STEERING COLUMN

GENERAL INFORMATION 28-3 Inspection 28-14

Description 28-3 Installation 28-15
Specifications 28-5 Steering Column with Intermediate 
Tools 28-6 Shaft Assembly (without EPS) 28-16 28
Removal 28-16
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING 28-7 Disassembly 28-18
Problem Symptoms Table 28-7 Inspection 28-19
Steering Wheel Free Play  Assembly 28-19
Inspection 28-9
Installation 28-20
Steering Wheel Centering/
Electronic Power Steering Column 
Returnability Inspection 28-9
with Intermediate Shaft Assembly 28-21
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE 28-10 Removal 28-21
Steering Wheel Assembly 28-10 Disassembly 28-23
Removal 28-10 Inspection 28-23
Inspection 28-11 Assembly 28-23
Installation 28-12 Installation 28-23
Combination Switch Cover 28-13
Removal 28-13

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–1

28

28–2 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

GENERAL INFORMATION
STEERING COLUMN

Description

1
28

3 2

6
7

×2

8 ×2

10
11
RT21280010

1 - Driver Airbag 2 - Steering Wheel Assembly Fixing Nut

3 - Steering Wheel Assembly 4 - Spiral Cable
5 - Combination Switch Upper Cover 6 - Wiper and Washer Combination Switch
7 - Light Combination Switch 8 - Steering Column with Intermediate Shaft
Assembly
9 - Combination Switch Lower Cover 10 - Worm Clamp
11 - Steering Boot

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–3

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Electronic Power Steering Column

28
3 2

6 7

×2

8 9

×2

10

11

12
13
RT21280011

1 - Driver Airbag 2 - Steering Wheel Assembly Fixing Nut

3 - Steering Wheel Assembly 4 - Spiral Cable
5 - Combination Switch Upper Cover 6 - Wiper and Washer Combination Switch
7 - Light Combination Switch 8 - Steering Column
9 - Combination Switch Lower Cover 10 - EPS Controller Assembly
11 - Intermediate Shaft with Universal Joint 12 - Worm Clamp
Assembly
13 - Steering Boot

28–4 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Specifications
Torque Specifications

Description Tightening Torque (N·m)

Steering Wheel Assembly Fixing Nut 35 ± 3
28
Combination Switch Cover Fixing Screw 2 ± 0.5
Steering Column Assembly Upper Bracket Fixing Nut 25 ± 3
Steering Column Assembly Lower Bracket Fixing
25 ± 3
Bolt
Coupling Bolt Between Steering Column with
Intermediate Shaft Assembly and Steering Gear 30 ± 3
Input Shaft
Coupling Bolt Between Electronic Power Steering
Column with Intermediate Shaft Assembly and 60 ± 5
Steering Gear Input Shaft
Ignition Starting Switch Fixing Screw 15 ± 2
Steering Boot Fixing Nut 10 ± 1
Coupling Bolt Between Electronic Power Steering
50
Column and Intermediate Shaft

Data Specifications

Description Standard Value

Steering Wheel Free Play (Rotation Angle) ≤ 15°
Steering Wheel Centering/Returnability (Rotation
> 70°
Angle)

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–5

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Tools
Special Tool

28
Steering Wheel Remover

RCH0000014

General Tool

Electric Drill

RCH0000013

28–6 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

DIAGNOSIS & TESTING

Problem Symptoms Table
HINT:
Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. Check each suspected area in
sequence. Repair or replace the faulty components, or adjust as necessary. 28

Symptom Suspected Area See page

Steering wheel assembly cannot lock or Ignition key cylinder 28-18

unlock Ignition switch lock body 28-18
Front axle hub bearing (seriously worn) 22-10
Intermediate shaft with universal joint
28-23
assembly (seriously worn)
Steering wheel assembly has no free play Ball pin assembly (worn or loose) 29-19
or free play is too large
Steering tie rod assembly 29-21
Steering gear assembly (engagement gap 29-23
of rack and pinion improper) 30-25
Front tire (improperly inflated or unevenly
24-7
worn)
Front wheel alignment (wrong) 23-50
Front sub frame welding assembly 22-17
Intermediate shaft with universal joint
28-23
assembly (insufficiently lubricated)

Hard steering Ball pin assembly (insufficiently lubricated) 29-19

Steering tie rod assembly 29-21
28-16
Steering column assembly
28-21
29-23
Steering gear assembly
30-25
Steering column motor 28-23

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–7

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Symptom Suspected Area See page

Front tire (improperly inflated or unevenly
24-7
worn)
Front wheel alignment (wrong) 23-50
Front suspension 23-12
28
Ball pin assembly (loose, insufficiently
29-19
lubricated)
Steering tie rod assembly 29-21
Poor returnability
Intermediate shaft with universal joint
28-23
assembly (loose, insufficiently lubricated)
28-16
Steering column assembly (stuck)
28-21
29-23
Steering gear assembly (stuck)
30-25
Steering column motor 28-23
Intermediate shaft with universal joint
28-23
assembly
Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when Control arm ball pin 23-22
turning steering wheel while steering
system is in operation Control arm 23-20
29-23
Steering gear assembly
30-25
28-16
Steering column assembly
Friction sound occurs when steering wheel 28-21
is turned during low speed driving 29-23
Steering gear assembly
30-25
High-pitched sound (squealing sound)
occurs when steering wheel is turned Steering column motor 28-23
slowly with vehicle stopped

Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs Steering column motor 28-23
when steering wheel is turned with vehicle 28-16
stopped Steering column assembly
28-21

28–8 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Steering Wheel Free Play Inspection

1. Stop vehicle and position front wheels straight ahead.
2. Slightly turn the steering wheel left and right, and check
rotation angle of steering wheel when the wheels start to
rotate.
Standard value of free play (rotation angle): a ≤ 15°. 28

a
RT21280020

3. If measured value exceeds standard value, check the steering system.

Steering Wheel Centering/Returnability Inspection

Steering wheel centering/returnability inspection should be performed during road test.
1. Perform the slow turn and sharp turn test.
Check for deviation of steering wheel steering force required during left/right turn and centering/
returnability.
2. When vehicle speed is between 20 and 30 km/h, turn the
steering wheel either to left or right by 90° and keep it for
1 to 2 seconds, and then release the steering wheel. If
steering wheel turns back more than 70°, it is determined
that steering wheel centering/returnability is in good 70° 70°
condition.

RT21280030

3. If steering wheel returning angle is not as specified, check the tire pressure, steering system and
suspension system.

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–9

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Steering Wheel Assembly
Removal
28
WARNING

 Be sure to read the precautions for SRS airbag before removing the steering wheel (See page 32-65).

1. Set steering wheel to straight-ahead position.

2. Turn off all the electrical equipment and ignition switch.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION

 Wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent airbag and belt
pretensioner from being activated.

4. Remove the driver airbag assembly (See page 32-65).

5. Remove the steering wheel assembly.
a. Secure the steering wheel assembly, and put
matchmarks on the steering wheel assembly and
steering column assembly, then remove the steering
wheel assembly fixing nut. 2
3
4
5
6 60

40
80
100 120
140
160

180

(Tightening torque: 35 ± 3 N·m)

1 7
x1000
20 200

8 220
H

RES/+

VOL+ NAV1 SET

ON MENU BAND
OFF

SET/-
MODE

VOL-

L R

A/C

1 3 5

2 4 R

RT21280040

b. As shown in the illustration, install the steering wheel

remover, and then tighten it with a wrench to loosen
the steering wheel assembly from the steering column 5

assembly.
6

OFF L+
VO

L-
DE VO
MO

RT21280050

28–10 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

c. Cut the wire harness band (arrow).

4 100 120
3 5 80 140

6 60 160
2
40 180
1 7
x1000
20 200

8 220
H

RES/+

VOL+ NAV1 SET

ON MENU BAND
OFF

SET/-
MODE

VOL-

L R

A/C

28
1 3 5

2 4 R

RT21280041

d. Disconnect the steering wheel quick button connector

(arrow).

RT21280060

e. Remove the steering wheel assembly.

CAUTION

 Be careful when removing the steering wheel assembly to prevent damage to the airbag connector, horn
connector and quick button connector on the spiral cable.

Inspection
1. Check the steering wheel assembly body for damage or deformation. Replace the steering wheel
assembly if necessary.
2. Check the spline in the steering wheel assembly for damage. Replace the steering wheel assembly if
necessary.

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–11

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Installation

CAUTION

 Check that front wheels are in the straight-ahead position before installing steering wheel assembly.

28
1. Adjust the spiral cable to correct position.
HINT:
Fully turn the spiral cable inner circle clockwise when
realigning the center, and then turn it counterclockwise to
align with ►◄ while yellow ball (arrow) occurs in the
clear vertical window. Failure to follow these instructions OFF
PULL
MIST
OFF
INT INT
ON

may affect normal function of airbag system and cause

LO
HI
OFF REAR
PBT

injury to driver.

RT21280070

2. Pass the airbag connector, horn connector through the hole of steering wheel assembly, and connect the
steering wheel quick button connector. Then align the matchmarks on steering wheel assembly and
steering column assembly to install the steering wheel assembly.
3. Other installation procedures are in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION

 Tighten steering wheel assembly fixing nut to the specified torque.

 Install each connector in place.
 After repairing, check that airbag system operates normally.

28–12 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Combination Switch Cover

Removal
1. Set steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
2. Turn off all the electrical equipment and ignition switch.
3. Remove the combination switch cover. 28
HINT:
Remove the steering wheel assembly first, and then remove combination switch cover if necessary.
a. Turn the steering wheel to left, and remove the left
side fixing screw (arrow) from the combination switch
cover.
(Tightening torque: 2 ± 0.5 N·m)

RT21280080

b. Turn the steering wheel to right, and remove the right

side fixing screw (arrow) from the combination switch
cover.

MODE
VOL+

VOL-
<
<

(Tightening torque: 2 ± 0.5 N·m)

60

40

20
0 220

< <
T
MIS
OFF
INT
INT
PULL
LO
HI
SET
BAND
NAVI MENU

OFF ON A/C
RESI+
SETI-

ON
OFF

RT21280090

c. Remove the lower fixing screw (arrow) from the

combination switch cover.
(Tightening torque: 2 ± 0.5 N·m)
OFF
OFF

LR

3
2
1

RT21280100

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–13

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

d. Disengage the connecting clip between upper cover

and lower cover, and then disengage upper cover and
lower cover to remove the lower cover.

28

OFF

RT21280110

e. Disengage 6 clips between upper cover and steering

column dust gasket, and then remove the upper
cover.
80

x1000
rpm

ENGINE
START
STOP
2

OFF
OFF

RT21280111

CAUTION

 Operate carefully to prevent damage to components during removal.

Inspection
1. Check the combination switch upper and lower covers for damage or deformation. Replace the upper and
lower covers if necessary.
2. Check if upper and lower cover clips are normal. Replace the upper and lower covers if necessary.

28–14 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Installation
1. Loosen steering wheel adjusting handle, and adjust steering column assembly to the uppermost position,
then tighten the adjusting handle to the uppermost position.
2. Insert steering column lower cover from right side of ignition switch at an angle, and then install the
adjusting handle into the cover hole.
3. After adjusting lower cover, install upper cover and fix upper and lower cover clips in place, then install the
self-tapping screws.
28
CAUTION

 Tighten the self-tapping screws in place.

 Operate carefully to prevent damage to components during installation.

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–15

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Steering Column with Intermediate Shaft Assembly (without EPS)

Removal
1. Set steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
2. Turn off all the electrical equipment and ignition switch.
28 3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the driver airbag (See page 32-65).
5. Remove the steering wheel assembly (See page 28-10).
6. Remove the combination switch cover (See page 28-13).
7. Remove the spiral cable (See page 32-67).
8. Remove the combination switch assembly.
a. Disconnect the light combination switch connector (1)
and wiper and washer combination switch connector
(2).
4 100 120
3 5 80 140
60 160
2 6
40 180

1 7
20 200
X1000
rpm km/h
0 8 0 220
C H E F

ON
REAR
MIST
OFF OFF
OFF
INT
OFF PULLLO INT
HI

NAVI

L R

3
2

1 2 OFF

RT21280120

b. Loosen the combination switch clamp and pull the

combination switch outward, then disconnect the
combination switch from the steering column to
remove the combination switch.
4 100 120
3 5 80 140
60 160
2 6
40 180

1 7
20 200
X1000
rpm km/h
0 8 0 220
C H E F

ON
REAR
MIST
OFF OFF
OFF
INT
OFF PULLLO INT
HI

NAVI

L R

3
2

OFF

RT21280130

9. Remove the steering column with intermediate shaft assembly.

a. Disconnect the ignition starting switch connector (1),
key switch connector (2) and connector (3) of ignition
switch illumination light and anti-theft coil. 2

RT21280140

28–16 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

b. Remove 3 steering boot nuts (arrow) from the front

baffle plate, and then loosen the worm clamp (1) to
separate the steering boot from the front baffle plate.
(Tightening torque for nut: 10 ± 1 N·m)
(Tightening torque for worm clamp: 2 ± 0.5 N·m)

1 28

RT21280170

c. Remove the coupling bolt (arrow) between steering

column with intermediate shaft assembly and steering
gear input shaft.
(Tightening torque: 30 ± 3 N·m)

RT21280180

d. Remove 2 fixing nuts (arrow) from the upper bracket

of steering column assembly.
(Tightening torque: 25 ± 3 N·m)

RT21280150

e. Remove 2 fixing bolts (arrow) from the lower bracket

of steering column assembly.
(Tightening torque: 25 ± 3 N·m)

RT21280160

f. Carefully remove the steering column with intermediate shaft assembly.

CAUTION

 DO NOT touch the interior ornament when removing the steering column with intermediate shaft
assembly to avoid scratching the interior ornament.

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–17

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Disassembly
1. Remove the ignition starting switch.
a. Remove the fixing screws (arrow) from the ignition
starting switch, and then remove the ignition starting
switch.
(Tightening torque: 13 ± 2 N·m)
28

RT21280190

2. Remove the ignition switch illumination light.

a. Remove the ignition switch illumination light in the
direction of arrow from the ignition switch lock body.

RT21280191

3. Remove the ignition key cylinder.

a. Turn the ignition switch key cylinder to ACC with key,
and insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the
ignition switch lock body hole, then pull out the ignition
key cylinder.

RT21280210

4. Remove the ignition switch lock body.

a. Set the steering column assembly onto a vise.

CAUTION

 DO NOT tighten the vise excessively.

28–18 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

b. Using an electric drill (1), drill a hole on the ignition

switch lock body anti-theft bolt (arrow).
1

28

RT21280220

c. Using a screw remover, remove the ignition switch

lock body anti-theft bolt.

RT21280221

d. Remove the ignition switch lock body and ignition switch fixing clamp.

Inspection
1. Check if ignition switch lock body and key cylinder are normal. Replace the ignition switch lock body and
key cylinder if necessary.
2. Check steering column assembly for wear, cracks or deformation, and welding or correction is not allowed.
Replace the steering column assembly if necessary.
3. Check steering column bearing for looseness, wear or sticking. Replace the steering column assembly if
necessary.

Assembly
1. Install the ignition switch assembly.
a. Set the steering column assembly onto a vise.

CAUTION

 DO NOT tighten the vise excessively.

b. Install the ignition switch assembly to the steering

column assembly with a new ignition switch lock body
anti-theft bolt, and then tighten the anti-theft bolt until
its head is disengaged.

RT21280222

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–19

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

2. Install the ignition key cylinder.

a. Push the ignition key cylinder into the ignition switch
lock body until the ignition key cylinder fixing block
locks in place.

28

RT21280211

b. Check the ignition key cylinder for proper operation. When the key is removed, steering lock is locked;
when the key is inserted and ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON, steering lock is unlocked.

Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION

 Before installing steering column assembly, slide the spline at lower part of steering column assembly
onto intermediate shaft upper universal joint first.
 Tighten the fixing nuts, bolts and screws in place.
 Install each connector in place.

28–20 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Electronic Power Steering Column with Intermediate Shaft

Assembly
Removal
1. Set steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
2. Turn off all the electrical equipment and ignition switch. 28
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the driver airbag (See page 32-65).
5. Remove the steering wheel assembly (See page 28-10).
6. Remove the combination switch cover (See page 28-13).
7. Remove the spiral cable (See page 32-67).
8. Remove the combination switch assembly.
a. Disconnect the light combination switch connector (1)
and wiper and washer combination switch connector
(2).

1 2

RT21280230

b. Loosen the combination switch clamp and pull the

combination switch outward, then disconnect the
combination switch from the steering column to
remove the combination switch.
4 100 120
3 5 80 140
60 160
2 6
40 180

1 7
20 200
X1000
rpm km/h
0 8 0 220
C H E F

ON
REAR
MIST
OFF OFF
OFF
INT
OFF PULLLO INT
HI

NAVI

L R

3
2

OFF

RT21280131

9. Remove the lower left protector assembly (See page 45-19).

10.Remove the brake pedal assembly (See page 26-24).
11. Remove 3 steering boot nuts (arrow) from the front baffle
plate, and then loosen the worm clamp (1) to separate
the steering boot from the front baffle plate.
(Tightening torque for nut: 10 ± 1 N·m)
(Tightening torque for worm clamp: 2 ± 0.5 N·m)

RT21280170

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–21

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

12.Remove the coupling bolt (arrow) between steering

column with intermediate shaft assembly and steering
gear input shaft.
(Tightening torque: 60 ± 5 N·m)

28

RT21280240

13.Remove the steering column with intermediate shaft assembly.

a. Disconnect 2 connectors (arrow) from the electronic
controller.

RT21280250

b. Remove 2 fixing nuts (arrow) from the upper bracket

of steering column assembly, and then remove the
upper part of steering column.
(Tightening torque: 25 ± 3 N·m)

RT21280260

c. Remove 2 fixing bolts (arrow) from the lower bracket

of steering column assembly.
(Tightening torque: 25 ± 3 N·m)

25

15
25

10

RT21280270

d. Carefully remove the steering column with intermediate shaft assembly from underneath.

CAUTION

 DO NOT touch the interior ornament when removing the steering column with intermediate shaft
assembly to avoid scratching the interior ornament.

28–22 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

 28 - STEERING COLUMN

Disassembly
1. Remove the coupling bolt (arrow) between electronic
power steering column and intermediate shaft.
(Tightening Torque: 50 N·m)

28

RT21280280

Inspection
1. Check if electronic controller is normal. Replace the electronic controller if necessary.
2. Check steering column assembly for wear, cracks or deformation, and welding or correction is not allowed.
Replace the steering column assembly if necessary.
3. Check steering column bearing for looseness, wear or sticking. Replace the steering column assembly if
necessary.

Assembly
Assembly is in the reverse order of disassembly.

Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION

 Before installing steering column assembly, slide the spline at lower part of steering column assembly
onto intermediate shaft upper universal joint first.
 Tighten the fixing nuts, bolts and screws in place.
 Install each connector in place.

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. 28–23

- MEMO -

28–24 Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.