Attention! All models described in this manual are equipped with airbags. Always deactivate airbag units before working in close proximity to airbags (see chapter 12).
Warning! Do not turn the steering shaft with the steering wheel removed as this may damage the airbag system. To prevent the steering shaft from turning, place the front wheels in the straight ahead position and remove the ignition key. Since the removal of the steering column can damage the airbag system, we recommend that this work be done by a specialist.
Removing
1. Disconnect the wire from the negative battery terminal, then from the positive battery terminal and wait at least 2 minutes. Remove the steering wheel (see paragraph 14).
Warning. If your car is equipped with an anti-theft radio, make sure you have the code to unlock it before disconnecting the battery.
2. Turn out screws of fastening of a spiral spring (fig 15.2).
3. Remove the screw that secures the ground wire of the coil spring (pic. 15.3).
4. Disconnect the coil spring ground connector and remove it from the steering shaft.
Note. Models since 1995 have a coil spring integrated into the steering column switch box. Removing the switch block is described in chapter 12.
5. Remove the switch block (see chapter 12).
6. Loosen the fastening nut and disconnect the hood lock cable from the lower section of the dashboard (see chapter 11).
7. Remove the lower section of the dashboard (see chapter 11).
8. On models with automatic transmission, disconnect the shift lock cable (see chapter 7B).
9. Turn out a coupling bolt of an intermediate shaft (fig 15.9).
10. Turn out bolts of fastening of an arm of a steering shaft established in the top part of a steering column (pic. 15.10). Remove the two fastening nuts located at the bottom of the steering column.
11. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the steering column (pic. 15.11).
12. Remove the steering column.
Installation
13. Installation is made in sequence, return to removal. Tighten all fasteners to the required torque. When installing the coil spring, adjust it (see paragraph 14).