Spark

Steering Column Replacement

Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilising steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

Caution: Once the steering column is removed from the car, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column on its end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the column's collapsible design. If it is necessary to remove the steering wheel, use only the specified steering wheel puller. Under no conditions should the end of the shaft be hammered upon as hammering could loosen plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.

1. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) lower trim pad cover. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement .



2. Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt and disconnect the shaft from the steering column.
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
4. Remove the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement .
5. Remove the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement .
6. Disconnect electrical connectors as needed.

Note: Install tie straps between the tilt lever bracket and the base of the steering column to prevent the steering column jacket from pulling apart. The tilt lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position during the steering column removal and installation to ensure that the tilt lever bracket remains rigid. Also install tie straps around the tilt lever and the steering column jacket to keep the tilt lever in the LOCK position. Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket.

7. Install tie straps as described above.



8. Remove and DISCARD the steering column nuts (1).
9. Remove the steering column.

Note: 

•	Start all nuts by hand before finalising any torques.

•	Do not bend the steering column energy absorbing straps located on the upper steering column mounting bracket during installation.

1. Install the steering column (1).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




2. Install the NEW steering column nuts and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

Warning: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid personal injury to the driver, perform the following:

•	Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this can damage the steering column.

•	Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could affect the steering column collapse.

3. Remove the tie straps.
4. Connect any electrical connectors as needed.
5. Install the steering column upper trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement .
6. Install the steering column lower trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement .
7. Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement .
8. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.
9. Install the intermediate steering shaft upper bolt and tighten to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).
10. Remove the I/P lower trim pad cover. Refer to Steering Column Opening Filler Replacement .