The tilt and standard column has been designed to be
serviced as an assembly; less wiring (1), switches,
shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column
components can be serviced without removing the
steering column from the vehicle.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer
to Restraints and follow all WARNINGS and CAU-
TIONS.

NOTE: When servicing the steering wheel after
removing the old bolt a new bolt must be used
when installing.

NOTE: When servicing the steering coupler a new
bolt must be used when installing.

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WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDEN-
TAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPE-
CIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTI-
TUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED
IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the park lock slider or link.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not remove
shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will damage the column.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

STEERING COLUMN

If the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployed the column must be inspected. This
inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the column mounting capsules visually and manually
push and pull them to check for separation or fractures. If capsules are fractured or have moved the column MUST
be replaced.

REMOVAL

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING
COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DIS-
ARMED.

REFER

ELECTRICAL

RESTRAINT

SYSTEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE
TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOY-
MENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PER-
SONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to speci-
fication to ensure proper operation of the steering
column.

1. Position the front wheels straight ahead.

2. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the

battery.

3. Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-

STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).

4. Remove the steering wheel (1) with special tool CJ98–1 (2) or an appropriate steering wheel puller.

CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring,
before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.

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19 - 7

5. Remove the steering column (1) opening cover (2)

(Refer

BODY/INSTRUMENT

PANEL/

STEERING

COLUMN

OPENING

COVER

REMOVAL).

6. Remove the steering column opening reinforce-

ment (1).

7. Remove the tilt lever.

8. Remove the upper (1) and lower (3) column

shrouds.

9. Remove the clock spring (2), (Refer to 8 - ELEC-

TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING

REMOVAL).

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