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Autopapyrus · Kia Cerato (4th generation, BD)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/kia/cerato/complete-steering-column-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Kia Cerato (4th generation, BD): Complete Steering Column Replacement

The column is replaced because of play, a jammed adjustment mechanism, damage after a collision, or a fault in the built-in electric power steering motor. The job involves removing the airbag, steering wheel, column stalks (combination switches), and clock spring (airbag coil). The exact factory procedure for this model is not described in detail in publicly available materials, so the steps below follow the general approach for Kia/Hyundai vehicles of this generation. Tightening torques are given as ranges.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 3-5 hours Steps: 16

Parts

2
№PartGenuine part no.
01 Kia Cerato (BD) complete steering column assembly, tilt and telescopic adjustablewith column-mounted electric power steering motor, if fitted on the version 56310-A7020
56310-A7010
02 Steering shaft universal joint pinch boltif necessary 56315-3X000
56415-3Q000
56415-1M000

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

Tools

9
  • Socket set and ratchet
  • Torx bits (for airbag fasteners)
  • torque wrench
  • screwdrivers
  • plastic trim clip remover
  • multimeter
  • diagnostic scan tool
  • masking tape
  • shop rags
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online) and 1 more. See manuals →

Step by step

16 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface with the wheels pointing straight ahead and lock the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes for the airbag control unit capacitors to discharge. This is a mandatory safety requirement.
  3. Remove the driver's airbag: remove the fasteners on the back or sides of the steering wheel (Torx or bolts), carefully pull the module away, and disconnect the airbag and horn button connectors. Place the airbag with the trim side up and do not drop it.
  4. Mark the shaft and the steering wheel hub with tape or a marker, remove the center nut, and take off the steering wheel. Tightening torque for the nut during installation: approximately 25-35 N·m (18-26 lb-ft); confirm the exact value in the manufacturer's service manual.
  5. Remove the plastic steering column covers (upper and lower) and, if necessary, the lower panel under the steering wheel and the air duct.
  6. Lock the clock spring (airbag coil) in its centered position as provided by its locking tab, and remove it. Then remove the light and wiper column stalks and disconnect their connectors.
  7. Disconnect all connectors going to the column: the ignition switch and immobilizer, the steering angle sensor (if equipped), the electric power steering motor (if it is mounted on the column), and the wiring harness retainers. Memorize or photograph the layout.
  8. In the cabin at the base of the column, remove the pinch bolt of the lower universal joint of the steering shaft and separate the connection. Before doing so, mark the relative position of the splines so the steering wheel is not offset relative to the rack. Do not turn the steering rack while the shaft is disconnected, otherwise the clock spring centering and the steering wheel position will be thrown off.
  9. While supporting the column, remove its mounting nuts and bolts (the upper bracket under the dash and the lower flange on the firewall). Carefully remove the complete column without damaging the wiring harnesses or the dash panel.
  10. Compare the new column with the old one: length, number of connectors, presence of the electric power steering motor, and ignition lock type. Transfer any parts that are not included with the new column (lock, switches, covers) if they are not already installed.
  11. Install the new column. First thread all the mounting bolts in by hand, then tighten them to approximately 10-25 N·m (7-18 lb-ft) (column bracket and flange fasteners); confirm the exact values in the manufacturer's service manual.
  12. Slide the lower universal joint onto the splines, aligning the marks, and tighten the pinch bolt to approximately 40-50 N·m (30-37 lb-ft); it is advisable to replace the bolt with a new one.
  13. Connect the connectors, install the column stalks, the clock spring in its centered position, and the steering wheel aligned with the marks. Tighten the steering wheel nut to the torque specified in step 4. Connect the airbag connectors and install the module.
  14. Reassemble the covers and the lower panel, and reconnect the battery. Turn the ignition on: the airbag warning light should go out after a few seconds, and the power steering warning light should not stay on.
  15. Check the operation of the horn, the stalks, the column adjustment mechanism, and the steering wheel travel. If necessary, perform steering angle sensor calibration and electric power steering learning with a diagnostic scan tool.
  16. Take a test drive on a level road: the steering wheel should sit straight and the steering should feel smooth with no knocking. If necessary, have the wheel alignment checked.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • This job involves the passive safety system (airbag) and the steering system, so if you lack experience, it is better to go to a repair shop
  • Never connect the battery while the airbag connectors are disconnected, and never use a multimeter on the airbag circuit
  • After replacing a column with an electric power steering motor, software calibration with a scan tool may be required; without it, errors and heavy steering are possible