verify the alignment marks you made during preparation are clearly visible on both the column shaft and intermediate shaft.
6. 6

   Disconnect intermediate shaft
   Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt completely. DO NOT loosen the upper or lower intermediate shaft joints at the firewall or steering rack at this time. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft by pulling downward. Use care not to damage the shaft splines. Secure the intermediate shaft to prevent it from falling or rotating.
   ⚠️Once disconnected, do not allow the intermediate shaft or steering wheel to rotate. Rotating the steering wheel with the shaft disconnected will unspool the clock spring and require replacement or recentering procedure.
   ⚠Inspect the intermediate shaft U-joints for wear, binding, or damage while accessible. Replace if any abnormality is found.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove column mounting bolts
   Locate the four steering column mounting bolts that secure the column bracket to the instrument panel support structure. Support the weight of the steering column with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove all four mounting bolts completely. The column will now be free from the vehicle.
   ⚠The steering column is heavier than it appears. Support it properly to prevent dropping, which could damage the column or instrument panel.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove steering column from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the steering column assembly out of the vehicle through the driver's door opening. Route all wiring harnesses and connectors carefully to avoid snagging. Tilt the column as needed to clear the instrument panel and door opening. Place the removed column on a clean protected work surface.
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare new column
   If installing a used column, verify it is the correct part number for your vehicle and model year. Inspect the new/replacement column for any shipping damage. Transfer any components from the old column to the new column as needed (combination switch, ignition lock, clock spring, etc.). Ensure the new column's shaft is in the centered position and the shaft can telescope and tilt smoothly.
10. 10

    Install new steering column
    Route the new steering column into the vehicle through the driver's door opening. Carefully maneuver it into position, aligning the mounting bracket holes with the instrument panel support. Route all wiring harnesses to their approximate final positions. Do not fully tighten mounting bolts yet - install them finger tight only to allow for alignment adjustment.
11. 11

    Connect intermediate shaft
    Align the steering column shaft splines with the intermediate shaft, referencing the alignment marks made during disassembly. The shafts should align in the same rotational position as before removal. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the column shaft ensuring full spline engagement. Install the new pinch bolt but do not fully tighten yet.
    ⚠Proper alignment is critical. The marks on the shafts must align within 1-2 splines. Misalignment will cause binding and steering wheel off-center condition.
12. 12

    Torque mounting and shaft bolts
    Verify the steering column is properly seated in the mounting bracket and the intermediate shaft is fully engaged. Torque the four steering column mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Then torque the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to specification. Verify there is no binding by rotating the steering shaft slightly by hand.
    ⚠️These are safety-critical fasteners. Use a properly calibrated torque wrench and verify torque values from factory service manual. Over-torquing can strip threads; under-torquing can allow loosening during operation.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall electrical connections and components
    Reconnect all electrical connectors in reverse order of removal: steering angle sensor, EPS connector, ignition switch, clock spring/spiral cable, combination switch connectors. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locked. Reinstall the combination switch assembly and secure with screws. Install the ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly if removed.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route the clock spring connector through the steering wheel center. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and install onto the column shaft. Install the steering wheel nut and torque to specification per service manual (typically 37-44 Nm). Connect the airbag and horn connectors to the airbag module. Align the airbag module to the steering wheel and install the two mounting screws. Install the side cover caps.
    ⚠Verify the clock spring connector is not twisted or pinched before installing the steering wheel.
15. 15

    Reinstall trim and reconnect battery
    Install the upper and lower steering column covers and secure with cover screws. Install the knee airbag panel if equipped. Reconnect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Do not start the vehicle yet.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before proceeding
2. Check that the steering wheel rotates smoothly without binding through full range of motion
3. Verify the tilt and telescoping adjustments operate smoothly if equipped
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the steering column area or footwell

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes after 6-10 seconds. If light stays on, there is a fault in the airbag system that must be diagnosed
• Check that all steering column functions operate correctly: turn signals, wipers, high beams, cruise control, horn
• Start the engine and verify the ignition switch operates normally through all positions
• With the engine running, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary. Listen and feel for any binding, clicking, or abnormal resistance
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed. Verify steering response is normal, wheel is centered when driving straight, and no vibration or noise is present
• After test drive, verify the steering wheel returns to center properly when released from a turn
• If equipped with lane keeping assist or other steering-dependent safety systems, verify they operate normally (may require initialization drive cycle)
• Check for any new warning lights on the instrument cluster. If the steering angle sensor light or EPS light is illuminated, the steering angle sensor may need calibration using a scan tool
• Re-torque all critical fasteners after test drive to verify they have not loosened

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