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Steering Column

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CAUTION
Before servicing a Montero equipped with an air bag, refer to the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in Section 6. The SRS is a potentially dangerous system to work on, so be certain to read all precautions and procedures before commencing.

Montero
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
  2. Remove the pinchbolt holding the steering joint to the steering gear box.
  3. Remove the horn pad, air bag and steering wheel.
  4. Remove the lower and upper column covers.
  5. Remove the lap heater duct.
  6. Disconnect the band or clip holding the wiring harnesses to the column.
  7. Remove the column switch and disconnect its wiring harness.
  8. Remove the small screws holding the ignition switch (electrical switch) to the key assembly. Disconnect the harness and remove the switch.
  9. Disconnect and remove the key reminder switch.
  10. Unhook the brake pedal return spring from the column bracket.
  11. Remove the bolts holding the dust cover boot to the floorboard.
  12. Remove the bolts holding the column bracket to the dash. Support the column while removing the last bolt and remove the column from the car.

    Fig. 1: Steering column removal and installation components — 1983–95 Monteros

    Fig. 2: When installing the steering column, do not loosen or remove this bolt

    Fig. 3: Apply sealant to the bolt holes in the floor dust cover before inserting and tightening the bolts

    To install:

  13. When reassembling, fit the column into place and make certain the steering joint is seated on the steering gearbox. Install the bolts holding the column bracket to the dash and finger-tighten them.
  14. Double check positioning and alignment of the column from end to end. When the column is correctly located, tighten the bracket bolts to 16 ft. lbs. (22 Nm).
  15. Install the dust cover at the floor and apply a coating of sealant to the bolt holes from inside the vehicle. Tighten the bolts.

    WARNING
    Do not loosen the column tube clamp bolts. if the clamp bolts should be loosened, retighten them securely while pulling the steering shaft out fully toward the interior of the car.

  16. Connect the brake pedal return spring.
  17. Install the key reminder switch, the ignition electrical switch and the column switch. Route the harnesses carefully and connect each to its mate.
  18. Install new bands or clips to hold the cables in place.
  19. Install the lap heater duct.
  20. Replace the upper and lower steering column covers.
  21. Install the steering wheel and horn pad — refer to procedures in this section.
  22. Install the pinchbolt at the steering gearbox and tighten the bolt to 22–25 ft. lbs. (29–34 Nm).
  23. Connect the negative cable to the battery.
Pick-up
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
  2. Disconnect the pinchbolt holding the steering shaft to the steering gear box.
  3. Remove the small screw holding the horn pad to the wheel and remove the horn pad by pulling the lower part toward you.
  4. Remove the steering wheel assembly — refer to procedures in this section.
  5. Remove the lower and upper steering column covers.
  6. Remove the column switch and disconnect the harness connector.
  7. Unplug the wiring harness to the ignition switch.
  8. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, disconnect the wiring to the overdrive OFF switch.
  9. If equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect the gear shift control cable at the column.
  10. Unhook the brake pedal return spring from the steering column bracket.
  11. Remove the small bolts holding the dust cover boot to the floorboard.
  12. Remove the 4 bolts holding the column bracket to the dashboard frame. Support the column and remove it from the vehicle.

    Fig. 4: Steering column removal and installation components — 1983–95 Pick-ups

    To install:

  13. When reassembling, fit the column into place and make certain the steering joint is seated on the steering gearbox. Install the bolts holding the column bracket to the dash and finger-tighten them.
  14. Double check positioning and alignment of the column from end-to-end. When the column is correctly located, tighten the bracket bolts to 6–9 ft. lbs. (8–12 Nm).
  15. Install the dust cover at the floor and apply a coating of sealant to the bolt holes from inside the vehicle, then insert and tighten the bolts. Do not overtighten these bolts.
  16. Connect the brake pedal return spring.
  17. For vehicles with automatic transmission, connect the gear shift selector cable. Install the overdrive switch and connect its harness.
  18. Connect the ignition switch harness.
  19. Install the column switch and connect the wiring connector.
  20. Install the upper and lower steering column cover.
  21. Install the steering wheel and horn pad assemblies.
  22. Install the pinchbolt, connecting the steering column to the gear box, and tighten to 11–14 ft. lbs. (15–20 Nm) for rear wheel drive Pick-ups, and to 22–25 ft. lbs. (30–35 Nm) for 4-wheel drive Pick-ups.
  23. Connect the negative cable to the battery.

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