Note. On models equipped with a driver's airbag, the appropriate safety precautions must be observed (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment).
Removing
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Remove the steering wheel (see Section Removal and installation of a steering wheel).
3. Remove the combined shift paddles from the top of the steering column (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment).
4. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the horn contacts on the holder of the steering column switches.
5. Gently prying off the ignition/steering lock trim from the instrument panel.
6. With the appropriate configuration, bend back the carpet, then give the screw and nut of the trim casing of the base of the steering column in order to provide access to the lower cardan joint of the intermediate shaft.
7. Mark the position of the intermediate shaft lower cardan joint relative to the steering rack drive gear with paint or marker, then remove the joint assembly pinch bolt.
8. Turn out the top bolts of fastening of a column...
... try to remember the installation positions of the spacers and rubber pads. Remove the mounting clamp.
9. Turn out the lower fixing bolts, remove remote washers and rubber pillows, then slightly lower a column for the purpose of providing access to the ignition lock. Remembering the order of connecting the connectors, disconnect the electrical wiring of the lock...
... on models equipped with an immobilizer, carefully release the sensor ring from the lock housing and move it away from the steering column.
10. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering rack drive gear and remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.
11. Check the condition of the dispenser supports, if there are signs of wear or deformation, make the necessary replacements. Estimate tightness of landing of a steering shaft in plugs of a column. Check the condition of the cardan joints and the correct functioning of the bearings of the crosses. In case of detection of defects in the shaft bushings or universal joints, it is necessary to carry out the restoration repair of the column (see Section Steering column overhaul).
Installation
1. Having achieved the alignment of the landing marks applied during the dismantling process, enter the intermediate shaft into engagement with the teeth of the rack and pinion drive gear.
2. Referring to the marking applied during dismantling, connect the electrical wiring to the ignition switch. If equipped, snap the immobilizer sensor ring into place.
3. Having followed the correct installation of the spacers and rubber pads, seat the steering column on the lower supports. Screw in the lower mounting bolts, then install the upper support clamp (re-check the correct assembly of the components) and tighten it with bolts. Make sure the speaker is in the correct position, then tighten all fasteners to the correct torque.
4. Reinstall the intermediate shaft lower universal joint pinch bolt and tighten to specification. If equipped, install the column base trim by firmly tightening the mounting screw and nut.
5. Further assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Pay attention to the following points:
- a) Make sure that the electrical wiring is laid correctly and the harnesses are securely fastened in all provided intermediate clamps;
- b) The procedure for installing the steering wheel is described in Section Removal and installation of a steering wheel;
- c) Make sure there is a small gap between the steering wheel and the upper casing before installing the lower column casing. If necessary, correct the gap by loosening the clamp on the steering column switch holder.