Intermediate Shaft

Removal

1. Set vehicle to the straight ahead-position.
2. Remove instrument lower finisher screw, position instrument lower finisher to disconnect diagnostic connector and hood release cable, and remove lower finisher. Refer to , "COMPONENT PARTS ".
3. Disconnect switch connectors installed to steering column assembly as necessary.
4. Remove bolt of intermediate shaft (upper side).
5. Remove intermediate shaft (lower side) from steering gear assembly with the following procedure.
   CAUTION:

   • Never deform or bend the holder.
   • Never replace the intermediate shaft if the holder is deformed or bent.
   1. Insert a suitable tool between the cover and the holder. Then push the cover down in the direction shown and remove the cover.
   2. Remove bolt.
      Fig 1: Removing Steering Column Cover

      Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   3. Rotate the cam nut in direction shown. Align the cam nut V-shaped groove (1) with the holder (2) V-guide. Fit the cam nut to the holder V-guide, then remove the cam nut from the holder.
      CAUTION:

      • Rotate the cam nut if the nut becomes misaligned as shown. Align the cam nut V-shaped groove with the holder V-guide.
      • There are two different grooves, but only one that fits the holder V-guide.
      Fig 2: Rotating Cam Nut

      Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   4. Remove the intermediate shaft by removing the holder pawl from the pinion shaft groove (A) and slide out the intermediate shaft using a suitable tool.
      Fig 3: Removing Intermediate Shaft Using Suitable Tool

      Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Installation

   Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

   • For tightening torques, refer to , "EXPLODED VIEW ".
   • Align the cam nut V-shaped groove with the holder V-guide (1). Install the cam nut to the holder guide.
     CAUTION:

     • Make sure cam nut is installed correctly to keep it from loosening.
     • Replace intermediate shaft assembly if cam nut does not fit to the holder.
     • Do not install the cam nut on the incorrect side.
   Fig 4: Identifying V-guide

   Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   • Install the intermediate shaft by pushing the holder pawl to the pinion shaft and sliding the intermediate shaft to (A).
     Fig 5: Installing Intermediate Shaft

     Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   • Install a new bolt and tighten to specification.
     CAUTION:

     • Make sure cam nut contacts pinion shaft correctly.
     • Make sure the holder is not deformed or interfering with the cam nut.
   • Install the cover (1) to the holder (2).
     CAUTION:

     • Align the cover groove with the holder guide.
     • Make sure cover is installed correctly.
   Fig 6: Identifying Steering Column Cover And Holder

   Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Inspection After Installation

   • Rotate steering wheel to check for decentered condition, binding, noise or excessive steering effort.
   • Check and adjust toe as necessary. Refer to , "WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION ".