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

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Column, Mounting Bolts And Nuts
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: Identifying Shift (Key) Interlock Cable
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove steering column from vehicle.