How to install steering column
Content
The steering column fails if it makes a clicking sound, feels loose or rough in operation, or if the steering wheel tilt is not fixed.
The steering column connects the steering wheel to the steering gear or rack and pinion steering system. This allows the driver of the car to turn the front wheels with little or no effort.
There are many objects attached to the steering columns, including a shift knob, a turn signal and wiper knob, an alarm button, a tilt lever to move the steering column up or down, and a horn button. Most new steering columns have additional features such as radio tuners and cruise control levers.
Symptoms of a bad steering column include when the column starts making a clicking sound, it loosens in or out, or the steering column tilt is not fixed. The bushings inside the steering column wear out over time, especially when the driver uses the steering wheel as an armrest, putting more pressure on the bushings.
The awning has hinges that hold the tilted steering column. If the hinges are worn, the ignition system encounters more resistance when fired. The airbag lamp could have ignited due to pinched wires inside the column; levers and buttons also wear out with use.
Part 1 of 3. Checking the condition of the steering column
Necessary materials
- flashlight
Step 1: Open the driver's door of the car to access the steering column.. Try moving the steering column.
Step 2: Take a flashlight and look at the shaft and cross under the dashboard.. Make sure the retaining bolt is in place.
Also check that the mounting bolts are in place. Click on the steering column to see if the column moves along the mounting bolts.
Step 3: Test drive the car. During a test drive, check if there is any loosening of the steering column in relation to driving.
In addition, check the correct operation of all functions installed on the steering column.
Step 4: After the test drive, work on tilting the steering column.. If the vehicle is equipped with a tilt system, this helps to check for wear.
Check for worn steering column tilt bushings by tilting and pressing the steering column at the same time.
Part 2 of 3: Steering column replacement
Necessary materials
- SAE hex wrench set/metric
- socket wrenches
- crosshead screwdriver
- flashlight
- flat screwdriver
- Protective gloves
- Ratchet with metric and standard sockets
- Safety glasses
- Torque bit set
- Wheel chocks
Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level, firm surface.. Make sure the transmission is in park (for automatic transmission) or in first gear (for manual transmission).
Step 2: Install wheel chocks around tires.. Engage the parking brake to keep the rear wheels from moving.
Step 3: Open the car hood to disconnect the battery.. Remove the ground cable from the negative battery post by turning off power to the steering column and airbag.
- A warning: Do not connect the battery or attempt to power the vehicle for any reason while removing the steering column actuator. This includes keeping the computer in working order. The airbag will be disabled and may deploy if it is energized (in vehicles with airbags).
On vehicles from the 1960s to the late 1980s:
Step 4: Put on your goggles. The goggles prevent any objects from getting into your eyes.
Step 5: Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are facing forward..
Step 6: Remove the steering column covers. Do this by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Step 7: If the car has a tilt column, unscrew the tilt lever. Disconnect the shift cable from the shift bar.
Step 8: Disconnect the steering column harness electrical connectors.. Pry up the retainer that secures the wiring harness to the steering column.
Step 9: Unscrew the Shaft Coupling Nut. Remove the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the upper intermediate shaft.
Step 10: Mark two shafts with a marker.. Remove the lower and upper nuts or steering column mounting bolts.
Step 11: Lower the steering column and pull it towards the rear of the vehicle.. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering shaft.
Step 12: Remove the steering column from the car..
On cars from the late 90s to the present:
Step 1: Put on your goggles. The goggles prevent any objects from getting into your eyes.
Step 2: Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are facing forward..
Step 3: Remove the steering column covers by removing their screws.. Remove covers from steering column.
Step 4: If the car has a tilt column, unscrew the tilt lever. Disconnect the shift cable from the shift bar.
Step 5: Disconnect the steering column harness electrical connectors.. Pry up the retainer that secures the wiring harness to the steering column.
Step 6: Remove the body control module and bracket from under the steering column.. To do this, unscrew its fixing screws.
Locate the yellow harness from the airbag clock spring and disconnect it from the base control module (BCM).
Step 7: Unscrew the Shaft Coupling Nut. Remove the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the upper intermediate shaft.
Step 8: Mark two shafts with a marker.. Remove the lower and upper nuts or steering column mounting bolts.
Step 9: Lower the steering column and pull it towards the rear of the vehicle.. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering shaft.
Step 10: Remove the steering column from the car..
On vehicles from the 1960s to the late 1980s:
Step 1: Install the steering column in the car. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering shaft.
Step 2. Install the lower and upper mounting nuts or steering column bolts.. Tighten the bolts by hand, then 1/4 turn more.
Step 3: Install the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the upper countershaft.. Screw the shaft coupling nut onto the bolt by hand.
Tighten the nut 1/4 turn to secure it.
Step 4: Insert the belt into the retaining bracket that secures it to the steering column.. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering column harness.
Step 5: Attach the shift cable to the steering column.. If the car had a tilting column, then we screw in the tile lever.
Step 6: Install the covers on the steering column.. Secure the steering column shrouds by installing the mounting screws.
Step 7: Turn the steering wheel to the right and slightly to the left. This ensures that there is no play on the intermediate shaft.
On cars from the late 1990s to the present:
Step 1: Install the steering column in the car. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering shaft.
Step 2. Install the lower and upper mounting nuts or steering column bolts.. Tighten the bolts by hand, then 1/4 turn more.
Step 3: Install the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the upper countershaft.. Screw the shaft coupling nut onto the bolt by hand.
Tighten the nut 1/4 turn to secure it.
Step 4 Locate the yellow wire harness from the airbag clock spring.. Connect it to BCM.
Install the body control module and bracket under the steering column and secure with the machine screws.
Step 5: Insert the belt into the retaining bracket that secures it to the steering column.. Connect the electrical connectors to the steering column harness.
Step 6: Attach the shift cable to the steering column.. If the car had a tilting column, then we screw in the tile lever.
Step 7: Install the covers on the steering column.. Secure the steering column shrouds by installing the mounting screws.
Step 8: Turn the steering wheel to the right and slightly to the left. This ensures that there is no play on the intermediate shaft.
Step 9 Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery post..
Step 10: Tighten the battery clamp firmly. Make sure the connection is good.
- Attention: Since the power is completely depleted, please reset all settings in your car such as the radio, electric seats and power mirrors.
Step 11: Remove the wheel chocks and move them out of the way.. Take all your tools that you used to work.
Part 3 of 3: Test driving a car
Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition.. Start the engine.
Drive your car around the block. Be sure to check the shift cable indicator on the dash for 1960s-late 80s vehicles to make sure it is properly aligned.
Step 2: Adjust the steering wheel. When you return from the test, tilt the steering wheel up and down (if the vehicle is equipped with a tilt steering column).
Make sure the steering column is fixed and does not wobble.
Step 3: Test the horn button and make sure the horn is working.
If your engine won't start, the horn doesn't work, or the airbag light comes on after you replace your steering column, you may need to further diagnose the steering column circuitry. If the problem persists, you should seek the assistance of one of AvtoTachki's certified mechanics, who can replace as needed.
