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Steering Column Replacement--Anyone?
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52742		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  MojaveKJ [ Sat May 15, 2010 2:09 am ]
Post subject:  Steering Column Replacement--Anyone?
Have any of you LOST members had to replace the steering column assembly on their KJ? I'm looking at doing this and the whole clockspring/airbag process looks like it may be more than I can safely do myself. Is it doable by a guy in his driveway with a decent set of tools?

Any insight is very much appreciated. I don't want to pay someone else to do this but certainly don't want to do it wrong either.

Thanks to all!
Author:  Billwill [ Sat May 15, 2010 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Column Replacement
Why do you feel that you need to replace the steering column!! Please explain! Let me tell you from my experience.
I have a 2002 CRD 2.5 Export. The ball bearing on the top of the steering colemn failed. The top bearing on the column is 37mm outside. 25mm internal 7 mm thick.( I am sorry I am using metric here but that is what the Liberty is!)
I had to replace it....the agents said I had to replace the whole column assembly at a cost here of about $2,000.00 which was way out of line! I located a similar bearing at about $3.00 and did the job.
I can give you all the step by step details on replacing the steering column but it would be better if you said exactly why you have to do it. :D
Author:  MojaveKJ [ Tue May 18, 2010 11:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Column Replacement
Billwill wrote:
Why do you feel that you need to replace the steering column!! Please explain! Let me tell you from my experience.
I have a 2002 CRD 2.5 Export. The ball bearing on the top of the steering colemn failed. The top bearing on the column is 37mm outside. 25mm internal 7 mm thick.( I am sorry I am using metric here but that is what the Liberty is!)
I had to replace it....the agents said I had to replace the whole column assembly at a cost here of about $2,000.00 which was way out of line! I located a similar bearing at about $3.00 and did the job.
I can give you all the step by step details on replacing the steering column but it would be better if you said exactly why you have to do it. :D

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52578

billwill, the link above gives a good description of my issue. I got the replacement part yesterday but am a bit unsure still about the whole airbag procedure needed to do the swap. Thanks for the info on the bearing issue...which I hope I never have!

Happy Jeepin',
Tony aka MojaveKJ
Author:  Billwill [ Wed May 19, 2010 7:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Column Replacement--Anyone?
I presume from the link that you are not replacing the whole column but only part of the steering lock/tumbler assembly? As far as I can recall to do this you should only have to remove the plastic covers around the steering wheel but if not then proceed as follows.
Disconnect your battery so you know the airbags cannot go off and wait a few minutes.
Remove the horn cover assembly, 8 mm socket from behind if I recall, two bolts. Spot mark the alignment of your steering wheel in relation to the spline on the steering shaft so when you replace the steering wheel you can align it exactly.Remove nut on steering wheel..13mm or 17mm I think. Use a two jaw wheel puller to pull off the steering wheel...place a large nut under the point of the wheel puller so as to not to damage the splined shaft. Remove the knee protection panel that you normaly bump your knees on...just pull hard on it. Remove the plastic covers over the steering column...you need male Torx bits on an extension.
You can unplug the airbag connector/clockspring connector...it has a locking tab...and remove the clockspring assembly..there is a sticker in the clockspring assembly advising you to make sure it is wound into a special position when replacing...just remove it carefully and note how it is wound up as you remove it.Unplug and remove the two stalk switch assemblies.
You should be able to access the locking mechanism now quite easily but if you have to remove the whole steering assembly it is a bit of work. There are two bolts above the assembly and two below that need to be removed..13mm I think. In the engine bay you have to remove the bolt that clamps the steering shaft to the flexible joint on the steering box and now the whole column can be pulled out through the rubber grommet.
Re-assemble everything in reverse...if you unbolted the column from the steering rack make sure that goes back on nice and tight! :D
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