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Usually, a steering column outlives the car. The only reason you would have to replace one is because someone tried to steal your ride, or you tried to install a steering wheel and busted something inside. Sometimes, wiring can catch fire or you break it trying to change the lock barrel. Most of the time, servicing this part requires a dealer or skilled mechanic. Even if you believe you need to replace this part, explore all options before replacing it as this can be a time consuming and dangerous job. You can end up breaking some very expensive and had to find parts if you do this wrong. Take your time and give yourself a day to get this done. As there are many kinds of cars, this how to is going to be generic. You will need a socket set with extensions, a universal joint, as well as screwdrivers and trim removal tools.
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Steps
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Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 15 or 20 minutes before working on it. This is so the airbag can deactivate. If you have a radio with a theftlock system, you might want to unlock it first or you will be taking it to the dealer to fix it. [1] X Research source
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Remove the plastic trim from the steering column.Advertisement
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Remove the hush panels from under the dash. Some are held on with 7mm screws, push fasteners. [2] X Research source
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Remove the knee bolster from under the steering column. These usually pull off and are held in place with clips. Look for screws and be careful as this is plastic.
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Remove the steel backing behind the knee bolster. These are usually held on by several bolts.
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Make sure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead, but do not lock the ignition if it locks the steering column. Loop the seatbelt through the steering wheel instead.
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Remove the pinch bolt from the steering coupler. This is what holds the column to the steering gear. You may have to move the steering wheel to access the bolt. Sometimes this is outside, or inside the vehicle. On many front wheel drive cars with rack and pinion steering, this means dropping the engine cradle 4 inches (10.2 cm) to access it. You may have to peel back a rubber boot to access this as well. Make a note as to how far you had to turn the wheel and return it to the original position after removing the bolt. For example, if you had to turn the wheel 1/2 turn to the right, turn it back 1/2 turn to the left. Use a piece of masking tape or use some other means to keep the wheel from turning after this is disconnected. Turning the wheel too far or losing center can destroy expensive parts.
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Remove any cables or wires from the steering column. Cars with shifters on the column usually have a cable that runs to the transmission and that could be inside or outside the firewall. Unhook this too.
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Most 1989 and newer cars have four 14mm nuts that hold the column to the dash. If your ride has a shifter on the column and the shift indicator is mechanical, you will need to make sure you don't break the cable as you lower the column. If you have one of these, make a mark where the clip goes and remove it before you lower the column. Many of these are parts are NLA (no longer available) from the dealer as these were only made through the late 1990s.
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Carefully remove the column from the vehicle and set aside.
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To install a new column, line it up inside the coupler and fasten it to the dash. The wheel on the new column needs to be pointed straight ahead. If yours had the mechanical shift indicator, install this on the new part before raising it all the way and cinching it up. [3] X Research source
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Install the pinch bolt so it's tight. Reinstall the boot over the coupler.
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Reconnect any cables or wires you disconnected.
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Reinstall the steel backing and the knee bolster.
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Reinstall any trim and the hush panels you removed to access the steering column.
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Reconnect the battery. [4] X Research source
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Make sure the steering operates correctly before taking the car out in traffic. You are responsible for make sure your vehicle is safe to drive.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDoes changing the steer column stop signals from working?Community AnswerYes, if not done properly, or with the wrong part or faulty wiring.
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Tips
- Cover seats and carpeting with old towels to keep grease off of them.Thanks
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Warnings
- Airbag wiring harnesses are always yellow in color. Get rid of any static electricity before touching or disconnecting them. A grounding strap, available from any computer repair shop would be helpful.Thanks
- Most cars built after 1990 have a driver's side airbag and a clock-spring. Make sure the steering column you install stays centered so you don't break the clockspring. These are very expensive and not always available outside of a junkyard.Thanks
- Cars with electronic power steering should be taken to a mechanic or dealer service department.Thanks
- Never work around an airbag with the battery connected. You could be seriously injured or killed.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzG2tvp68mQ
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X9WXBAUx8I
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bZqxHspSB0
- ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/electrical-system/how-to-remove-and-install-a-car-battery/
- https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1105clt-steering-column-installation/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,832 times.
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