[99stangman]

hi,
could someone please tell me how to remove the steering column, or direct me to a good site ( i cant find one). I have the air bag and main bolt off. My main objective is to remove the intermediate shaft, to enable me to get to the pedal assembly. It looks like its going to be a tough job now, and im beginning to think that i should have started from the engine side..... Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[stephen]

Originally Posted by 99stangman hi, could someone please tell me how to remove the steering column, or direct me to a good site ( i cant find one). I have the air bag and main bolt off. My main objective is to remove the intermediate shaft, to enable me to get to the pedal assembly. It looks like its going to be a tough job now, and im beginning to think that i should have started from the engine side..... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

You need to remove the air bag, steering wheel, and a device referred to as a clock spring (an electrical connector between the steering wheel and steering column). The steering should be in a straight ahead position before you remove the steering wheel. It needs to be in the same position when you reinstall the steering wheel and clock spring.

After that just remove the various plastic parts, disconnect various wiring connectors, disconnect the coupling at the bottom of the column, and there are 4 fasteners that hold the column in. There is also a cable from the auto trans that needs to be disconnected.

[99stangman]

How are the hex screws that connect the column to the intermediate shaft removed. I cannot reach them. Also, is it possible to just disconect the shaft and column from the universal joint that connects the two, without removing EVERYTHING else? Ive tried this but i cant get the shaft out of the joint, even with the bolt undone. Use oil?
This is horrible

[stephen]

Originally Posted by 99stangman How are the hex screws that connect the column to the intermediate shaft removed. I cannot reach them. Also, is it possible to just disconect the shaft and column from the universal joint that connects the two, without removing EVERYTHING else? Ive tried this but i cant get the shaft out of the joint, even with the bolt undone. Use oil? This is horrible

It's important to not turn the steering wheel very far in any one direction with the universal joint disconnected or the clock spring will be damaged. I believe the universal joint can be removed by itsself. I took the steering column out of mine a few years ago and don't remember a problem with that. I'll look at the shop manual this evening to refresh my memory.

[stephen]

The shop manual says the universal joint is removed by removing the two pinch bolts and sliding it out. I believe you can reach the bolts with a socket if you turn the steering wheel, but set it straight ahead before disconnecting it.

[99stangman]

I got it out! Really wasnt that bad when I figured out what needed to be done. Thanks for the help stephen