Steering Column Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with air bag (inflator) module face down and column vertical. Otherwise personal injury may result.

Disconnect negative battery cable at battery terminal.
Disable air bag system. Refer to DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE .
Remove steering wheel and contact coil and combination switch assembly, if necessary. Refer to STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION and Contact Coil and Combination Switch Assembly Removal and Installation . Perform the following procedure if not removing steering wheel and/or combination switch.
1. Turn steering wheel so that vehicle's front tires are at straight-ahead position.
2. Turn ignition switch to "LOCK" position and remove key.
Remove steering column hole cover (1).

Fig 1: Removing Steering Column Hole Cover
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Disconnect all connectors for the following parts.
- Contact coil and combination switch
- Ignition switch
Make alignment marks (3) on shaft joint (2) and shaft (column side) (1) for a guide during reinstallation.

Fig 2: Identifying Alignment Marks
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
After removing bolt (4) on column (1) side of shaft joint and loosening bolt (5) on its shaft lower assembly (3) side, move shaft joint (2) to shaft lower assembly (3) side (in arrow direction in the figure).

Fig 3: Removing Bolt
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column mounting bolts (2) (6 pieces).

Fig 4: Removing Steering Column Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
If equipped with shift (key) interlock cable (1), remove shift (key) interlock cable screw (2) and then disconnect its cable (1) from ignition switch.

Fig 5: Removing Shift Interlock Cable Screw
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column from vehicle.