Contents: General description and operation of… ↧ Removal the steering wheel ↧ Removal the turn signal switch and… ↧ Removal the Windscreen Wiper/Washer… ↧ Removal the ignition switch and… ↧ Installation ↧
Remove the steering column only in the following cases:
- the steering column needs replacing;
- the steering and ignition lock housing needs to be replaced.
If you need to remove the steering wheel, be sure to use a puller.
Caution! The tilt steering column is not serviceable. If the tilt steering column is defective, the entire steering column must be replaced.
Before you begin removing the steering column, carefully read the information about airbags in the "Vehicle Passive Restraint System" section.
General description and operation of the system
The steering column consists of a steering shaft with cardan joints and a steering wheel. The tilt steering column is equipped with a spherical joint, allowing tilt adjustment. The steering column also contains controls:
- central light and turn signal switch;
- windshield wiper/washer switch;
- ignition switch with control blocking, ignition key blocking and engine immobilizer receiver unit. Ignition and control blocking prevents the possibility of vehicle theft.
In addition to the control function, the steering column also provides, along with the airbag, a safety function, since in the event of a frontal collision it is crumpled and absorbs the impact energy, thereby ensuring the safety of the driver.
Removal the steering wheel
Caution: Always use a puller to remove the steering wheel. Do not attempt to remove it by force or impact.
1. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel. See the "Vehicle Passive Restraint System" section.
2. Disconnect the airbag module connector.
3. Unscrew the steering wheel mounting nut.
4. Remove the retaining clip.
Note: Before removing the steering wheel, mark the steering column shaft and the steering wheel where they connect to ensure proper alignment of the steering wheel when assembling and installing the steering column.
5. Using a puller, remove the steering wheel from the shaft.
6. If necessary, loosen the contact ring on the steering wheel.
Removal the turn signal switch and lever
7. Loosen the screws securing the lower cover of the steering column panel and remove the panel.
8. Remove the screws securing the steering column panel top cover and remove the panel.
9. Disconnect the horn and clock spring connectors.
10. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the clock spring from the steering column.
11. Disconnect the switch electrical connectors.
12. Remove the central light and turn signal switch by pressing inward on the tabs on both sides of the housing.
Removal the Windscreen Wiper/Washer Switch
13. Disconnect the switch electrical connectors.
14. Remove the windshield wiper switch by pressing inward on the tabs on both sides of the switch housing.
Removal the ignition switch and immobilizer control unit
15. Disconnect the electrical connector from the immobilizer control unit.
16. Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the unit.
17. After inserting the key into the ignition switch, turn it to the ACC position and remove the lock cylinder by pressing on the locking spring, for example using a screwdriver, and removing the cylinder.
18. Loosen the ignition switch locking screw.
19. Disconnect the wires and remove the ignition switch.
20. Remove the key lock solenoid mounting screws and pull out the solenoid. Be careful not to lose the key lock solenoid spring.
21. Loosen and remove the steering shaft clamp clamp screw.
22. Unscrew the steering column bracket mounting nuts.
23. Carefully remove the steering column.
Installation
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
When assembling the steering shaft, lubricate its elements with lithium grease. Before installing the steering column, install a new steering shaft centering sleeve.
Tighten the fasteners to the following torques:
- steering shaft clamp clamping screw - 22 Nm;
- steering column bracket mounting nuts - 22 Nm;
- tilt adjustment lever screw - 4 Nm;
- key lock solenoid mounting screws - 2 Nm;
- ignition switch locking screw - 2 Nm;
- ignition switch housing mounting screws - 4 Nm;
- immobilizer control unit mounting screws - 2 Nm;
- clock spring mounting screws - 3 Nm;
- screws for fastening the upper and lower steering column covers - 3 Nm;
- steering wheel mounting nut - 38 Nm;
- airbag module mounting screws - 11 Nm.
(Original version of the article on the website «ChevyMan»)