I am about to undertake a project to replace my entire steering column. It seems simple enough but I don't want any surprises. Does anyone have any pointers, anything I should look out for?

 

Dare we ask ..... why?

 

Are you considering doing a DIY?? I know its off topic but wouldnt hurt asking.

 

Bad SZL, replaced twice, plus a lot of rattling.

 

Not really, wouldn't be very informative. I am replacing the entire thing, so as far as I can see for now, its just a matter of releasing the four bolts that hold in the column and releasing the lower steering rack. I am concerned about alignment issues, etc.

 

I would very much appreciate it if you could at least take some pics when you under go this project. The dealership replaced my entire steering column last year, and I've been curious about a few things about it since.

Hopefully it wont be too complicated of a project. If you can though, please snap a couple pics as you disassemble everything. Thanks, good luck!

 

I had the SZL replaced on mine and I don't think it required replacing the whole steering column. Anyway, good luck.

 

I know the entire thing doesn't need to be replaced. Nevertheless, I am replacing the entire thing because I got an amazing deal and it seems easier than replacing just the SZL. I just need to know if there is anything to lookout for. For instance, will the steering wheel be off after I disconnect the lower rack, is there a specific way to disconnect the rack so it doesn't mess up alignment, etc?

 

Don't know about the alignment and stuff, but when I had mine done, I had to bring the car back to the dealer because my seat and steering wheel adjustments didn't work. They had to re-program that part into the car. However, this is for a new SZL so I don't know if you will run into the same issue. I guess it depends on if you are installing a used column that probably already have all the stuff programmed or a new blank programmed one.

 

I am installing a used column. I shouldn't have that problem since the part is used but I am going to repgram anyways so I can calibrate the SZL it won't calibrate if the VINs are different. That issue is fixed by using a blank.man or coding with expert profile to code the part to your VO.