Steering Column: Column: Removal

Position front wheels straight ahead.
Remove and isolate the negative ground cable from the battery.

NOTE: If equipped with cruise control, disconnect clock spring harness from the cruise switch harness on the steering wheel.

Remove the airbag, see AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.

CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel.

Fig 1: Removing Steering Wheel

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Remove the steering wheel with an appropriate puller.
Turn ignition cylinder to the on position and remove cylinder by pressing release through lower shroud access hole. See LOCK CYLINDER .

Fig 2: Releasing Lock Cylinder
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove knee blocker cover and knee blocker.
Remove screws from the lower column shroud and remove the shroud.

Fig 3: Removing & Installing Shroud
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the steering coupler bolt and column mounting nuts then lower column off the mounting studs.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Column Mounting Bolts & Nuts
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove upper column shroud. See Fig 3.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, remove shifter interlock cable from the column. See GEARSHIFT CABLE in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 30RH - OVERHAUL article.

Fig 5: Disconnecting & Removing Column Wiring Harness

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Disconnect and remove the wiring harness from the column.
Remove column.
Remove clock spring, switches, (SKIM if equipped). See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article for removal procedures.

Fig 6: Removing Clock Spring
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.