Steering column – removal and installation

Warning: These models are equipped with airbags. Always disable the airbag system whenever working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental airbag deployment, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).

Removal

1. Park the vehicle with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Disconnect the cable (s) from the negative battery terminal(s) (see Engine electrical systems). Wait at least two minutes before pro­ceeding (to allow the backup power supply for the airbag system to become depleted).

2. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).

3. Remove the steering wheel and the clockspring (Steering wheel – removal and installation), then turn the ignition key to the LOCK position to prevent the steering shaft from turning. Caution: If this is not done, the airbag clockspring could be damaged. Note: Some automatic trans­mission models may not be equipped with an internal locking shaft. Remove the airbag clockspring to prevent accidental damage (06).

4. On models with a column-mounted shifter, detach the shift cable from the shift lever on the column. Also detach the electrical connector (see Automatic transmission). On models with a floor-mounted shifter, release the shift cable from its clip.

5. Unplug any other electrical connectors that would interfere with column removal.

6. Remove the brake light switch.

7. Remove the shaft coupler bolt (securing the steering shaft to the intermediate shaft) (see illustration). Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering shaft. Note: The manu­facturer recommends that this bolt be replaced with a new one whenever it’s removed.

17.7 Remove the steering shaft coupler bolt

RAM Trucks Remove the steering shaft coupler bolt

8. Remove the steering column mounting nuts, lower the column and pull it to the rear, making sure nothing is still connected.

Installation

9. Guide the steering column into position and install the mounting nuts, but don’t tighten them yet.

10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Install a new coupler bolt, then tighten the nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.

11. Tighten the column mounting nuts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.

12. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Adjust the shift cable following the procedures described in Automatic transmission.