My mode/blend doors keep sticking and the gear mechanism is getting chewed up, so I might have to replace the whole thing soon. It looks like you can get away with only pulling the IP and not dealing with draining the AC/heating system, however to do that, the steering column (and center console, side and A pillar trim) comes out. It looks pretty straightforward with just 4 bolts and the column linkage, but the service manual says to pull the steering wheel and airbag off first. Does this need to be done or can I just disconnect the linkage and harnesses and undo the bolts?

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport
OME Lift, JBA A-Arms + Track Bar
245/75/16 Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus
Numerous junkyard upgrades

I pulled a column out of a junked '05 or so Liberty when my dog ate the wiper switch and steering wheel a long time ago. An ordeal with several trips to the pawn shop for the right tools. I left the steering wheel on and had to destroy the flexible firewall seal. Better to take the wheel off and remove the rest of it from the engine side. Column bearings damage easily so use the right puller if you have to go that route.

Boggles my mind that there isn't a way to service the heating system without dismantling the steering. What's an IP?

If you do dismantle the steering be careful how you set up the clockspring... Factory Service Manual method for the Liberty guarantees destruction. Gently center the thing with your own logic or do the extra turn recommended by the book and spend $240.00 more like so many others who have been burned.

Good luck.

IP being instrument panel. The column is two pieces so it disconnects before the fire wall. I basically have to pull the whole dash to get to the HVAC housing.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport
OME Lift, JBA A-Arms + Track Bar
245/75/16 Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus
Numerous junkyard upgrades