Note: A bolt extractor is required. When installing the steering column, use a new shear bolt and (where applicable) new self-locking nut. Please note that on models equipped with airbags, two additional racks are installed between the steering column and the central floor tunnels.
Removing
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
3. Working in the driver's footwell, remove the lower trim panel.
4. On tilt steering models, move the steering column to the fully raised position, then unscrew the adjuster lever.
5. For better access, remove the steering wheel as described in Chapter 30.
6. Remove, using a screwdriver as a lever, the screw covers from the front side of the casings of the steering column, then remove the screws securing the casings.
7. Remove the three mounting screws from the reverse side of the lower casing of the steering column, then remove both casings.
8. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the ignition switch and the switches for backlighting the ignition switch and wiper. Disconnect the horn key wires from the lock casing.
9. On models with a fixed position of a steering column wring out fixing brackets of switches of illumination of the lock of ignition and screen wiper and take switches. On tilt steering models, remove the two screws securing the ignition switch/wiper switch assembly to the steering column and remove the assembly.
10. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the "II".
11. Insert a thin rod into the hole in the lock case, press it to release the latch spring, and remove the lock cylinder using the key (see illustration).
12. Working at the lower end of the steering shaft, loosen and remove the top pinch bolt securing the steering shaft to the flexible coupling.
13. Loosen and remove the bolt securing the steering column to the dashboard mounting bracket (see illustration).
14. Remove two bolts from the upper bracket of the steering column. The right bolt is shear type, it must be tapped, drilled and removed with a special bolt remover. On the left side, a regular bolt or self-locking nut is used.
15. Remove the steering column assembly into the vehicle interior, then remove it from the vehicle. Handle the steering column carefully, avoiding any shocks and impacts that could damage the deformable section of the steering column housing.
16. If required, move the steering column as described in Chapter 34.
Installation
17. Make sure the wheels are still in the straight ahead position and the top flex coupling pinch bolt is horizontal on the steering shaft.
18. New steering column assembly purchased for replacement has a large plastic washer installed at the base of the steering column tube. This washer is used to center the shaft in the pipe and must be removed after installation is complete.
19. Establish a steering column into place and put on an elastic coupling. Install the tie bolt, but do not fully tighten it at this stage.
20. Install the top mount bolts using a new shear bolt and (where applicable) new self-locking nut.
21. Install the bolt that secures the steering column to the dashboard bracket and tighten it with the tightening force specified in the Specifications.
22. Tighten the top mounting bolts. Tighten the shear bolt until its head breaks off, regular bolt or self-locking nut (depending on the model) must be clamped with tightening force, regulated specifications.
23. Pull the steering shaft up to the bearing stop, then tighten the upper flex coupling pinch bolt
24. Remove, using a Screwdriver as a lever, the plastic center washer from the base of the steering column tube and steering shaft.
25. Further installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Install the steering wheel as described in Chapter 30.
26. Finally, test drive a route with several turns and check that the steering mechanism is working properly.
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