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Subject: Re: Heater Core repair - III. Removing the steering column Author: davidsoine : member since September, 2004 : 870 posts Posted on: 2004-09-06 20:00:05

2. Tips: Removing the steering column

The intermediate shaft (the one that passes throught the dash) telescopes, and when the pinch bolt holding it to the column is removed it slides forward and out of the way. Have the steering pointed straight ahead, and find a way to mark the splined fitting so that it can be aligned properly upon re-assembly. I used paint & was fairly lucky.

I chose to leave the steering wheel in place and removed it and the column in one piece. Read the Service instructions about Airbag Safety. Once the I-shaft is disconnected make sure the key is removed and let the steering wheel lock in place. DO NOT spin the wheel - you want to rotate it as little as possible over the whole procedure, trust me on this. Don't unplug anything from the wheel - just unplug the connectors at the column.




The breakaway-head bolt must be removed as discussed earlier. Put a dropcloth down to catch all the chips/mess.

Take some pictures of the wire routing around the column & to the support structure.


The top 2 bolts holding the column in place, when loose, allow the column to move from side-to-side, so take a look at how it is aligned before loosening them.

The column and wheel are fairly heavy - be ready and make sure all the wiring/cable/etc is disconnected prior to removal.

We're not done yet!,

Dave

• Heater Core repair - I. general info (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 14:57:36 (15134 views)
  • More followup info (url) - DavidC 2005-04-09 02:43:33 (1230 views)
  • you are one brave man. good work. (nt) - LA-Sean 2004-09-07 01:59:26 (758 views)
    • Indeed, the photos are very graphic. Serious surgery. (nt) - islandbeef 2004-09-07 14:19:00 (882 views)
  • Phenomenal!! Thanks! What was your symptoms that lead to the heater core? (nt) - silber98 2004-09-06 22:31:13 (1073 views)
    • Symptom: Coolant smell when the heat cycled on, esp. Defrost (m) - davidsoine 2004-09-07 10:08:39 (1139 views)
  • Re: Heater Core repair - II. Removing the console (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 19:22:13 (3062 views)
    • Re: Heater Core repair - III. Removing the steering column (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 20:00:05 (2069 views)
      • Re: Heater Core repair - IV. Removing the 'left support' (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 20:14:43 (1760 views)
        • Re: Heater Core repair - V. HVAC cover, heater hoses & pipes (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 20:30:44 (2367 views)
          • Bravo! This is a perfect example of how to document a project - DavidC 2004-09-06 21:49:02 (859 views)
            • The leaking joints were... (m) - davidsoine 2004-09-07 10:18:02 (1011 views)
          • Re: Heater Core repair - VI. Re-assembly (pic) - davidsoine 2004-09-06 20:46:54 (2146 views)
            • Absolutely Beautiful, Well done - thanks!! (nt) - WTH 2004-09-06 21:04:46 (682 views)
              • My goodness, very impressive! - M.Wong 2004-09-07 00:29:23 (669 views)
  • This is great information David. - farnarkler 2004-09-06 18:56:45 (594 views)