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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2007 >> Caliber R/T, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Linkage >> Steering System >> Column >> Removal >> Steering Column
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Steering Column

NOTE: Before proceeding, see WARNING .
WARNING: When an undeployed airbag module is to be removed from the vehicle, first disconnect the battery ground cable and isolate it. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for a minimum of two minutes before starting any removal.
  1. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery and isolate the cable.
    Fig 1: LOWER COUPLING BOLT
    GC0055540Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  2. Reposition the floor carpeting to access the steering column coupling at the base of the column.
  3. Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at the base of the column can be accessed.
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time. 
  5. Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
    Fig 2: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  6. Remove the driver airbag (3). Refer to REMOVAL .
    Fig 3: STEERING WHEEL WIRING
    GC0055541Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. Disconnect the wiring connector (2) at the clockspring.
    Fig 4: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  8. Holding the steering wheel firmly in place, remove the steering wheel retaining bolt (4) from the steering column shaft.
    Fig 5: STEERING WHEEL
    GC0055542Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    CAUTION: Threading the retaining bolt (2) back in the end of the shaft until approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.) of thread is showing between the wheel and the head of the bolt allows a safe reaction surface for the puller to work against.
  9. Thread the steering wheel retaining bolt (2) back into the end of the steering shaft until approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.) of thread is showing between the wheel and the head of the bolt.
  10. Remove the speed control screw (3) in order to install the steering wheel puller.
    CAUTION: Do not bump or hammer on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel.
  11. Install an appropriate wheel puller on the steering wheel over the steering shaft. See REMOVAL .
    CAUTION: Do not attempt to rotate the clockspring rotor once the steering wheel is removed. The clockspring must remain centered in its travel to avoid overextending the clockspring inner parts, causing the clockspring to become inoperative. If removed and handled properly using the correct procedures, it should remain in the "centered" position. If there is any question as to whether the clockspring is in the "centered" position of travel, perform the clockspring centering procedure before installing the steering wheel. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  12. Holding the steering wheel firmly in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, release the steering wheel from the steering column shaft splines using the puller. Remove the wheel retainer bolt (2) and the steering wheel from the column.
    Fig 6: AIR BAG REMOVAL
    GC0053725Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  13. Position the column tilt at the full-upward position.
  14. Remove the steering column opening cover (5). Refer to REMOVAL .
    Fig 7: REINFORCEMENT
    GC0053050Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  15. Remove the steering column cover reinforcement panel (1) four screws (2).
    Fig 8: Steering Column Shrouds
    GC0042953Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  16. Remove the two screws (4) attaching the upper shroud (1) to the lower shroud (2). After removing the screws, unclip the shrouds from each other by applying hand pressure along the seams where the shrouds connect on the sides, then remove the upper shroud.
  17. Push the tilt lever (5) downward.
  18. Remove the screw (3) attaching the lower shroud (2) to the steering column (6). Remove the lower shroud.
  19. Push the tilt lever (5) upward, locking it in place.
    Fig 9: SHIFT INTERLOCK CABLE AT COLUMN
    GC0055543Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  20. If equipped with an automatic transaxle, disconnect the ignition shift interlock cable at the steering column. To do so, insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn it to the ON position. Depress the tab on top of the interlock cable connector (2) and pull the cable out of the lock cylinder housing (1).
    Fig 10: MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTORS
    GC0042949Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  21. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (2) at the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (1).
  22. Disconnect all other wiring harness connectors at column components.
    Fig 11: LOWER COUPLING BOLT
    GC0055540Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  23. Separate the intermediate shaft (2) at the base of the column from the steering gear pinion shaft (4).
    Fig 12: COLUMN MOUNTING
    GC0055544Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    NOTE: If the same steering column is to be reinstalled, clamp the tilt lever to lock the column in place so that it can be easily reinstalled in the same orientation.
  24. Remove the one mounting bolt (left lower) (2) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  25. Remove the three mounting nuts (1) attaching the steering column to the instrument panel (3).
  26. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
  27. To remove remaining components from the column, see DISASSEMBLY .
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