Autopapyrus · Kia Cerato (third generation, YD)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/kia/cerato/upper-steering-column-bearing-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 (third generation, YD): Upper Steering Column Bearing Replacement

Signs of a worn upper shaft support: crunching, grinding or knocking in the steering wheel when turning, play in the shaft at the top of the column, and sometimes vibration in the steering wheel. The exact column disassembly procedure for the YD is not documented in publicly available service materials. Below is the general principle that applies to this column. Before buying parts, make sure the play comes from the column and not from the universal joint or the steering rack.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 2-4 hours Steps: 13 Tools: Socket and wrench set (10, 12, 14 mm), Torx and Phillips screwdrivers, steering wheel puller (if needed), snap ring pliers set, plastic trim removal tools, multimeter, bearing grease

Part

🔩 Upper steering column bearing (support bushing or shaft bearing). It is not always sold as a separate part, so ask your supplier whether it is sold individually or only as part of the column. The complete steering column is a separate, expensive item

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

13 steps

Park the car on a level surface with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Turn the ignition off and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wait at least 3 minutes for the airbag capacitor to discharge. This is mandatory because the steering wheel contains an airbag.
Diagnosis. Rock the steering wheel up and down and from side to side. Play in the column itself points to the upper bearing or bushing. If there is no play in the column and the knock comes from below, check the lower universal joint and the steering rack.
Remove the airbag. There are holes for a screwdriver or retaining clips on the underside or sides of the steering wheel. Release them and carefully pull the module away. Disconnect the airbag connector and the horn connector. Place the module face up.
Remove the steering wheel center nut. Mark the position of the steering wheel relative to the shaft (with a marker or paint) so you can reassemble it without any offset. Remove the steering wheel, using a puller or by rocking it if necessary. Do not hammer on the shaft.
Disconnect the connectors of the steering column stalk switches. Remove the clock spring (spiral cable). Lock it in its center position and do not rotate it. Remove the stalk switches.
Remove the lower and upper plastic column covers. To do this, remove the screws and release the clips. Remove the lower panel under the steering wheel if it is in the way.
Disconnect the connectors and wiring harnesses going to the column (electric power steering, ignition switch, steering angle sensor, if equipped). Note the connector locations or take photos.
Remove the bolts securing the column to the body bracket. Disconnect the lower universal joint from the steering rack, marking its position on the shaft. Pull the column out into the cabin. Do not turn the steering rack or rotate the shaft unnecessarily, so you do not lose the neutral position.
Disassemble the upper part of the column on a bench: remove the shaft snap ring and carefully drive out or press out the bearing or bushing. If the bearing is not sold separately or the seat is worn, replace the whole column. On columns with electric power steering, do not disassemble the motor and torque sensor unit: it is best not to open it.
Install the new bearing with grease, all the way into its seat, without tilting. Install the snap ring. Check that the shaft turns freely and without play.
Install the column and tighten the mounting bolts. Tightening torques for the column mounting bolts, universal joint and steering wheel nut must follow the manufacturer's specification. As a rough guide, the column mounting hardware is 10-25 N·m (7-18 lb-ft) and the steering wheel nut is 30-40 N·m (22-30 lb-ft). Tighten only to the specification, not to these approximate figures.
Reassemble in reverse order: covers, switches, clock spring in its center position, steering wheel aligned to the marks, airbag and horn connectors, then the airbag. Reconnect the battery.
Turn the ignition on and make sure the airbag light and the electric power steering light go out. Check that the steering wheel is centered when driving straight, and that the horn and steering wheel buttons work. If the steering wheel sits crooked or a steering angle sensor fault code appears, calibration with a scan tool will be required.

Common mistakes and warnings

This job involves the airbag and the steering system, which are critical safety components. If you lack experience, it is better to leave it to a repair shop. Do not rotate the clock spring, do not throw or drop the airbag module, and do not apply power to it. If the bearing is not sold separately, replace the complete column. After reassembly, take a test drive at low speed and make sure the steering does not bind.