Hi all, does anyone have any experience installing the lower steering column?
This is on a 2000. It came out fine, but I cannot get the rubber gaiter or firewall seal back in.
Does anyone have any tips on how to get that thing back in?


Thanks!

 

I did MANY of the TSB 211-06 lower column 'mods' about a dozen years ago. The rubber steering column grommet can be a 'pain' to reinstall but it will go back in.

bob gauff

 

Thanks Bob, did you go in from inside the car or from underneath?


Travis

 

I don't remember exactly how but the car was both on the floor, door open and on the lift for access from under.
I try one way for a while and then switch to the other.

Be sure to mark the location of the shaft, column and pinion to get the wheel straight.
Don't let the column rotate and destroy the cancellation module (airbag cassette reel).

bob gauff

 

Thanks again Bob,
I'm starting to think I should go ahead and perform the upgrade if I can find a good used column rather than struggle to put this old one back in.
At least I can struggle with the upgraded column!

 

So that explains the barely perceptible knock felt in the steering wheel!

What made the replacement of the power steering rack return line necessary?

Mine is past the VIN cutoff, but the knock is there anyways.

 

If you have an '01 then you should already have all the upgraded components probably the new power steering line too. Its easy to check just look under the dash and you will see the rubber coupler on the column.