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.

CAUTION: Never turn steering wheel while steering column with steering wheel is removed. Turning steering wheel more than about two and a half turns will break contact coil.

Disconnect negative (-) cable at battery.
Disable air bag system referring to "Disabling Air Bag System: H25 Engine Model" or "Disabling Air Bag System: H27 Engine Model (Advanced Air Bag)" .
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
Remove steering upper shaft upper joint bolt (1) and nut (2).

Fig 2: Removing Steering Upper Shaft Upper Joint
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column (1) mounting bolts (2 pieces) (2) and nuts (2 pieces) (3).

Fig 3: Removing Steering Column
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
For A/T vehicle, disconnect shift (key) interlock cable (1) from ignition switch with ignition switch turned at ACC position.
After disconnecting, turn ignition switch to LOCK position.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Shift (key) Interlock Cable
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column from vehicle.