Lincoln Aviator: Steering Column / Removal and Installation - Steering Column

Removal

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

NOTICE: Precise tolerances are required when manufacturing a steering column. Never install a repaired, rebuilt, aftermarket, or remanufactured steering column. Always install a new steering column. Failure to follow this direction can result in steering column failure.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

All vehicles

1. Depower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the SCCM.
   Refer to: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (211-05 Steering Wheel and Column Electrical Components, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the steering column shrouds.
   Refer to: Steering Column Shrouds (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: Make sure that the steering wheel does not rotate or damage to the clockspring may occur.

   Secure the steering wheel.
   

1. Position aside the LH steering column opening panel.
   

Vehicles with power adjustable steering column

1. 
   
   1. Release the wiring harness retainers.
      
   2. Disconnect the steering column tilt motor and telescopic motor electrical connectors.
      

All vehicles

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   Remove and discard the steering column shaft bolt and separate the steering column shaft from the steering column.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column nuts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   Remove and discard the rear steering column mounting nuts.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. NOTE: Power adjustable column shown, others similar.

   Remove and discard the forward steering column mounting nuts and remove the steering column.
   

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column nuts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   NOTE: Power adjustable column shown, others similar.

   Tighten the new steering column mounting nuts following the sequence shown.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. Repower the SRS.
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

Vehicles with memory steering column

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   If a new memory steering column has been installed, use the steering column control switch and set the soft stops as follows.
   
   1. Move the column rearward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   2. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.
      
   3. Move the column forward until it reaches the end of travel.
      
   4. Move the column in the same direction until it reaches the end of travel again.
      
   5. Repeat the sequence moving the column up and down.