Putting in a steering column isn’t any simple process, however it’s a obligatory restore that you are able to do your self. In case you are not comfy working in your automotive, you need to take it to a mechanic. Nonetheless, in case you are up for the problem, comply with these steps to switch your steering column.
First, it is advisable disconnect the battery. This may stop any electrical shorts from occurring when you are working. Subsequent, it is advisable take away the steering wheel. To do that, you will want to make use of a steering wheel puller. As soon as the steering wheel is eliminated, you will want to take away the flip sign lever and the wiper swap. These are normally held in place by screws. As soon as these are eliminated, you can begin to take away the steering column.
To take away the steering column, you will want to make use of a socket wrench to take away the bolts that maintain it in place. As soon as the bolts are eliminated, you possibly can rigorously pull the steering column out of the automotive. Watch out to not injury the wiring harness. As soon as the steering column is eliminated, you possibly can set up the brand new one. To do that, merely reverse the steps that you just took to take away the outdated one. As soon as the brand new steering column is put in, you possibly can reconnect the battery and check the steering.
Security Precautions
Earlier than you start working in your steering column, you will need to take some security precautions. These precautions will assist to guard you from damage and injury to your automobile.
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Disconnect the battery
Step one is to disconnect the battery. This may stop any electrical shocks or sparks that might trigger a hearth. To disconnect the battery, merely use a wrench to loosen the unfavourable terminal nut and take away the cable. As soon as the unfavourable terminal is disconnected, you possibly can proceed to the following step.
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Set the parking brake
As soon as the battery is disconnected, you need to set the parking brake. This may stop the automobile from rolling when you are engaged on it. To set the parking brake, merely pull the lever up till it clicks into place.
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Put on eye safety
When working in your steering column, you will need to put on eye safety. This may shield your eyes from flying particles or mud. To put on eye safety, merely placed on a pair of security glasses or goggles.
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Use correct instruments
When working in your steering column, you will need to use correct instruments. This may assist to forestall injury to the steering column or your automobile. To make use of correct instruments, merely seek the advice of your proprietor’s guide or a trusted mechanic.
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Observe directions rigorously
When working in your steering column, you will need to comply with directions rigorously. This may assist to make sure that the job is completed accurately and safely. To comply with directions rigorously, merely learn and perceive the entire directions earlier than you start working.
Getting ready the New Steering Column
Earlier than putting in the brand new steering column, it is essential to arrange it correctly to make sure a clean and trouble-free operation.
1. Examine and Check the Column
Rigorously examine the steering column for any seen injury or imperfections. Confirm that each one the parts, such because the shaft, joints, and bearings, are shifting freely and easily. If obligatory, carry out a bench check to make sure correct performance and electrical connectivity.
2. Clear and Lubricate Elements
Clear the steering column utilizing an appropriate solvent to take away any filth or grease. Lubricate all shifting elements, together with the shaft, joints, and bearings, with a high-quality grease. This may assist stop put on and guarantee clean operation.
3. Confirm Wiring Harness Compatibility
Evaluate the wiring harness of the brand new steering column to the prevailing one in your automobile. Make sure that all of the connectors match and are appropriate. If any modifications are required, seek the advice of the producer’s directions or search skilled help.
4. Alter Steering Column Place
Earlier than putting in the steering column, alter its peak and attain to the specified ergonomic place. Use the adjustment mechanisms on the column to make sure a snug and secure driving expertise.
5. Safe Unfastened Elements
Determine and safe any free parts, akin to bolts, screws, or nuts, on the steering column. Use acceptable instruments to tighten them to the required torque values. Double-check the tightness of all connections to forestall rattling or motion throughout operation. Sometimes, these parts may be grouped into the next classes:
| Element | Advisable Torque Worth |
|---|---|
| Steering Shaft Bolts | 20-30 ft-lbs |
| Common Joint Nuts | 15-20 ft-lbs |
| Steering Column Bracket Screws | 10-15 ft-lbs |
Tightening and Securing the Steering Column
7. Examine and Tighten Bolts
Examine all bolts connecting the steering column to the automobile. Guarantee they’re correctly tightened to the required torque values. Use a torque wrench to attain exact tightening. Check with the automobile’s service guide for the proper torque specs.
| Bolt Location | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Higher Steering Column Bolt | 30-40 |
| Decrease Steering Column Bolt | 40-50 |
| Steering Wheel Bolt | 20-25 |
As soon as all bolts are tightened, recheck their tightness to make sure correct set up. If any bolts really feel free, tighten them additional till they attain the required torque.
Reconnecting Electrical Elements
Now that the steering column is bodily put in, it is time to reconnect {the electrical} parts.
1. Ignition Swap
Find the ignition swap connector and thoroughly align it with the swap. Guarantee a safe connection by urgent it firmly into place.
2. Flip Sign Swap
Reconnect the flip sign swap connector to its respective port on the column. Examine that the connector is totally seated and locked.
3. Wiper Swap
Find the wiper swap connector and join it to the designated port on the column. Guarantee a good match by pushing it in till a click on is heard.
4. Headlight Swap
Reconnect the headlight swap connector to its port on the column. Push it in securely to ascertain a dependable connection.
5. Cruise Management
In case your automobile has cruise management, find its connector and plug it into the suitable port on the column. Guarantee a comfortable connection by urgent down firmly.
6. Airbag Module
Reconnect the airbag module connector to its designated port on the column. Be sure the connection is safe and the airbag gentle indicator is turned off.
7. Column Shifter
For autos with a column shifter, reconnect the shifter cable to its port on the column. Alter the alignment as wanted and safe it with the supplied bolts.
8. Wiring Harness
Rigorously wrap the wiring harness across the steering column and safe it with zip ties or electrical tape. Guarantee there are not any free or uncovered wires that might intrude with the column’s operation.
Word: For particular particulars concerning the situation of connectors and ports, seek advice from your automobile’s service guide.
Testing the Steering Column
As soon as the steering column is put in, it is essential to check its performance earlier than driving the automobile. This is an in depth step-by-step information to testing the steering column:
1. Examine the Steering Wheel Vary of Movement
Rotate the steering wheel totally backward and forward to make sure there are not any restrictions or binding. The wheel ought to flip easily with none extreme resistance.
2. Check for Steering Wheel Vibration
Drive the automobile on a straight street at completely different speeds and examine for any vibrations within the steering wheel. Extreme vibration could point out issues with suspension, tires, or different parts.
3. Examine for Steering Wheel Alignment
Use a ruler or spirit degree to measure the gap from the underside of the steering wheel rim to the middle of the passenger seat body. This measurement must be exactly the identical on either side.
4. Check for Steering Wheel Tilt and Telescoping
If the steering column has adjustable tilt and telescoping options, alter the wheel to your most popular place and ensure that it stays in place when driving.
5. Examine for Flip Sign and Headlight Operation
Interact the flip alerts and headlights to make sure they’re functioning accurately. Examine for correct illumination and swap operation.
6. Check for Cruise Management Performance
In case your automobile has cruise management, check its performance by setting a desired velocity and checking that the automobile maintains that velocity on a straight street.
7. Examine for Horn Performance
Press the horn button to make sure that the horn sounds on the acceptable quantity and doesn’t sound repeatedly.
8. Examine for Wiper Performance
Check the windshield wipers by working them at varied speeds. Examine that the wipers clear the windshield successfully in any respect speeds.
9. Examine for Steering Help Performance
In case your automobile has digital steering help, check its performance by driving round corners at completely different speeds. The steering effort ought to fluctuate noticeably with the help system engaged.
10. Examine for Steering Column Leaks and Noises
Examine the steering column for any fluid leaks or uncommon noises. In case you discover any leaks or noises, seek the advice of a professional mechanic for additional analysis and restore.
Learn how to Set up a Steering Column
Putting in a steering column is a fancy process that requires specialised instruments and data. In case you are not comfy engaged on autos, it’s best to go away this job to an expert mechanic. Nonetheless, in case you are assured in your talents and have the required instruments, comply with these steps to put in a steering column:
- Disconnect the unfavourable battery terminal.
- Take away the steering wheel.
- Take away the higher and decrease steering column covers.
- Disconnect {the electrical} connectors from the steering column.
- Take away the bolts that maintain the steering column in place.
- Rigorously decrease the steering column out of the automobile.
- Set up the brand new steering column within the reverse order of removing.
- Tighten the bolts that maintain the steering column in place.
- Reconnect {the electrical} connectors to the steering column.
- Set up the higher and decrease steering column covers.
- Set up the steering wheel.
- Reconnect the unfavourable battery terminal.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How a lot does it price to put in a steering column?
The price to put in a steering column varies relying on the make and mannequin of your automobile, in addition to the labor charges in your space. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $200 and $500 for the set up.
How lengthy does it take to put in a steering column?
The time it takes to put in a steering column additionally varies relying on the make and mannequin of your automobile. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate the set up to take between 2 and 4 hours.
Can I set up a steering column myself?
In case you are comfy engaged on autos and have the required instruments, you possibly can set up a steering column your self. Nonetheless, you will need to be aware that this can be a complicated process and in case you are unsure about your talents, it’s best to go away it to an expert mechanic.
